“We’re just two grown men saying goodbye.” Man, it hits so hard!!

Nobody could have expected to be emotionally affected to this extent when Iam Tongi from Kahuku, Hawaii walked into the American Idol audition room. Minutes into his performance the judges were an emotional mess. In these rather dark times in our history, it's a beautiful thing to witness such a genuine, sweet and naturally talented human being. It's his absolute realness that invokes such an emotional reaction by anyone who experiences it. And the fact that he was making every effort to suppress his emotions, all while keeping himself composed...and pulling it off with flying colors. Well that's where the magic comes from. RIP Rodney, your boy made you proud.☮️🤘

A few years ago I stood at my dying father's bedside. "Daddy, just close your eyes. It's my turn to chase the monsters away..." could have been me as I rubbed his cold fingers, trying to warm them up. When I stopped, he said, "My fingers are still cold." Because he wanted me to continue lovingly holding his hand during these last hours of his life. There is a back story here that is a roller coaster of emotion. This song brought me to tears. Thank you, Iam, for singing that.

America NEEDS an idol we can love and really remember with pride. Iam Tongi is that idol. He just stands up and sings. He doesn't need any of the smoke and mirrors to look good and sound perfect! It takes a very special artist to just stand up and sing!! Not unlike John Denver. His music and video is worthy of the greatness his heart is! Please VOTE!!! Iam needs us one more time!!!! PLEASE!! Let's help this young man soar!! Team Iam forever

Yess sir please make more reactions to Iam Tongi's journey in American idol he has an amazing voice I can listen his songs all day he is the winner 🏆

If you look him up on KZfaq there is a couple of videos of him and his dad singing together. Beautiful

630pm he's a very strong young man and has a voice of an Angel he will far in life and we wish him only the best he's got this❤❤❤❤🙏🙏

You're right.. his voice is so phenomenal.. so himself.. we feel for him.. tears ❤ Love IAM

I cry every time and I’ve watched it over 100 times… Love his humbleness, voice and poise! #Winning

He is amazing. He lost his father, who he sang and harmonized with his whole life, and now is singing this song that the words just fit perfectly. I was all teared up watching him in this audition. He's been great throughout the show, but this song just hits home. Everyone was teared up. That's his father's guitar he's using.

Love you are sharing our Polynesian artist. Iam is going to be a legend. Please please please do a reaction to a fellow Poly Stan Walker a kiwi from New Zealand. Amazing Grace and Ultralight Beam. He won American Idol Australia back in the day. Blessed and anointed voice….❤❤❤❤❤. I promise he will BLOW your mind

I cry every time he sings, I love him!❤

❤ Iam Tongi's Audition Is The Most-Viewed Of 2023 Season Tongi's audition has been viewed more than two hundred thousand times on Idol's KZfaq and more than 100 million across all of social media. 💯🎧🌎🎸🪰🧼👍

I am Tongi You're amazing And Humble I hope you win it all Love you Bless you

It’s been years since I’ve watched American Idol but after seeing Iam’s audition, I’ve been watching this whole season. FYI: Iam stated on one show that his dad spent his holiday pay from his job and bought him that guitar. ❤❤❤ #teamiamtongi

Watch "It's a wonderful world!"

My mother died yesterday and I always tried to share music with her, to see the reaction in her face. She always blew me off, I wish I would have had the chance to share music with her. My father didn't listen to any music at all, but he ignored me anyway. That's what makes this story so powerfully emotional, to be able to share music with a loved one. I doubt there is anything better. I'm glad I was able to do that with my best friend Ed.

Iam Tongi You're ate so humble and kind You're amazing And I hope you win it all Love you

I've seen Iam 1st video and I cried like a baby. Now I've watched it at least 50 times and I still cry. You really have to check all of his songs, they are fantastic. I'm happy that I'm a new subscriber. From Ontario, Canada

IAm TONGI THE BEST❤❤❤His songs touches our hearts we love Im from philippines

Iam Tongi is the BEST! Go TONGA!!

IAM Tongi gave us the best American Idol Season EVER! Thank you, Iam! You melted the world's hearts! We love you, your voice, your humbleness, your kindness, your laughter. Your voice is so smooth and angelic! The love you show for your Dad, Mom, judges, Hawaii, your family, and your fans is from the heart, just like your music😢 your soulful! America got it right! Thank you, America! Best wishes on your journey to EVEN MORE SUCCESS! SENDING LOVE FROM NEW MEXICO!!!!! 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🙏🙏🙏🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

I wish you'd react to all of his performances. He is so iconic. He is going to be a household name

Iam’s version is as heartfelt as the original and his voice is more beautiful. American Idol gives one chance and he had to take it. He gets better over the next songs and Sound of Silence has over 4,000,000 views on the American Idol site plus all of the other sites reacting to his voice. It’s worth the journey. Don’t know if he’ll win but he won’t be forgotten. 🙏💞🙏💕🙏

At this point of our life we need someone like Iam Tongi, his song choices touches our heart’s and also remind us that family’s are forever. Much Aloha Iam Tongi ❤️🌺

Like you, I don’t watch anymore, but a friend of mine told me watch because of him. You should watch all of his performances. There is a video with all 12 performances. Everyone is amazing. Great reaction. Thank you❤️🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

Love this young man❤🎉He's Precious.

