unilad homepage
unilad homepage
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • World News
    • Crime
    • Health
    • Money
    • Sport
    • Travel
  • Music
  • Technology
  • Film and TV
    • News
    • DC Comics
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Netflix
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
James Blunt helps American Idol winner Iam Tongi get through incredibly emotional duet
Home>Film & TV
Published 15:38 22 May 2023 GMT+1

James Blunt helps American Idol winner Iam Tongi get through incredibly emotional duet

James Blunt teamed up with American Idol winner Iam Tongi in the powerful season finale

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover
Featured Image Credit: ABC

Topics: American Idol, Celebrity, Film and TV, James Blunt, Music, Good News

Rhiannon Ingle
Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Senior Journalist at Tyla, specialising in TV, film, travel, and culture. A graduate of the University of Manchester with a degree in English Literature, she honed her editorial skills as the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the UK’s largest student newspaper. With a keen eye for storytelling, Rhiannon brings fresh perspectives to her writing, blending critical insight with an engaging style. Her work captures the intersection of entertainment and real-world experiences.

Advert

Advert

Advert

James Blunt helped out American Idol winner, Iam Tongi, to get through an incredibly emotional duet on the show's season finale.

Tongi, an 18-year-old Hawaii native, was joined on stage with Blunt to belt out his hit single 'Monsters', in which he can be seen fighting back tears after an exceptionally intense emotional roller-coaster during the season.

The track in question, a ballad about a father and son, was previously performed by Tongi for his audition, which the aspiring star told the judges was an ode to his late father. Check out the heart-wrenching performance here:

Advert

Tongi has attributed his introduction into the world of music to his father, Rodney, who died just a matter of months before his audition.

"I was not worried about whether you were going to make it through the song, I was worried about whether we were going to make it through the song. Your daddy is very proud," said judge Lionel Richie at the time.

Fellow American Idol judge, Katy Perry added: "What a fantastic song to pick. You're making these grown men cry."

And it's clearly been a full-circle moment for Tongi, after Blunt joined him to sing a duet of the song over the three-hour finale, wrapping up the show's 21st season last night (21 May).

Less than a minute into the performance, Tongi can be seen wiping tears from his face as he began struggling with the lyrics.

Season winner Iam Tongi broke down during the duet.
ABC

The 'You're Beautiful' hit-maker then stepped in to help Tongi carry on with the song as he looked into his eyes for emotional support.

When the pair finished up the performance, they had a heartfelt hug while the audience erupted into a booming applause.

And it's clear the performance packed just as much of a punch to viewers at home as they've since flocked to social media to share their reactions to the touching moment.

One YouTube user commented: "Props to James Blunt for pushing Iam through this song."

A second posted: "This performance will always be remembered for its authenticity, humanity and beauty."

Viewers were touched by the emotional performance.
ABC

"The raw emotion from Mr James Blunt is what really sent Iam over," penned a third.

"Two different styles of singing but both heart felt and gut wrenching. Thank you Mr Blunt for helping Iam get through this song."

A fourth wrote: "I'm still emotional. I've always admired James Blunt. But the duet just hit me to the core. I'll never forget this song, and this performance. I cried when I heard your name as the winner of American Idol."

A final viewer penned: "This is probably the most emotional, heartfelt performance in American Idol history.

"Iam, your mom and especially your dad are very proud of you."

Choose your content:

11 mins ago
23 hours ago
a day ago
  • Netflix
    11 mins ago

    How woman who faked a pregnancy and killed for a baby hid the truth from her partner

    Taylor Parker's heinous crimes have been revisited in the new Netflix documentary, Maternal Instinct

    Film & TV
  • Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images
    23 hours ago

    This is where E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial cast are now including surprising career changes

    From The Walking Dead to reality TV and wealth management, the stars of Spielberg's 1982 classic have had some wildly different paths

    Film & TV
  • Netflix
    a day ago

    Expert explains why watching erotic TV shows is good for your health with surprising benefits

    Turns out your Rivals binge might be doing more for your body than you'd think

    Film & TV
  • Bi-State Detention Center
    a day ago

    Taylor Parker's chilling death row fate as Netflix documents disturbing pregnancy secret

    Taylor Parker is one of seven women on death row in the US

    Film & TV
  • Where Taylor Hicks is now 20 years on from winning American Idol
  • Jordin Sparks reveals what she really won from American Idol
  • Emily Blunt used real life alien abduction stories to help get into character for new Steven Spielberg film
  • Carrie Underwood gives the perfect response after being booed on American Idol