Who Won American Idol 2023? The 21st season of the renowned singing reality show, American Idol, has surged with remarkable viewership, marking a resurgence in recent years. This season, a plethora of exceptionally talented singers graced the auditions, leaving an indelible mark with their standout performances.
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Among these contestants, Iam Tongi has emerged as a notable figure, captivating fans’ attention and sparking a surge of curiosity. The spotlight has turned towards Iam Tongi, becoming a trending topic of discussion. In this article, we delve into essential details about the rising star from American Idol, Iam Tongi.
With the public’s heightened interest, we’ve compiled comprehensive insights about him in the upcoming sections. Stay engaged as we explore the highlights of American Idol Season 21. Scroll down to delve into the sections below for an insightful glimpse.
Table of Contents
Profile summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | William Guy Tongi |
| Nickname | Iam Tongi |
| Born | September 1, 2004 |
| Age | 19 (as of current date) |
| Gender | Male |
| Birthplace | Kahuku, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, acoustic guitar, ukulele |
| Years Active | 2020–present |
| Father | Rodney Guy |
| Mother | Lillie N. Rodney Tongi |
| Famous For | Winning American Idol 2023 |
Who Won American Idol 2023?
American Idol’s twenty-first season kicked off on February 19, 2023, on ABC, featuring Ryan Seacrest as the host and judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, all returning for their roles.
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The season concluded on May 21, 2023, with Iam Tongi winning the Won American Idol 2023. The runner-up position was secured by Megan Danielle, while Colin Stough secured third place. Iam Tongi’s victory was celebrated, and she demonstrated her talent with a rendition of ‘Bring It On Home To Me’.
Who is Iam Tongi?
Born on September 1, 2004, William “Iam” Guy Tongi is an accomplished American singer who clinched victory in the 21st season of American Idol. His triumph is particularly notable as he is the first individual from Hawaii and the Pacific Islander community to secure this honor. Impressively, he also stands out as the first non-country singer to win in three years.
Another significant aspect of his win is that he holds the distinction of being the first champion to have been born after the show’s inception on June 11, 2002. Iam Tongi’s success marks a pivotal moment in American Idol’s history.
Early life and education
Originating from Kahuku, Hawaii, situated on Oahu island, Tongi’s early life and education have been eventful. His family’s journey led them to Federal Way, Washington in 2020, where he became a student at Decatur High School. Tongi’s diverse heritage includes Tongan, Samoan, and Irish roots. Beyond this, he is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As the youngest of five siblings, Tongi’s musical journey began in fifth grade when he acquired skills in playing the ukulele and piano. A pivotal moment occurred at the age of 13 when his father presented him with a guitar, which he had procured using his holiday earnings. This guitar became a central part of Tongi’s musical expression, prominently featured in his performances throughout his American Idol journey.
Career
Iam Tongi’s career gained momentum with the release of his single “Dreams,” composed for his sister’s 2020 wedding. Pre-American Idol, he showcased his talent through tracks like a cover of ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All” and his original “Gone.”
Ahead of American Idol’s finale, Tongi dropped “I’ll Be Seeing You,” soaring to No. 3 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales and claiming Rock Digital Song Sales’ top spot with 11,000 downloads.
Acknowledging Hawaii’s Jack Johnson as a mentor, Tongi navigated the music industry, while family kept him grounded. Post-victory, he values authenticity, shunning external influence. “Be yourself,” he advocates, resisting pressure to conform.
Iam Tongi Parents
His parents are Rodney Guy and Lillie N. Rodney Tongi. In his upbringing, he was enveloped by a close-knit family of six: his father, mother, two brothers, and two sisters. Within this family, Rodney, himself a musician, spotted Iam’s inherent talent and provided unwavering support for his vocal pursuits.
Tragically, Rodney confronted stage 4 kidney disease and departed this world a few months before Iam’s pivotal American Idol audition. Iam fondly attributes his musical inclination to his late father and paid homage to him via social media.
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He shared an image from his father’s gravesite, expressing his yearning for his father’s presence during his triumphs. Despite this profound loss, Iam finds strength and solace from his family, who steadfastly champion his aspirations as he forges ahead in his journey to become a notable singer.