You should have watched it right to the end was powerful

Iam has quickly become my favorite artist. Every song he sings is amazing. This song has helped me with my grief for my own father.

Thank you for the sweet reaction to Iam’s audition. I cry each time I watch it. Iam has made it to the top 8 now. You really need to watch his journey through to this point. He’s magical. I subscribed to your channel because you have a wonderful demeanor and I want to see more. ❤

Yes, watch more of his songs. Tears. Tears. Tears.

You got to follow his journey from the beginning. Iam is so amazing. Thank you

Hi IAM TONGI ♥️♥️♥️👏👏👏👏 I am just so in love with your whole scene with your whole talents with your whole Self you are just precious and you are still touching everybody with your songs and your words and your singing and your kindness and your good heart. Let me tell you I’m so proud of you again I’ve been watching your videos over and over and over. You have really really touched my heart as you’ve touched many hearts in this world I’m just so proud of you. I know your mom is proud of you and your dad from heaven I know your dad is watching over you of course father God is watching over you too. Always congratulations My darling on your wonderful journey. I will continue to watch you and I will definitely vote this time. I know how to do it now 30 votes. Every time you are the winner, you will definitely win. Very very proud of you. This is Caroline Clough from Norfolk Virginia, sent her love to you and yours.

He's in the Top 5 now. I hope he wins. He has an amazing ability to emote. The judges later cry during his rendition of The Sound of Silence, which does not normally cause that kind of response. He is amazing. Inside out, he is a beautiful person who shares his light wherever he goes. I love the guy.

Iam tongi 💯 🎶 SUPERSTAR ⭐️ This young man was born with a mission to send the world a message, like Lionel told the world that iam was anointed with a special heart,gift...we love the beautiful angelic voice, what an amazing young artist with strength and humility, noting that is what's missing from the music world is just a mess and no meaning these days to tell the truth! We will continue to vote this young man to the top! ❤ Can't wait for his 📀 cds and concert tickets please...

You say, “I’m eager to hear more from him.” Join the crowd, you’re not alone there!

I kept on listening Iam songs, and made me cry, My mum too died 2020 due to renal failure so i can feel Iam pain and sadness😢😢😢

Iam is otherworldly. He has touched the world soul to soul. He is precious and deserves to win this whole thing so that he will have the means to get his message out even more. The world needs his music; I hope you’ll listen to more. (I’m only watching the show for Iam)

IAM Tongi is in Top 8 now please check out 6 more outstanding Performances he did they're all great and amazing you'll love them all thank you for your reaction to our Favorite Amazing Incredible Superstar.

You should definitely watch his version of Sound of silence. It's amazing!!!!!! I hope Iam wins the whole thing ❤️

such a humble young man, by far one of my favorite contestants of all time

Must watch all of his progress you will enjoy him.

He certainly is an incredible singer, & so sad losing his dad 2 months previously. We all love you Iam, & happy to know you won American Idol - well done, you deserve it more than anyone!! 💝💝💝💝

Thank you for reacting to Iam's audition video, he is on Top 3 on American Idol. You should do another reaction to Iam Tongi's Haku Collection, where the Hawaiian community made for him.

He ment to play another song, but one of the producers asked him to play monster, she broke down n convinced him to play that in dront if the judges n she was right. The producer obviously seen his cover of monsters on KZfaq n was smart enough to convince him to play monsters instead of the song he originally intended...

Definitely I feel it and can't hold my tears. He is a good singer

He is absolutely amazing! I cry every time I hear this song! I love him! He should be the winner this year! ❤❤❤

Yeaaashhhh❤🎉 Love it!! This is speechless ❤💯 Love and support for you Iam from the 4 stars nation in the pacific ❤❤

Hello, I have been following every step of his way to finals. He’s such a good kid. Praying for him to be the next American idol champion . And also, Doug.. i have watched other people react on his audition performance, so far you’re the best that made me subscribe your videos..

Merci a toi , belle réaction quel courage de chanter devant les juges et le monde entier et surtout c était un bel hommage a son papa et humble avec ca .,Magnifique voix et bravo a toi Tongi ❤❤.

All his performances are AMAZING 👏 loved his Sam Cooke cover of Bring it on back

Bonus to u for sharing your thoughts and prayers and comments 🙏 ❤️

I would love to hear your reaction to all his performances.

I can only remember ever adding a comment to one KZfaq video before. The reason I'm adding a comment to this one is because the host showed such deep empathy. It's rare for people to listen in this world add to be present in the conversation. Iam was excellent and so was the host. He honored Usn and his father Rodney by being present and entering into the emotion that Iam was expressing. Both Iam and the host have illustrated some of life's most important lessons. Joel

I am in tears ñow.The song is soooo emotional . Bless him. I pray he won the competition!

