'American Idol' fans defend Iam Tongi after troll claims winner will sing for tourists at island airport while 'passing out leis'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: American Idol viewers defended this season's winner Iam Tongi after a troll made a "bitter" remark about his potential career path. Many fans criticized the hater for being "rude" after they claimed that the 18-year-old singer would probably start "working in an airport soon" as a result of his latest win.
Even though the singer won American Idol season 21, many viewers didn't think he deserved it but his fans felt happy. Nevertheless, he ended up taking home the $250,000 big prize. Also, when Tongi confronted the vicious troll, fans stood with him.
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Iam was featured in a photo uploaded on Sunday by the American Idol Instagram page commemorating the week since his victory. "Happy 1-week IDOLversary to @wtongi, our Season 21 Winner!" the picture's caption read. The Idol winner had a wide grin on his face as he stood on the stage during the performance. He was holding an envelope with his name printed on it, identifying him as the winner.
On May 21, Iam defeated Megan Danielle and Colin Stough to claim Season 21. The 18-year-old rapidly won the hearts of his followers with his seductive voice and down-to-earth demeanor. One toxic viewer, though, did not wish the winner well.
'Greeter at an airport'
When the rude social media user claimed that winning ABC's popular singing competition "Will look good on his resume when he applies to be a greeter at an airport in some tropical island. Wearing flip-flops singing sings passing out leis," he was roundly criticized for his remarks, as cited by The Sun.
'He's laughing at you all the way to the bank'
More than 70 people responded to the cruel comment on American Idol's official Instagram account, with many advising the online bully to "spread love, not hate." A user wrote, "One week and still bitter. Hahaha," "Rude much," claimed another. A third user noted, "Troll. Time to go take your daily nap." "Booo. There's still time to delete this," stated another. "You really need to humble. Spread love, not hate," defended someone. "He's laughing at you all the way to the bank," remarked another fan.