Who is American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi?

IAM TONGI became a fan-favorite contestant on Season 21 of American Idol following his heartfelt performance of Monsters by James Blunt.

After weeks of competition, he then found himself in the Top 3 alongside Megan Danielle and Colin Stough.

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Who is American Idol 2023 winner Iam Tongi?

William "Iam" Tongi, 18, is a musician from Kahuku, Hawaii, who gained prominence during season 21 of American Idol.

Throughout the course of the season, Tongi wowed judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with his performances, which 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,” 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.”

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During the show's Disney Performances, Tongi honored his father once again by performing Father and Son from the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 soundtrack, which helped him secure a spot in the Top 3.

"This is magical for you, because this is a time when all the stars aligned," Richie said, via USA Today. "It’s really happening."

After Tongi's Marvel performance, Perry even hinted that he may be the show's next winner.

"I believe it's written in the stars," she said while dressed up as Elastigirl from The Incredibles.

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"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.'"

After weeks of competition, Tongi was then named the season 21 winner on May 21, 2023.

Where does Iam Tongi live?

Tongi grew up living the island life in Hawaii, however, economic hardships forced him and his family to pack their bags and head to Seattle, Washington.

When asked by the American Idol judges why he would leave bright and sunny Hawaii for rainy Seattle, he said that his family was “priced out of paradise,” which is now one of his most iconic sayings.

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How can I watch the American Idol finale?

On May 21, 2023, Tongi competed against Danielle, a 21-year-old Christian singer from Georgia, and Stough, an 18-year-old country artist from Mississippi.

While the show might be over, fans can re-watch the three-hour event on Hulu with an active subscription.

The contestants who did not make the finale include Dawson Wayne, Elijah McCormick, Elise Kristine, Emma Busse, Hannah Nicolaisen, Haven Madison, Kaeyra, Lucy Love, Malik Heard, Mariah Faith, Marybeth Byrd, Matt Wilson, Michael Williams, Nailyah Serenity, Nusta, Oliver Steele, Olivia Soli, Paige Anne, PJAE, Tyson Venegas, Warren Peay, Wé Ani, and Zachariah Smith.