Wow, this is heavy. Thanks for sharing, Ed. 😢❤

Oh, man, couldn't watch this to the end, as much as I would love to. Things like this always hit a weak spot in me.

There are four performers in the Top Five, Iam, two ladies - one a great country singer and the other a classic singer who takes on the best known Whitney Houston song and made it her own and knocked it out of the park, and the four great singer is an entertainer with a powerful voice who fully engages the audience. The other fellow is a country singer who should not have advanced because he does not always sing on key. You need to check out Ti We who sang the Whitney song. She is extraordinary. It's hard to say who will win. It will all depend on America. Anyone of the Top Four could win.

U daid it so well Sir.. it’s a fact😢♥️

watch all his episodes hes in top 8 now next ep sunday

Iam Tongi is what this world needs now. Pure Love through his amazing, soulful voice and spirit. He also performed, The Sounds of Silence, on American Idol, beautifully..look for it.

Not only in the room I am in Mexico y and I cry

I hope you have watched all of his performances on Amanican Idol. If not you have really missed out on a real gem!

I love his story awesome what he brought to the end become popular now well done Iam Tongi

I am so glad he Won season 23! Praise God

This beautiful young man made the whole world cry and yes he won. Sending love and gratitude ❤

Have been watching American idol for years . This audion was the most moving I have ever seen. Each time he sang it brought me to tears. And from the first audition I said he was going to win.

Tough I'm a grown man, every time I watch this I cry like a baby .I love his voice and his humbleness good luck.

Looking forward to you seeing his other performances.

WARNING - Distress Content 1 of best content on American Idol History

I can’t believe my man himself is finally reacting to Iam Tongi. Enjoy his journey as we did. Next song would be “I can’t make you love me”

Crying for the mother I lost. Tears helped release my deeply trapped emotion of grief. Thank you Ian for your love for your father.

I have watched every season of American Idol... and no one has affected me like Iam did. You should go back and watch all of his performaces.. his confidence builds over each one. I knew from the beginning he was the winner!!

I broke down when I watched the audition. The lyrics literally pierced my heart and I lost my dad, not knowing that he was sick with cancer, because I was pregnant with his only grandson and he didn’t want me to worry about him. He sadly passed away when my son was 3 weeks old on 12/1/88. That was the worst day of my life. 💔💔💔

HE WON 😭🙌🏾

Every song he sang was great. He won it with that smooth as butter voice.

Great reaction - you did a great job capturing the emotion, too!

Late to the party sir. He’s in the top 3. Today is the finals and I hope he wins. When he first came across my fyp on tiktok I wasn’t going to watch but my intuition made me and I’ve never turned back. I am his number one fan to the point that I argue with people on fb who think he won’t win. I cry every time I hear this song.

Not only got through he is in the top 3

He did a great job he chose the song just to make people emotional

Yea, when I also heard Iam sing this song, I also teared up. It sounded so sad and I felt Sorry for him. I know what it's like to lose someone you really love, since I also lost my own Dad and others to soon.😢❤

This really was one of the most moving performances I've ever seen. Phenomenal.

He sings it again with James Blunt and it's even more emotional. Just beautiful

Just to update you that Iam is in the top three now and this Sunday will be the finale. I'm sure you'll find out very soon if you haven't already. I hope you check out all his songs through the competition. Thank you.

Beautiful Iam singing with your heart n remembering your dad with the music n talent in you God bless you on your life's journey

❤ I'll never forget the first time I heard him play and I called my mom and I said he reminds me of IZ I swear to God he was and then I told her he's going to be the next winner of American and he was

As a father this hit my heart so deep I can't describe it. Thank you Dad for everything you did for us, even when I didn't understand, I miss your strength and try to make you proud of me every day. Rest easy, it's my turn now, I Love you so much.

He brings tears to my eyes. When someone makes you cry through music, he's good.

Absolutely amazing ❤❤❤❤

Every song hes done up to the top 3 has been gold. The Sound of Silence is frgging amazing i hope he records it

Iam Tongi won that season. And for good reason he has a beautiful voice.

He won American Idol!!!

Go Iam!❤❤

I really appreciate Katy asking his father's name. The smile on his face saying his father's name was so sweet

Got to Lava Tongi, he's Awesome Gift from God. God bless and Protect him as he enters the insane world of Hollywood and stardom. Praying he remains true to himself, local boy, sharing the Aloha to the sad and lost world we now live in. YESSAAH.

This young man it's only 18 years old which makes us even more amazing and incredibly beautiful

Just to let you know, he won the show, for 2023

Listen to his songs like The Dance, If I could fly etc. it is so beautiful.

He sings with his heart

Lost his father. Not just like any other fathers just by name, but he lost his best friend, his coach and his mentor. Now he will be chasing those monsters now.