Luke Bryan Reacts To Iam Tongi’s “Idol” Win

American Idol / YouTube

Your American Idol Is…Iam Tongi!

American Idol crowned Iam Tongi as the winner of its 21st season on Sunday (May 21). Tongi competed alongside Megan Danielle and Colin Stough in the finale. Danielle was the runner-up, and Stough came in third place.

RELATED: “IDOL” FINALIST COLIN STOUGH KEEPS IT COUNTRY & SINGS CHRIS STAPLETON’S “EITHER WAY”

Following his big win, Tongi said:

“Thank you everyone for voting! Love all you guys! Thank you so much, yessah blessa never stressa! #idol #idolwinner.”

 

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A post shared by William Tongi (@wtongi)

How Iam Bonded With The Idol Judges, Especially Luke Bryan

Tongi instantly connected with the Idol judges during his audition. He opened up to them about his father’s recent death, saying how he can still hear him harmonizing with him when he sings.

Judge Luke Bryan has experienced his fair share of loss in life as well. His sister, brother, and brother-in-law have all passed away. He and his wife, Caroline, helped care for his sister and brother-in-law’s three children after both of them passed. His nephew, Til, was still young at the time, so he lived with them for awhile.

Bryan told Tongi:

“I cannot handle your heart breaking about your dad,” he said. “Because you know, my nephew lost his dad and he came to live with me…Just seeing you missing your dad, it just sucks.”

Iam’s Finale Performance With James Blunt Brings On The Emotions

The song Tongi performed in auditions was “Monsters” by James Blunt. In a full circle moment, Tongi performed the same song, with Blunt, during the Idol finale.

Tongi was overwhelmed with emotion. He cried throughout the performance, and found it hard to sing at times.

The judges, including Bryan, were seen breaking down as well.

Luke Congratulates Iam After His Idol Win

Needless to say, Bryan was thrilled for Tongi after he was named the winner of Idol. He reacted to his win in a post on social media, saying:

“Congratulations to @wtongi! He’s our 2023 @americanidol. It was an incredible season. Thanks to everyone who helped put on the show. That’s a wrap!”

 

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A post shared by William Tongi (@wtongi)

RELATED: FATE OF “AMERICAN IDOL” CONFIRMED IN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM ABC

Watch Tongi’s winning moment below. Congratulations to him!