American Idol fans slammed “rigged” results after Sunday night’s final aired, in which Tongan-Samoan contestant Iam Tongi was crowned the winner.
The 18-year-old high school student from Kahuku, Hawaii, beat finalists Megan Danielle and Colin Stough, but fans of the show were divided over the result.
Many also took to social media to say they didn’t like the jury, which this year consisted of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
Tongi, who was born in Hawaii but is of Tongan and Samoan descent, was crowned the winner of the hit show’s 21st season after a nationwide vote during a three-hour star-studded finale on ABC.
He performed “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie while his family waved their hands in the audience.
Not happy: American Idol fans slammed “rigged” results after Sunday night’s final aired, in which Tongan-Samoan contestant Iam Tongi was crowned the winner
Reaction: Many also took to social media to say they didn’t like the jury, which this year consisted of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan
Tongi already has numerous contacts in the music industry and was mentored by Keith Urban on the show.
Viewers were divided about the result. Some said Colin was the better singer while others said they were happy for Iam.
One said, “American Idol is rigged.” “Colin Stough was the best out there.”
A fourth simply slammed: “America did something wrong.”
He tagged host Ryan Seacrest for fifth, saying, “So Ryan, I thought #AmericanIdol was a singing competition?” Any reason the obviously better singer didn’t win? Curious… just ask. Thank you very much.’
Others were happy for Iam, with one writing, “Congratulations to Iam Tongi, the winner of American Idol 2023!”
Another said: “Iam Tongi made American Idol his show!”
Others weren’t happy with the rating this year as they begged for a change in the next series.
One wrote: “New judges please.”
Happy: The 18-year-old high school student from Kahuku, Hawaii, beat finalists Megan Danielle and Colin Stough, but fans of the show were divided over the result
Tongi, who hails from Hawaii but is of Tongan and Samoan descent, took the win after beating runners-up Megan Danielle and Colin Stough in the final
Watch at home: Viewers were divided over the result, with some saying Colin was the better singer
Positive reaction: Others were happy for Iam and congratulated the star on Twitter
Results: One said, “American Idol is rigged.” Colin Stough (pictured above) was the best out there.
Another added, “Of course I just found it so refreshing to have Alanis.” [Morissette] and ed [Sheeran] last week.
“I just feel like the three that we have now have said everything they’re going to say … repeat themselves.”
Another said: ‘Make Alanis the permanent judge.’ She exudes joy and gives honest, sensible feedback.’
“They never say anything critical like Simon.” “Always positive enough that it’s not unrealistic,” said another.
A number of notable artists also took the stage during the finale, including Kylie Minogue, Pitbull, TLC, James Blunt and Clay Aiken.
Kylie took the stage with Nutsa and performed her new song “Padam Padam” from her upcoming album.
I met up with Keith and picked his hit “Making Memories of Us” because it was one of his parents’ favorite songs.
Iam said his parents danced to the song in the kitchen and his father played Keith’s songs the whole time.
Iam took the stage, played guitar and performed the song in front of the live studio audience.
When he finished, the crowd called his name and the judges gave him a standing ovation.
“I don’t think it matters what I say,” Katy Perry said.
“You’re an incredible storyteller,” said Lionel Richie.
“And like Katy, I hate to say it: Why am I sitting here tearing up a song I already know, but you have a great performance.”
During the finale, he joined James Blunt onstage to sing the song “Monsters,” having sung the song during his audition and dedicated it to his late father, Rodney.
During the emotional performance, I started crying and wiped the tears from my eyes.
Katy also held a handkerchief to her face to wipe her tears.
“It’s what Rodney dreamed of,” his mother, Lillie, said. “He wanted everyone to hear what I had and I feel like he should be right here.”
Iam then sang his single “I’ll Be Seeing You” while playing guitar before voting ended and Ryan announced he was the champion.
Earlier this month, before he was crowned the winner of American Idol, Tongi received a custom guitar designed by artist Sam Mangakahia that reflects his passion for music and Polynesian heritage.
“The blue represents [Iam’s] “Connection to Polynesia, the ocean,” Mangakahia said, according to KITV Island News.
“And then the middle design represents Samoan and Tongan heritage.” And then the outer layer represents who he is and who he looks up to,” he added, referring to Tongi’s late father.
Nice: Earlier this month, before he was crowned the winner of American Idol, Tongi received a custom guitar by artist Sam Mangakahia, reflecting his passion for music and Polynesian heritage
Change: Others weren’t happy with the judges this year as they were begging for a change of pace on the next series (pictured: Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie).
Tongi has previously spoken about growing up in Hawaii but said his family was forced to relocate to Washington’s Federal Way after being driven “out of paradise” and the local market after his father’s death.
“We used to go around chasing wild chickens… You lost your slippers because you went to a family party and someone stole your slippers. “So everyone’s walking around barefoot or in one slipper and another,” he told the Kent Reporter of life in Hawaii.
He told the publication that one day he wants to return to Hawaii and write songs that represent his heritage.
“It’s really cool to see all my friends and the polys.” [Polynesians] “Support me,” he said.