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American Idol season 21 got here to a detailed with Iam Tongi taking dwelling the large win. The 18-year-old captured the hearts of Americans all throughout the nation, and now he’s taking his well-deserved place in Idol historical past. “It’s crazy. It’s amazing. It just feels amazing,” he advised HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY after his win.
During the May 21 grand finale, Iam carried out “Monsters” with James Blunt, the identical tune he sang in his audition. Iam started to cry in the course of the efficiency, which was an exquisite and touching tribute to his late father. “When we were about to sing it, I was telling myself I wasn’t going to cry because I cry a lot on the Idol stage. I was trying not to, but right when James started singing the first words I just started crying because I just love his voice. It sounds like heartache, and he’s an amazing person,” Iam mentioned.
The Hawaii native added that it was “so amazing” to have the ability to honor his father in the course of the present. “When I sing that song, I feel close to him again,” Iam admitted.
Iam’s American Idol win remains to be recent, as is his highschool commencement. As for what’s subsequent for the champion, together with a attainable album, Iam revealed, “One day I’ll have an album in the works. I’m going to start recutting my originals, just work on them, and hopefully one day there will be an album.” He plans to “just have fun and do some live shows and write with my friends and stuff.”
Iam’s win marks the primary time a Hawaiian-born Pacific Islander has gained the present. “Honestly, I just want to be the one that inspires all my talented Polynesians to action,” Iam advised HollywoodLife about how he hopes to encourage his folks. “I know that they’re scared to do things. They’re scared they’re going to be embarrassed or whatever, but we’ve got a lot of talent in the Polynesian community.”
The 18-year-old grew to become an on the spot sensation from the very second he auditioned. He revealed his finest recommendation to future Idol hopefuls about going after their desires. “People should just take that chance because you never know. I didn’t expect to win. I didn’t expect to make it to the audition in front of the judges, and now that I’m here it’s crazy,” he mentioned. American Idol will return for season 22 in 2024.
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