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'You hit a nerve': 'American Idol' 2023 contestant Iam Tongi's moving tribute to his late father leaves all three judges in tears

Iam Tongi, 18, set the 'American idol' stage on fire with his powerful rendition of 'Monsters' by James Blunt which he dedicated to his late father Rodhney

KAHUKU, HAWAII: 'American Idol' is back for season 21 and this season, the production has brought in talents from all over the world, including Las Vegas, Nevada, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Nashville, Tennessee. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie are also back for their sixth season in a row.

One talented participant who took the stage during the premiere of the new season was singer and songwriter William Guy Tongi, also known as Iam Tongi, 18. Tongi set the 'American idol' stage on fire with his powerful rendition of 'Monsters' by James Blunt. He dedicated this song to his late father Rodhney, who inspired him to get into music. His beautiful performance left all three judges in tears before they gave him a standing ovation.

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'American idol' judges reduced to tears

The aspiring singer tugged at the heartstrings of 'American Idol' judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie as well as viewers nationwide with a story about how he got into music. The most painful time in Iam's life came when his father passed away in December 2021. He was first exposed to music by his father. In his audition, Tongi revealed to the judges that his song is dedicated to his late father and this got them emotional. Tongi auditioned with Jame Blunt’s 2019 hit 'Monsters', a tune Blunt wrote as a tribute to his father, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Disease.

Strumming an acoustic guitar, Tongi belted out the lyrics to the Blunt tune and all three of the Idol judges became visibly moved by his heartfelt performance. Luke was also seen wiping tears from his eyes. Even Katy and Lionel got teary-eyed during Tongi's performance. Tongi received a standing ovation from all three judges and was called "marvelous." Lionel also commented, "In the middle of your song I was worried if we would make it through the whole thing or not." Luke was the most moved by Tongi's story as he revealed that his nephew also lost his father and moved in with him after the tragedy. He said, "You have got a great voice, perfect even. Love you, want to have you here."

Katy was very impressed and even pointed out, "You left grown men in tears. Your delivery was fantastic and you hit a nerve." Luke was so touched by Tongi's performance he hugged him in the end. The judges thought the best thing they could do for Tongi was to say, "You're going to Hollywood." Yes, Tongi got the golden ticket and advanced to the next round. 

Tongi's performance impressed the fans

Tongi's performance left the fans highly impressed. They were so moved by the touching tribute and his ability to sing so wonderfully. One fan said, "If you didn’t cry when Iam Tongi sang #Monsters on #AmericanIdol you have no heart. Wow!"

Another said, "OMG @lukebryan @katyperry @LionelRichie The way you all got so emotional listening to Iam Tongi @wtongi sing a song in tribute to his late Dad @AmericanIdol just moved me. This is why I’m glued to this show!#IDOLpremiere “We’re just 2 grown men saying goodbye.”

One added, "Iam Tongi… Wow. Fiancé said he sounds like James Bay and I agree. Amazing audition @JamesBayMusic #AmericanIdol I love this!"

Even fans couldn't stop their tears after watching Tongi sing. And one fan tweeted, "I was passing by the TV and heard Tongi singing on American Idol. Never cried listening to someone sing. I can confirm I am a trainwreck in the club right now."

Another one said, "Damn, I just cried like a baby. Tongi sang this song beautifully!" One more added, "I am an Iam Tongi fan for life! From the heart and that's all that matters."

'American Idol' 2023 airs every Sunday on ABC at 8 pm ET.

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