Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle, and Colin Stough were the top three candidates hoping to become the next American Idol. Iam Tongi has been named the newest American Idol following a suspenseful three-hour finale!
Tongi, 18, was declared the winner of the singing competition series on Sunday’s season finale after a breathtaking performance of his original song “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Colin Stough and Megan Danielle, who came in second and third, respectively, were his opponents.
Tongi sang “Don’t Let Go” as his family, the judges, and the crowd danced and cheered as host Ryan Seacrest declared him the winner.
In a previous audition, Tongi moved the judges to tears by dedicating the song “Monsters” to his father, who had passed away months earlier.
“I was more concerned about whether we would get through the song than I was about if you would make it through it. Lionel Richie, the judge at the time, remarked, “What a terrific song to choose. Your daddy is really proud. These mature men are crying because of you.
“I am unable to bear your heartbreak over losing your father because my nephew also lost his father shortly after moving in with me, and just watching you miss him makes me sad. You have such a wonderful voice, man. Luke Bryan said, “I love you and want to see you have pleasure. You did everything correctly.
In a group interview with PEOPLE earlier this month, Perry, 38, spoke candidly about how tough the competition was but that Tongi stood out for some reason.
“I think that the top three is strong, and I think Megan Danielle has earned her right to be there and she’s got a new, beautiful confidence,” she remarked.
“The sound in the room when I am comes on is undeniable,” Perry continued. He is an indisputable individual. He just seems to possess this amazing charm. It’s so hard to convey, almost. It’s a key element. It seems as though you were destined for this, and it is indisputable.