‘American Idol’ crowns first Pacific Islander and Hawaii native as winner

An 18-year-old from Oahu, Hawaii, made historical past Sunday after turning into the primary Pacific Islander to win “American Idol.”

Fan favourite Iam Tongi received the present’s twenty first season after an emotional rendition of his unique tune, “I am going to Be Seeing You,” devoted to his late father. Nation singer Megan Danielle, from Georgia, positioned second, and Colin Stough, from Mississippi, positioned third.

“My dad would in all probability be crying proper now. My dad is a troublesome man, however when my brother received the state wrestling championship, he was crying. So I can image it proper now,” Tongi informed “Entry Hollywood” after the finale.

Tongi wowed viewers from her first audition with a rendition of James Blunt’s “Monsters” that immediately went viral, garnering greater than 22 million mixed views on YouTube and TikTok. Blunt joined Tongi within the finale for a duet that left judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan visibly emotional.

“I am going to Be Seeing You” and “Monsters” each held the highest two spots on the iTunes charts the morning after the finale.

Tongi, of Tongan, Samoan, and Irish descent, in response to her social media pages, was born and raised in Kahuku, Hawaii, earlier than transferring to Seattle, Washington, along with her household.

“Kahuku is only a small city, everybody is filled with love and assist. Despite the fact that I’ve moved, they nonetheless know that that is my residence,” Tongi mentioned throughout her go to to her hometown as a part of the present’s finale.