Featured Image Credit: ABC
Topics: American Idol, Film and TV, US News, Music
Ella Scott
Fans have been left with a sour taste in their mouths after claiming the final of American Idol was 'rigged' and that 'the best' singer wasn’t crowned the deserved winner.
At just 18, Hawaii-born singer, Iam Tongi, became the youngest male to ever win the annual singing competition.
He beat out fan favourites Colin Stough, 18, and Megan Danielle, 20, to be crowned the champion of American Idol season 21 — but not everyone was impressed.
During the course of the ABC show, the singer, who is of Tongan and Samoan heritage, was mentored by Australia’s Keith Urban, 55.
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Following yesterday’s finale (Monday 22 May), fans have taken to social media to speculate whether the singing competition was 'rigged' against Tongi’s main competitor, 18-year-old country singer, Stough.
One fan wrote: “Iam was really good but so was Colin. If you picked the one who sang the best it would have been Colin. Are these shows fixed? Apparently.”
Another said: “American Idol is clearly fixed. For most of the season, they have been acting like Iam was already the winner.”
A third tweeted: “I think the winners on American Idol are fixed. The people with the real talent don’t win.”
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Despite some viewers’ outrage, many were overjoyed that Tongi had come out of the annual talent show as the victor.
One Twitter user wrote: “I’m not crying. You’re crying. This amazing and very talented young man moves my very soul. His purity in spirit is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. What the world needs is more Iam Tongis.”
A second agreed and said: “Iam Tongi singing Kolohe Kai’s Cool Down is the best thing I’ve seen on American Idol. Bringing those Island vibes to the world!”
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Another user commented: “What I love about Iam is he stayed consistent and authentic to himself the whole time. Humble, big hearted, talented guy from a community that is big on love and family. We are so proud.”
The Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, has also come out in support of the new American Idol and stated: “Congratulations to Hawaii’s own American Idol, Iam Tongi!”
During the live final he sang two songs - first a cover of Urban’s 2004 track Making Memories of Us, followed by a stunning rendition of James Blunt’s Monsters.
For his performance of the latter, Tongi was joined on stage by the British singer and dedicated the emotional track to his father.