Who Is Iam Tongi? Get To Know The ‘American Idol’ 2023 winner

American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi
American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi

All about American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi —

Iam Tongi was crowned the winner of season 21 of American Idol on Sunday’s three-hour star-studded live finale on ABC.

‘You did it. You’re the idol,’ host Ryan Seacrest, 48, told Iam after revealing he was the winner after the result of nationwide voting.

ALSO RERAD: Who Is Megan Danielle? Get To Know The ‘American Idol 2023 Runner-Up

American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi
American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi

Who is Iam Tongi?

Iam Tongi real name William is an aspiring singer from Kahuku, Hawaii, who gained prominence during Season 21 of American Idol.

Throughout the course of the season, Tongi has continued to wow judges with his performances, which have included several tributes to his father, Rodney, who passed away a few months before the season premiere.

“I can tell he meant a lot to you,” judge Lionel Richie said after Tongi’s audition, via American Songwriter.

“When you love so deeply, you feel so deeply. So what you’ve just given us right now is the fact that you love that man so much, we’re there with you.”

“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.'”

When Tongi is not on stage, he can often be found posting about his life on Instagram to over 474,000 followers.

Iam Tongi

5 Things To Know About The ‘American Idol’ Season 21 Winner

1. Iam won American Idol season 21.

Iam performed a touching and powerful rendition of “Monsters” by James Blunt in honor of his father during the season 21 premiere. The performance, which moved the judges to tears, has over 11 million views on YouTube. He later performed that same song with James during the season 21 finale.

Iam sailed through the competition and earned his spot in the top 2 alongside Megan Danielle. He performed his original song “I’ll Be Seeing You,” which is dedicated to his father, before he was crowned the winner of season 21. Ahead of the finale, HollywoodLife spoke EXCLUSIVELY with Iam about his plans after Idol.

“I just want to play concerts and live performances because I really love performing live,” he told HollywoodLife. “It just feels good when I’m on that stage and the lights and I just close my eyes and get into that feel. When other people witness that and also can connect to it’s just crazy.”

American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi
American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi

2. Iam hails from Hawaii.

Iam is originally from Kahuka, Hawaii, which is located on the island of Oahu. He moved to Seattle 3 years ago after getting “priced out of paradise.” He was able to return to Hawaii for the top 26 performances and a hometown visit ahead of the finale.

3. Iam Toni father recently passed away.

Iam’s father, Rodney, died a few months before his audition. Iam credits his father for getting him into music. After his audition aired, Iam posted an Instagram photo from his father’s graveside and wrote, “I got that golden ticket dad wish you were here.”

4. Iam Tongi is still in high school.

Iam Tongi is currently a senior in high school. He attends Decatur High School, which is located in Federal Way, Washington. The show’s official Facebook page shared Iam’s stellar audition and wrote, “Proud of this amazing Gator! Yitadee!!”

5. Iam Tongi has become a social media sensation.

Following his incredible audition, Iam’s social media numbers rose significantly. He now has over 200,000 followers on Instagram. He has over 336,000 followers on TikTok, and his videos have racked up more than 1.2 million likes.

ALSO READ: Who Is Megan Danielle? Get To Know The ‘American Idol 2023 Runner-Up

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