Once you see, hear, and feel this soul piercing version of “The Sound Of Silence”, you will understand why Iam Tongi made it to the top 26 of American Idol.
Simon & Garfunkel’s timeless hit is a favorite of many aspiring singers and musicians thanks to its melodic nature and versatile arrangement.
This young man nails it.
It’s not uncommon for artists to put their own twist on the song.
But Iam Tongi simply uses his emotions to change up the song.
An acoustic guitar, piano and his heartfelt voice was all Tongi needed to cast a hush over the captivated crowd with the classic tune, and even the three judges were stunned.
His talent was what eased his late father’s last years.
“A couple of years ago, Iam’s dad got sick and he had to go through dialysis,” Tongi’s mom Lillie explains. “And I think from there he realized that his days were limited.
A couple months before his father passed away, Tongi and his dad recorded videos of themselves singing together, which is something Iam turns to a lot and plays while he sleeps,” Lillie shares.
So there he sits, a guitar in his hand as the crowd gazes and listens in wonder to the sound that has now silenced them.
Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were just as impressed, watching in complete awe, with Richie proclaiming in the middle of the performance, “everything we want.”
“This is what this show is about,” Perry said with tears in her eyes.
Iam Tongi quickly became a fan-favorite on this 21st season of the show and it’s easy to see why.
He had to deal with, and overcome the loss of his father at a young age, and his way of doing so was with music.
The young man has a sweet, piercing voice that seems to display all of his emotions regardless of the songs he sings.
In fact, music was what connected Iam and his late dad.
Iam serenades his audience, looking as if he’s all alone in his room, singing to cope with his father’s passing.
The touching performance brought everyone to a standing ovation.
Lillie then shared that her son didn’t want to sing after his dad passed. “He has come so far, and I’m proud of him,” she praised. “And I know his dad is proud.”
He sure is!
Iam later sat down with the judges with Matt Wilson and Colin Stough sitting next to him.
Perry then told Tongi his “showstopping song” was a “brilliant pick. It made the room go silent. It gave more depth, more color, more layers to who you are.”
Surely everyone agrees!
She then said there was only one spot left for the top 24, and that Tongi got it.
Hugs and congratulations were exchanged, until Perry revealed the plot twist.
Wait for it!
The show’s producers changed up the 24-finalist format, and switched it instead to a contest for 26.
And they’re both in!
With that huge announcement, fans are now excited to see more amazing performances from these three.
Close your eyes and listen to Iam’s spine tingling rendition of a classic below!
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