The wait is over. American Idol crowned its Season 21 winner Sunday night during a spectacular live finale.
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Hawaii native, Iam Tongi, was crowned the 2023 winner of the singing competition, beating out other finale contestants, Colin Stough and Megan Danielle for the title.
Tongi wow'd judges and fans from the very beginning with his audition, where he sang James Blunt's "Monsters." Tongi dedicated he emotional performance to his late father who passed only a couple months before the audition.
The finale brought things full circle for the 18-year-old who took the stage just before the winner was announced to sing "Monsters," again, however this time he was accompanied by Blunt.
Blunt wasn't the only established star to grace the Idol stage for the big finale. In flashy Idol-style the big night was filled with star-studded performances and the return of past contestants from varying seasons.
Performers included Keith Urban, Kylie Minogue, Ellie Goulding, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, TLC, REO Speedwagon, Pitbull, Lil Jon, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard and more.
After taking the title, Tongi sang, "Don't Let Go" as his family, fellow contestants, the judges and audience celebrated his big moment in an island-style sing-along. See the moment below.
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