From tragedy to triumph: Iam Tongi's historic 'American Idol' win defies the odds

In a deeply personal conversation, "American Idol" Season 21 winner Iam Tongi talks to Katie Phang about losing his father months before the life-changing audition and what it means for AAPI representation by being the first Pacific Islander to win the reality singing competition.

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[anniewood-xr]

Iam is one of a kind we need more iams in this world he is love kindness and so much more. I love him so much

[peterbardy]

This young man sings with a rare quality with the ability to tell a story.

[suzanne]

He was great on every show. Good Luck to him.

[clare]

Love him! Amazing voice, style, emotion and personality.

[Bayougurl]

Iam Tongi's Has a heart of gold, when he sing's it is PURE GOLD and his His fan's love him❤💯

[bobj]

💖iams voice is so sweet. I love him n his music ever since the 1st audition. Congratulations iam!

[TennesseeYaya]

Wow! MSNBC! You go Iam!! Love you so much!! Thank you, MSNBC, for acknowledging the accomplishments of this outstanding, talented young man, who is touching the world in positive ways, unlike many of the hateful, irrelevant comments here.

[mscoffeenews]

Iam, is that your father's ring around your neck? I followed you all the way through. After that audition, how could I not? Congratulations, once again! You're the best!

[malosole]

Malo tokouso, can nor wait to see you in live concert😍
and to buy you first album🥰

[JusticeFALL-USA]

Iam, culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to overcome any mountain, congrats Iam✨.

[margaritacolmenares]

Nice interview!👍
So happy to see you succeed!❤️🌺
Sending you our best wishes!
A huge thanks to Rodney in heaven 🙏

[steve.lichtenwald]

This piece led me to view his audition for America's Got Talent, then the same song again performed with James Blunt later in the season. Tears flowed both times and I can't recall which year it was when that last happened.

[Ryu.Hayashi]

Congratulations Iam. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 love your songs

[jo-anni.benson]

Katie Faye's interview with Iam Tongi was the best interview I've experienced thus far! Relatable people Katie and Iam.

[TheFlutecart]

Make a record with real people dude. Don't let the label make you- get your guys in with you. Search them out and make it true. I heard your song, you are solid.

[dash]

The one thing that I wish that American Idol had explored more was Iam Tongi's country western background. I don't think the general audience understands how deeply rooted CW tunes are in the islands. Back when I was growing up in the sixties, island beats radio stations were dominated by Hawaiian and CW music.

[grumpyoldlady_rants]

Personally, I like Iam’s version of “Monsters” better than the original.

[a.duncan]

OK. This might sound a bit preposterous, but I believe a movement should start to have Time Magazine bestow the Person of the Year honor on Iam. Talent, humility, respect, and gracious young persons, are sadly missing on the world stage. Iam has all those attributes and more. And please, keep in mind, he won something much, much more important than Idol. He won the hearts and minds of the world. Aloha and mahalo to you both Katie...

[cecils]

What a great young man. Shows that he appreciates his family and upbringing.

[brigittakehlati]

💯 % PRAYER is the powerful way to get through every day. Even if it's hard, just pray and have faith and everything going in the right way. God bless you always, Iam!!!