The American Idol crowned their new champion, Iam Tongi (18) following a staggering performance of his new single, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

“Thank you everyone for voting! Love all you guys! Thank you so much, yessah blessa never stressa!” he stated in an Instagram post just moments after taking home the title of 21st American Idol Champion.

The singer also stated that his new song is dedicated to his late father, Rodney, who died only months before his son's audition.

“This one’s for you, dad. “I’ll Be Seeing You” is out now. It’s been such a special process making this song, and it really took a village to make it happen. Thank you to everyone involved, and everyone who has shown me support. I see you showing love and it means the world to me.”

First Audition

The Tongan-American singer brought the judges to tears with his first audition and continued to do with the rest of his performances.

"I was not worried about whether you were going to make it through the song, I was worried about whether we were going to make it through the song. Your daddy is very proud," said Lionel Richie at the time, as Katy Perry added, "You're making these grown men cry."

The singer said that he 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.

Iam's parents are from Tongatapu, his father was born and raised in Ha'ateiho while his mother is from Mu'a, Lapaha. 

The singer is originally from Kahuku, Hawaii on the island of Oahu, then in 2020, Iam and his family migrated to Seattle, Washington.