James Blunt Supports ‘American Idol’ Winner Iam Tongi In Emotional Duet Of ‘Monsters’

May 23, 2023 by apost team

"American Idol" was responsible for catapulting artists to greater heights. Take, for example, previous winners like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Fantasia Barrino, Candice Glover, David Cook and Jordin Sparks, among others, whose lives changed after winning the cutthroat singing competition. 

On May 21, 2023, 18-year-old Hawaiian crooner Iam Tongi was crowned as the winner, making him the 21st American Idol winner. His huge win at the competition was a breath of fresh air as he broke the streak of the show's winners being in the country music genre. 

Ever since the auditions round, Tongi has made his mark on the judges. All he had was his guitar, warm and comforting voice, and fond memories of his late father. When he was asked about his parents, specifically his father, Tongi got emotional, as it seemed like the judges had tugged on a very vulnerable spot on the auditionee. 

Turns out, Tongi's late father, Rodney, passed away months before his "American Idol" audition because of stage 4 Kidney disease. Struggling to keep himself composed, Tongi revealed that he would be singing James Blunt's "Monsters," a song he dedicated to his late father. 

After his performance, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan were in tears – moved by how powerful and emotive his number was. 

"I was not worried about whether you were going to make it through the song. I was worried about whether we were going to make it through the song. Your daddy's very proud. Let me just tell you something. The story is one thing. But the delivery of your story was phenomenal," Richie added.

Eventually, Tongi lasted in the competition, making his way to the Grand Finals and earning a chance to have a duet with a special artist – in his case, it was Blunt!

Throughout the season, Tongi showcased his innate talent and incredible storytelling power. With the guitar that his father had gifted him, Tongi proved that he was a frontrunner in every way possible. He has captured the hearts of the public, including the judges who gave him nothing but the best words and affirmations every after his performance. 

At the Grand Finale of "American Idol" Season 21, Tongi had an incredible duet with Blunt, the original singer of "Monsters," the same audition song he sang that got him the ticket to Hollywood. During the powerful and vulnerable performance, Tongi couldn't help but be overwhelmed by tears and emotions. 

Thanks to Blunt, who was nothing but very helpful and incredible, he helped an emotional Tongi power through what could be considered to be one of the best duets in recent "American Idol" history. 

After the performance, the audience gave a roaring applause for the two, prompting Tongi to hug one of his idols. 

Even before he was crowned as the next American Idol, the judges seemed to have known that he was special. In an episode, Perry claimed that Tongi would win. 

"I believe it's written in the stars. I don't believe in coincidences. I know that you're Iam, but when I see your name, I see 'I am the next American Idol.'" she told Tongi at the time. 

Aside from "Monsters," Tongi also sang Keith Urban's "Making Memories of Us," Koloke Kai's "Cool Down," and his own original song "I'll Be Seeing You," another song he dedicated to his late father. 

apost.com

Wasn't Iam Tongi deserving to become the next American Idol? What can you say about their performance? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other loved ones!