From the get-go, Iam Tongi was a standout on American Idol season 21. From the moment he auditioned with James Blunt’s “Monsters” to when he was crowned winner, Tongi proved to be a dynamic singer who channels his heart into every performance. While all of his performances were noteworthy, there are a handful that stand out amongst the rest. Check them out below.
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Monsters”
America – and the rest of the world – may not have known who Iam Tongi is had he not made his way into the AI audition room equipped with this powerful song. Tongi immediately won over hearts when he opened his mouth and emotion began to pour out as he sang James Blunt’s devastating, “Monsters.” It was clear that Tongi felt every word, capturing the emotion of the song beautifully. He proved in that moment that not only did he have strong potential to win the competition, but also be a star.
2. “The Sound of Silence”
No one can top Simon & Garfunkel’s original version of this song, but Tongi certainly does it justice. His haunting rendition of this classic moved judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie to tears and seemingly cast a spell over the room. It wasn’t just one of Tongi’s best, but arguably one of the best of the entire season. As Perry said, “This is what this show is about.” We couldn’t agree more.
3. “I’ll Be Seeing You”
Tongi brought the AI finale to an emotional close when he performed the original song, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” in honor of his late father. The connection to his father was an integral part of Tongi’s journey on the show, which he reflected in this beautiful song that showed off his pretty voice. It was the ideal performance from his audition of “Monsters” to bring his Idol journey full circle.
4. “Bring It on Home To Me”
Tongi got to flex the range in his voice with this soulful cover of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home To Me.” The 18-year-old exuded confidence on the stage that shines through in his voice, proving that he can fit into a multitude of genres. He effectively captures the emotion of the song, easily making for one of his best.
5. “Cool Down”
Tongi’s performances were often emotive, but “Cool Down” got to show off a different side of his artistry. Here, he shines a spotlight on his island roots with this spirited cover of fellow Hawaiin artist Kolohe Kai’s hit, “Cool Down.” Equipped with his guitar, Tongi offered an upbeat performance that showed off the various tones in his voice.
Photo Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless
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