A Tongan-American singer Iam Tongi (18) made it to the Top 3 Finalists for the 21st American Idol 2023. This was announced after the young singer delivered a powerful yet beautiful performance of songs, ‘Lava’ and ‘Father and son’ in last night's episode, 15 May. 

The young singer revealed his Tongan descent after correcting Luke Bryan who pronounced his last name (Tongi) wrong. “You pronounce the T like a D in the Tongan culture,” Iam said. He also revealed to Brianna Fruean of Coconet TV, that his late father, Rodney Tongi who died only months before his audition, was born and raised in Ha'ateiho while his mum is from Mu'a, Lapaha. 

The singer although being Tongan is originally from Kahuku, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Although, in 2020 Iam and his family migrated to Seattle, Washington because they “Priced out of paradise,” he said and could no longer afford the expenses of living in the island life.

The singer was at first discouraged to enter the competition after failing to make it to the official auditions the first time around. However, Iam's mother persisted in signing up her 18-year-old son to the competition and was soon fruitful. 

When Iam made it through the virtual auditions to the official auditions on 20 February, he brought the judges and world to tears after an overwhelmingly, heart-breaking audition. He dedicated the song to his late father, who had passed only months before his big audition.

“I’m not you’re son, you’re not my father. We’re just two men saying goodbye.” These are the lyrics that made the judges reach for tissues.

In other news, Iam announced via Instagram post, his new song, “I’ll be Seeing You” will be released on Friday (CT) 19 May 2023. 

Throughout the competition Iam has performed the following songs:

-    The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel
-    Don’t Let Go by Spawn-Breezie
-    The Winner Takes It All by ABBA
-    Stuck on You by Lionel Richie
-    Bring It on Home to Me by Sam Cooke
-    What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
-    Guardian by Alanis Morissette 
-    Photograph with Oliver Steele by Ed Sheeran 
-    Lava from “Lava” 
-    Father and Son by Cat Stevens from “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”

Billboard announces, The 2023 American Idol finale airs on Sunday 21 May, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.