Iam Tongi Makes The Judges Cry With "Monsters" And His Emotional Story - American Idol 2023

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Published 2023-02-19
This one’s a tearjerker! Iam lost his dad, Rodney, just a few months ago and says he can still hear him harmonizing with him on every song he sings. Rodney taught Iam music from a very young age and always wanted his son to try out for American Idol. Iam is so emotional in the room that he has trouble starting his song, dedicated to his dad.

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AMERICAN IDOL, the iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre, returns on ABC.

American Idol 2023

Helping to determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy® Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest continues as host of the beloved series, for the historic 21st season.

All Comments (21)
  • @joearias5124
    “I’m not your son, you’re not my father, we’re just two grown men saying goodbye “- just hits me hard…
  • @jerisunderwood6406
    This kid was my neighbor. He, his mom and his sister came to our house and sang to us on our front porch. He came over and he and I sang together while he played that guitar. I remember when his dad passed. It was so sad. I am so happy for him.
  • @zymbotictoot
    I'm a grown ass man looking at a phone sobbing. This kid is amazing.
  • @MrNikes91
    My dad passed on in October 2023. Because of this video, he wanted it to be played at his funeral. A friend of mine performed it and knocked it out the park. Thank you Iam, I will have this memory and video, forever
  • @MrFirstMiddleLast
    That might be the most incredible performance I’ve ever heard. No auto tune, no producers. Just a boy with a guitar, mourning the death of his father.
  • @jesseg1233
    "People thought I cry because I miss him, but its because I hear him singing" what a beautiful statement shows his connection and spirit to the world. Makes you stop and think.
  • @mtlson
    I had exactly the same reaction as Ritchie at 2:49. "We're just two grown men saying goodbye" just hits differently.
  • @SamM-kh2vd
    It's simple. A father and sons bond is like no other.
  • @jpengen
    Some music comes from the mouth.. some music comes from the mind... some music comes from the heart... This man's music comes from the very center of his soul. He didn't just sing a song to audition.... he gave us the privilege to enter his life and see his character, his love to see his father and his hope to secure his future. He didn't just share his music... he gave us a priceless gift. Iam Tongi, thank you.
  • @knowntalmbout
    He sang this for his father. I haven’t cried or shred a tear in almost 7 years. This broke me down.
  • My mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer on November 28, 2023. In that time I have seen her fight for each day and to choose to make each say her best. She is my bestfriend, I cannot imagine what life is going to be without her. We are within the final stages and we don't know how long we have. Each day is a gift and a blessing. This man's story touched a deep part of my soul. That was beautiful. I'll be showing my mom this video. I know she's going to love it.
  • @jseedoubleu
    My dad passed 14 years ago. I still remember hearing my mom's blood curdling scream and i ran out of my room to see her standing at his feet as he was gone. I went through a major depression then I lost my mom 7 years after that and yeah this song just yeah
  • My dad attended the funeral for Iam's dad. Music flows strong through the blood of the Tongi family. Never met you cousin, but I love you and wish you luck!!
  • @bryanfitch8839
    I feel this young man's emotions! I lost my father when I was 21. I'm 54 now, and I've missed him every day! This song and his delivery have me in tears every time I hear it.
  • @anime_weeb436
    "When you love so deeply, you feel so deeply." That's so definitely true Lionel ❤️
  • Dude. This man single handedly made American Idol relevant again. I know I personally didn't even know it was still around until Iam's audition vent viral instantly. Mahalo and congrats to this young man.
  • @marianne7180
    I instantly started sobbing uncontrollably as soon as he started singing. My husband who lost his father a year ago was standing in front of the tv in tears he couldn’t even sit down. The only sound that filled our living room was this man’s beautiful voice and our sniffles. Truly captivated us and the room we were in through the tv. That’s insanely powerful. The gift you have is indescribable.
  • I lost my dad last July after a torturous battle with ALS. Watching the strongest man I knew slowly lose control of all physical aspects in his life absolutely killed my soul. He did have have the final say in finally ending his suffering and while we will miss him so much forever, he was given one final bit of control back to his life. Miss you so much dad.
  • @Derpingtonshere
    Now this, THIS IS TALENT! You can literally feel the emotions in the song. When he dedicates it to his dad he means it. SUCH a beautiful song and sung beautifully by this young gentlemen.