• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
American Idol winner Iam Tongi responds after fans hit out at show and claim it's 'rigged'

Home> Film & TV

Published 11:07 29 May 2023 GMT+1

American Idol winner Iam Tongi responds after fans hit out at show and claim it's 'rigged'

Iam Tongi won American Idol, but others have suggested that the show was 'rigged' or a 'sympathy vote'

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

American Idol winner, Iam Tongi, has hit out at claims that the competition was ‘rigged’ and suggestions that he only won because of a ‘sympathy vote’.

The accusations from fans have come thick and fast since Tongi won the show, largely because a large part of his personal backstory on the programme was about his father’s recent death.

His dad Rodney – who died in 2021 – featured heavily in several of the performances that saw Tongi win the TV talent show, including using his guitar for a number of songs.

Advert

However, some think that the use of that narrative was a bit too much, perhaps even overshadowing the contestant’s talent.

What’s more, others have said that some of the people who finished behind Tongi might actually be more talented anyway.

Now, Iam has had his say on the matter.

Iam Tongi used his dad's guitar for a few performances.
ABC

Advert

He said: “A lot of people are like, ‘Colin Stough was robbed, or whatever. And I just love it,'”

The 18-year-old went on to say that whenever he sees negative stuff online, he just offers them a like to show that he’s got no hard feelings about it.

“I just like [them], whatever what they say, ’cause you know, [I gotta] let those things happen,” he said.

“I am guilty for liking it.

Advert

“But look, [my] music’s not for everyone, and I have to learn that the hard way.”

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Tongi added: “My dad always told me that your music’s not meant for everyone,

“There’s going to be people that are not going to like it and that’s OK, that’s normal.

“Everyone gets their own opinion.

Advert

“Everyone gets to think what they think. So, it’s fine.”

Either way, Tongi did win, and even got to perform with James Blunt on stage at one point.

Now, he’s putting together an album that he says will have a ‘Jack Johnson kind of vibe’.

“I’m excited to share with people,” he said.

Advert

The 18-year-old has responded to claims the show was 'rigged'.
ABC

As for those who did finish behind Tongi, Megan Danielle has now broken her silence on the claims that it was all ‘rigged’.

She was diplomatic and gracious, stating: “I would say that it isn’t just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason.

“Even if I was first, second, last, whatever … I feel like any of us really deserved it.”

Advert

Danielle added: “I feel like Iam was deserving and he’s so humble and so talented.

“And this was his time and I’m just super proud of him.”

Featured Image Credit: ABC/American Idol

Topics: Celebrity, Film and TV, Music, American Idol

Tom Wood
Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

X

@TPWagwim

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

7 hours ago
11 hours ago
14 hours ago
20 hours ago
  • 7 hours ago

    Netflix adds 94% rated Rami Malek series labeled ‘dark, disturbing and full of twists’

    'Best series ever made. Period.'

    Film & TV
  • 11 hours ago

    Marvel fans outraged as fan-favorite villain is 'wasted' after finally being revealed in new MCU show

    Not all viewers were upset, however

    Film & TV
  • 14 hours ago

    Rob McElhenney announces major name change and his wife and kids are extremely 'unhappy' about it

    Rob McElhenney has got fed up of the world butchering his surname

    Film & TV
  • 20 hours ago

    Modern Family star recalls thinking she was 'going to die' after being told she needed a pacemaker at 29 years old

    A Modern Family star revealed how her sister helped discover that she had a health condition

    Film & TV
  • Disappointed American Idol fans hit out at show and claim it's 'rigged' after Iam Tongi wins
  • American Idol winner Iam Tongi speaks out for first time after fans claim the show was 'rigged'
  • American Idol winner Just Sam reassures fans after being spotted busking on subway
  • Fans of hit series vow to 'never watch again’ following major twist in episode of new season