Imagine walking into a room, microphone in hand, with the dream of becoming the next big sensation.

That’s the magic of “American Idol,” a show that’s been turning everyday people into stars since its inception.

But it’s not just about the fame; it’s a stage where life’s most poignant stories unfold through the universal language of music.

From small-town dreamers to those grappling with life’s hardships, the show is a canvas painted with the vibrant colors of human experience.

Enter Iam Tongi, an 18-year-old from Hawaii who fits the laid-back islander stereotype to a T.

With his chill demeanor, you’d think he’s just another guy enjoying the island life.

But don’t let that fool you; he’s about to deliver a performance that’ll have everyone reaching for tissues, men included.

As Iam steps into the audition room, he exchanges pleasantries with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan.

He talks about his upbringing in Hawaii and how he moved to Seattle with his mom’s family three years ago.

But when the conversation turns to his father, Rodney, the atmosphere changes.

Fighting back tears, Iam reveals that his dad, his musical mentor, passed away just a few months ago.

Richie, visibly moved, tells him, “I can tell he meant a lot to you. When you love so deeply, you feel so deeply. So what you’ve just given us right now is the fact that you love that man so much, we’re there with you.”

Now, it’s time for Iam to sing.

He picks James Blunt’s “Monsters,” a song that resonates deeply with his own story.

The song itself was written by Blunt in honor of his father, who was diagnosed with stage four kidney disease.

As Iam strums his guitar, you can feel the room holding its collective breath.

But it’s his voice—silky, smooth, and as powerful as the Hawaiian waves—that captures everyone’s attention.

The lyrics pour out of him, each word tinged with raw, palpable emotion.

“I’m not your son, you’re not my father. We’re just two grown men saying goodbye,” he sings, and the room is awash with emotion.

Luke Bryan can’t hold back his tears, and Lionel Richie is visibly moved.

Iam himself gets choked up as he sings the final lines, “Don’t be afraid. It’s my turn to chase the monsters away.”

The room erupts into a standing ovation as he finishes.

Perry praises him, saying, “I feel like you could’ve written this song. You sang it, you delivered it…you hit a nerve and that’s what great storytellers do, that’s what great artists do and your voice is just so magnificent.”

Bryan, tears still in his eyes, adds, “My nephew lost his dad and he came and lived with me and just seeing you missing your dad just sucks. You got a great voice, you did everything perfect and I love you and I just want to see you have fun in this whole thing. It’s awesome what you just did.”

Richie sums it up perfectly: “The story is one thing, your delivery of your story was phenomenal, your daddy’s very proud.”

A hug from Bryan and a heartfelt photo of Iam and his late father seal this unforgettable moment.

If you want to witness this young man’s incredible journey, don’t miss the video below!

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Article Sources:

American Idol

Iam Tongi

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By Sasha Alonzo

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Sasha Alonzo is a contributor at SBLY Media.