America has chosen its American Idol for Season 21. Iam Tongi, the 18-year-old high school student, won the competition. He was up against Colin Stough who finished third and Megan Danielle who finished second.
Tongi, who is originally from Hawaii, gained more fans each week starting with his audition of the song “Monsters” by James Blunt which he dedicated to his late father.
During the finale, the final three each sang two songs. The first was a song by Keith Urban who was the guest mentor this week. Stough performed “Stupid Boy”. Danielle performed ” God Whispered Your Name” and Tongi performed “Making Memories of Us”
Their second song was a tribute to their hometowns. Stough performed by “Either Way” by Chris Stapleton, Danielle performed “Faithfully” by Journey and Tongi performed “Cool Down,” by Kolohe Kai.
The final 2 debuted their original songs. Danielle performed ” Dream Girl” and Tongii performed ‘I’ll Be Seeing You.
Also performing at the finale were Keith Urban, Kylie Minogue, Ellie Goulding, TLC, James Blunt, Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon, Pitbull & Lil Jon, Jazmine Sullivan, Jelly Roll and the American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Byran.
Tongi performed “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie after being crowned the winner.
American Idol returns in the Spring of 2024.
