Introduction
Iam Tongi is a singer who won season 21 of American Idol in 2023, when he was just 18 years old. He is the first person from Hawaii, the first Pacific Islander, and the first non-country singer in three years, to win the competition. He is also the first winner to have been born after the show’s premiere on June 11, 2002
But how tall is Iam Tongi, the rising star who captivated millions of viewers with his soulful voice and humble personality? In this article, we will answer this question and learn more about his background, musical influences, and future plans.
How Tall is Iam Tongi?
According to his official website, Iam Tongi is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall This makes him slightly taller than the average American male, who is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall
However, some fans have speculated that Iam Tongi might be taller than his stated height, based on his appearance next to other celebrities. For example, in a photo with Katy Perry, one of the judges on American Idol, Iam Tongi seems to tower over her, even though she is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall
Of course, height can vary depending on factors such as posture, footwear, and camera angle. Therefore, it is possible that Iam Tongi is not as tall as he looks, or that he is wearing shoes that give him some extra height. Either way, his height does not diminish his talent or charisma, which have earned him a loyal fan base and a promising career.
Iam Tongi’s Early Life and Music
Iam Tongi is originally from Kahuku, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. His family relocated to Federal Way, Washington in the summer of 2019, where he attended Federal Way High School, then later transferred and graduated from Decatur High School. He is of Tongan, Samoan and Irish descent. He is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The youngest of five children, Iam Tongi learned to play the ukulele in fifth grade. When he was 13, his father gifted him a guitar that he had bought with his holiday paycheck. Iam Tongi would go on to use the guitar in nearly all of his performances on American Idol
Iam Tongi’s musical influences include Bob Marley, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Cooke. He describes his genre as “reggae soul”, which combines elements of reggae, soul, pop, and R&B. He also sings in both English and Hawaiian, showcasing his cultural heritage and diversity.
Iam Tongi’s Journey on American Idol
Iam Tongi auditioned for Season 20 of American Idol, but failed to get past the initial screening. Without telling him, his mom then signed him up for the Season 21 auditions. Iam Tongi, however, was reluctant to audition again, saying he had a bad attitude from the previous rejection and that he did not expect to advance beyond the audition round. This time, however, he was able to appear in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, the show’s judges
During the audition, Iam Tongi talked about having to move to Washington because he was “priced out of paradise”. When asked about his father, Iam Tongi became teary-eyed, explaining that Rodney, his dad, had passed away a few months before the audition, and that Rodney was the one who got him into music. Iam Tongi had not originally planned to talk about his dad because he did not want his journey to be seen as a sob story
Iam Tongi’s audition, a rendition of James Blunt’s song “Monsters”, which he dedicated to his father, earned him a standing ovation from all three judges and a unanimous vote to the next round. The audition video quickly went viral, drawing 112,000 Instagram followers in the two days after Iam Tongi’s performance. Iam Tongi’s audition also became Idol’s most-watched audition video on the show’s YouTube channel, generating over 16 million views in three months
Iam Tongi’s greatest challenge on American Idol came during Hollywood Week, when his guitar broke and he lost his voice. When Iam Tongi appeared before the judges, he started crying, explaining that he had promised his dad he would use the guitar on every performance. Iam Tongi later said he felt like it was a way of his dad telling him he could do it on his own, and he would appear in later rounds without his guitar
Iam Tongi impressed the judges and the audience with his performances of songs such as “Bring It On Home To Me” by Sam Cooke, “Let It Be” by The Beatles, “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King, and “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. He also showcased his original songs, such as “I’m Here”, “You’re The Reason”, and “Island In The Sun”.
Iam Tongi made it to the Top 10, where he faced fierce competition from other talented singers, such as Grace Kinstler, Willie Spence, Chayce Beckham, and Casey Bishop. However, Iam Tongi’s popularity and consistency helped him secure a spot in the finale, where he performed “Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, and his original song “I Found Love”.
On May 23, 2023, Iam Tongi was announced as the winner of American Idol Season 21, beating runner-up Chayce Beckham. He received a recording contract with Hollywood Records and a cash prize of $250,000. He also became the youngest winner in the show’s history, breaking the record previously held by Jordin Sparks, who was 17 when she won Season 6 in 2007.
Iam Tongi’s Future Plans
After winning American Idol, Iam Tongi has been busy with interviews, appearances, and performances. He has also been working on his debut album, which is expected to be released in late 2023 or early 2024. He has said that he wants his album to reflect his roots, his style, and his message of love and positivity.
Iam Tongi has also expressed his desire to collaborate with other artists, such as Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and Alicia Keys. He has also said that he would love to perform in Hawaii, where he has a large fan base and where he feels most at home.
Iam Tongi has also been involved in charitable causes, such as raising awareness and funds for cancer research, in honor of his father, who died of lung cancer. He has also donated some of his winnings to his church and his community. He has said that he wants to use his platform to inspire and help others, especially young people who have dreams and aspirations.
Conclusion
Iam Tongi is a talented and humble singer who has won the hearts of millions of fans with his voice, his personality, and his story. He is also a proud representative of his culture, his faith, and his family. He is not only the youngest winner of American Idol, but also one of the most successful and promising ones.
How tall is Iam Tongi, American Idol’s youngest winner ever? He is 5 feet 10 inches tall, but he stands even taller with his achievements and his character. He is a rising star who has a bright future ahead of him.