Iam Tongi wins Season 21 of American Idol

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It was a win for all Pacific islanders when Iam Tongi, the 18-year-old from Kahuku was voted the winner of Season 21 of American Idol, last night.

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Tongi and Megan Danielle were the last two finalists after Colin Stough was eliminated.

It was an emotional night for the part Tongan, Samoan and Irish, young man who stole the hearts of the judges and millions of fans around the globe. His dad, who has passed away, was the influence that got him into singing and when he paired with James Blunt to sing “Monsters,” a song he had previously dedicated to his Dad, the tears flowed. Watching from the audience, his mother also wiped away tears.

One of the songs Tongi sang for the finale was “Making Memories.”

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And on Oahu, family, friends, neighbors and well wishers, held watch parties and celebrated Tongi’s victory island style.

The celebration extended onto the streets with fans waving banners, along with cars and trucks packed with Tongi fans – honking their horns in an impromptu parade of sorts.

Iam’s aunt Cynthia Channels told KITV4, “This is how Hawaii does it, this is how the North Shore does it, for our championships, for Iam, for everybody, we support all of our kids and we know they can go high, now the rest of the world knows, that Hawaii can put out talent.”