MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

'He never worked the stage': Internet fumes after Iam Tongi wins 'American Idol' Season 21 title

While viewers voted to make Iam Tongi the next singing sensation and winner of 'American Idol' Season 21, social media users suggest he didn't deserve the title

BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: The wait is over! 'American Idol' Season 21 finally got its new winner. During the finale night, the Top 3 finalists competed against each other for one final time to impress viewers and earn enough votes. However, Iam Tongi won the coveted title and the grand cash prize of $250,000.

The finale night was a star-studded event as multiple 'Idol' alum and singing legends took the stage to deliver stunning performances. 'American Idol' judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan also joined the guest performers. While viewers voted to make Iam Tongi the next singing sensation, social media users suggest he didn't deserve the title.

RELATED ARTICLES

'Lipsync much?' Viewers slam ABC as Pitbull kicks off 'American Idol' 2023 finale, call singer's performance 'a mess'

'Why put your finale vs both the NBA and NHL Conference finals?': 'American Idol' fans slam makers for 3-hour-long conflicting schedule

Iam Tongi wins 'American Idol' Season 21

William Iam Tongi has been fans' favorite contestant since the beginning. His stirring performance on Kolohe Kai's song 'Cool Down' earned him the coveted title. During the finale episode, Tongi received a traditional Hawaiian welcome when he arrived. The singer's family moved to Seattle but he still considers the Island his home. Tongi visited the high school from where he would have graduated if resided in Hawaii. Tongi noted, "I never wanted to leave."

Iam stirring performance was a tribute to his home ground. Katy complimented Tongi and said, "You are the culture. You bring the culture to American Idol." Luke added, "When you get into that zone of island music... great job." Meanwhile, Lionel said, "You’ve taken your natural gift... you’re going to spread it around the world."

'Megan or Colin should have won'

'American Idol' Season 21 viewers were furious after Tongi won the coveted title. A social media user tweeted, "Are you kidding me Iam Tongi wins. Everyone of his songs was the same. He never worked the stage. What a f---ing joke. Im done with American Idol And they wonder why the ratings have spiraled downwards." Another Twitter user wrote, "#AmericanIdol fans got it completely wrong again. There is no way #iamtongi can come close to #MeganDanielle ! Sympathy vote is all it is."

One viewer said, "Another American idol winner that won't do anything with it... #iamtongi #AmericanIdol." Meanwhile, one took to the comment section of Tongi's performance video and wrote," Sympathy votes for the win😂." Another Instagram user commented, "Megan or Colin should have won. Iam is one note. Nice guy but same stuff every week."

'American Idol' will return with a new season between January and March of 2024 during the broadcast television midseason schedule.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.