American Idol Winner 2023, Iam Tongi, an 18-year-old from Kahuku, Hawaii, made the entire nation weep with his heartrending performance of ‘Monsters’. His victory at the American Idol was not only a celebration of his impressive vocal talent but a testament to the courage and strength he exhibited throughout the competition.
Iam Tongi won the coveted title of American Idol season 21 against his fellow finalists, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough. After his win was announced by host Ryan Seacrest, Tongi treated the audience to a soulful rendition of “Don’t Let Go” as his family, the judges, and audience members celebrated along.
Tongi’s journey to the American Idol title was not an easy one, but his perseverance and talent shone through every obstacle. His emotional rendition of “Monsters,” a song he dedicated to his late father during his audition, brought the judges to tears.
Katy Perry, moved by his performance, told Tongi, “You sang it, you delivered it and you’re making these grown men cry. You hit a nerve. That’s what great storytellers do. That’s what great artists do. Your voice is just so magnificent.” Luke Bryan added, “I cannot handle your heart breaking about your dad because my nephew lost his dad and he came to live with me and just seeing you missing your dad sucks. Gosh man, you’ve got a great voice. You did everything perfectly and I love you and want to see you have fun.”
However, the most heart-stirring moment came during the finale, when Tongi joined British singer-songwriter James Blunt on stage for a stirring duet of “Monsters.” As Blunt penned this 2019 father-son ballad during his own father’s battle with kidney disease, it took on an even deeper significance for Tongi, whose father had passed away a few months before his audition. This emotional performance was a moving tribute to Tongi’s father and left not only the audience but also the celebrity judges teary-eyed.
Tongi’s deeply emotional interpretation of “Monsters” during the auditions had quickly gone viral, making him a fan favorite from the start. His finale performance of the song, just moments before his win was announced, further confirmed the depth of his talent and the extent of his emotional journey on the show.
The song’s poignant lyrics, “I’m not your son, you’re not my father / We’re just two grown men saying goodbye / No need to forgive, no need to forget / I know your mistakes and you know mine / And while you’re sleeping I’ll try to make you proud / So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? / Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn / To chase the monsters away” were delivered by Tongi with such raw emotion that there wasn’t a dry eye to be seen.
WATCH: American Idol 2023 Winner Iam Tongi and James Blunt Duet to ‘Monsters’
