Body Language Analyst Reacts: Iam Tongi & James Blunt Bring EVERYONE to Tears! American Idol Finale! 

Man I just watched this and the 5 reasons are on point 💙💙🙏🏽

Some people are saying Iam Tongi only won because he got sympathy votes. I call BS! I say Iam Tongi doesn't make us feel sympathy for him, but rather makes us simply FEEL when he sings. He has a voice that conveys feeling and emotion with the lyrics and the music. Not feeling sympathy, but simply feeling!

Additionally. James was soooo nervous. He knew how important this was to Iam. He was struggling to hold himself together. James Blunt has massively impressed me during this

Iam is an empath, and the flip side of his ability to make others feel his emotions when he sings, is that he can also feel others' emotions when they sing. In this performance, Iam was not only flooded with his own emotions about his dad, he was feeling all of James' emotions on top of his own, so it's hardly surprising that the dam broke. Iam has talked about crying his eyes out while listening to this song on the way to visit his father in the hospital, and he said he was trying so hard not to cry in the finale but the minute he heard James's voice he lost it "because his voice just sounds like heartbreak." Imagine being a 17 year old kid listening to James Blunt as your father is dying, and then a year later you're standing on a stage, exceeding your father's wildest dreams by singing that same song WITH James Blunt, in front of a worldwide audience of millions, but without your dad there to see it. I'm amazed he managed to get out a single word.

I honestly felt how difficult it was for James Blunt right away. He knew what was happening and what this meant for Iam and tried to stay strong, but clearly felt so much sympathy and struggled himself. I could tell they both tried to kind of keep their “emotional” distance towards each other at the beginning, however this changed quickly, because James Blunt realized that he had to be there for him. It was so sad and beautiful at the same time. As a former singer, I can tell you, it’s the hardest thing to do to continue singing while crying. For me, impossible. I have mad respect for both of them. Just singing a song that could potentially make you cry is utterly stressful. Hence the nervousness. You just can’t be relaxed knowing you have to keep it together. To watch them both struggle truly made me ache.

James Blunt impressed me so much with his care and concern for Iam during this performance. It was very fatherly. Beautiful and painful. His mother is beaming with pride through her pain. That woman lost her husband but sets aside her pain to support her son. That has to be hard because as a mom it is so painful to see your child suffer. Love JellyRoll!

Two men grieving and mourning together, being as vulnerable as a person can be in public. So powerful

James held it together for both of them in that performance. It was incredible

He won because he brought goose bumps every time. It’s his soul.

I think the line “it’s my turn to chase the monsters away” impacts Iam so much because it’s an acknowledgment that his father is gone. Through out the song he can remember all the time they shared and the lyrics are like reassurance to his father that he will be ok. But once he reaches the end of the chorus, it’s like the end of his goodbye and the reality of him having to move on without his father.

When I watched the performance the first time, for me personally, the moment when James Blunt put his hand on Iam's arm, I found to be so powerful. I felt like James was saying, "It's ok, you're not alone, and you've got this." The emotion in the moment, for some reason, will stay with me forever. I'll never understand the criticism that came at this performance. It was so emotionally charged. Thank you for covering this Spidey, I was hoping you would 😊

James Blunt is PHENOMENAL and so is Iam Tongi. Straight truth! It was pure and amazingly beautiful!

Mom's face I recognize. That sad, yet happy look. I've seen it in parents watching their kids graduate and when leaving them at college for their freshman year. It is bittersweet. There is intense pride & happiness mixed with sadness that your baby is now a grownup.

The voice of James Blunt gave so much emotion that I cried also when Iam broke down.

As you suggested, after watching this video, I first time watched the performance and the thing you didn't point out (very clearly at least) is how hard James Blunt tried not to outshine Iam. His emotions and performance were very active, but he was catching himself in moments when he starts to take the spotlight and he was immediately kind of shouting it down a little. James knew he's a star, and this his song, but he chose to make it Iam's moment as much as he could ❤

There is no better example of what wholesome masculinity looks like than this performance. It shook me to the core. Lost my dad as well. It tells the story of why men need to cry, need to express themselves. These two men tell the story of love for their dads. What can me more wholesome than that.

Oh Jesus. I just watched the audition with zero intention of being moved by it, but I completely lost it and found it almost impossible to finish. That man & that song choice really struck a cord.

This performance was perfectly imperfect . Every note every word every gesture speaks volumes .

James movements are genuine, that's what makes it powerful

I loved how James had so much compassion for him during the performance. Plus singing with the original performer of the song has to be stressful too but this version killed me they were both amazing and made me bawl like a baby and loved it

When Iam went back to Hawaii the week before the finale, he performed “Monsters” in front of a crowd of 14,000 with his family joining him on stage. He struggled to start the song to where his mom put her hand on him in an apparent attempt to comfort him. I’m not surprised he lost it during the finale when he sang it with James Blunt, but I give him a lot of credit for recovering (with Blunt’s help). I don’t think anyone else in that situation would have been able to handle it any better.

Love that gesture of placing his hand on Iam's arm and emphasized it immediately with a fist pump. It's almost like he was exuding strength for Iam to complete the song and also give himself that power because I could sense he was feeling Iam's pain. What an insightful man!

Part of the reason he was able to give in to his emotions. 1. The author of this love song to his daddy is standing beside him. 2. It's safe for him to release because he's not alone. 3. The person standing with him understands his pain and is also walking with him on this journey. There's something powerful about companionship like this that gives you safety and security to be able to let go.

This version broke me. I sobbed loudly. It was absolutely beautiful 🥰😢

Iam went to the stage saying in his mind, don't cry don't cry you're not going to cry. His intterview he stated the moment james started singing in the unique quality tone he has, the tears came. You could visibly see james hand shake holding the mic, but fisted his other hand grounded himself into the stage like nola cyrus adviced another contestant to do during top26 for holding long notes or emotional moments. The support he gave iam was amazing to watch, even though after iam broke he had a few off notes, he picked it back up working into the harmony with james. A very powerful, beautiful moment that i'll never forget!

This performance got to everyone. Even those of us at home. I noticed when the song was over they immediately went to commercial and I thought to myself that the entire crew and staff was crying just like me😪

Best duet ever on American Idol! The humbleness and love these two men have for their Dad's is amazing! IAM, showed us an American idol, like never before! Thank you, America, for getting it right! I'm so proud of these two performer's!

This creator has done an excellent analysis of this performance. Thank you.

Iam is a spiritual person and he was singing his father’s harmonies. Perhaps he could feel his father’s presence and that made the performance even more emotional and meaningful. Thank you Spidey for this analysis, thank you James for this song and thank you Iam for this vulnerable performance. Congratulations on your win. Your dad IS very proud!

Wow. Just wow. Their performance was so emotional. I really can’t believe anyone could criticize it. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to not break down singing a song like this. I’m so happy for Iam now tho. I wish I could give him a hug.

He said in interview after the first audition that He cried because he could hear his father sing and his harmony. I'm sure that Blunt's voice brought that vividly back to him and it crashed him hard. Topping it up with Blunt's powerful and emotional voice he also loved. BTW, he did not just cried at the end during the first audition. He cried before started the song and took a time before he could start the song.

WOW! I got teary eyed just listening to your analysis…so spot on! Having lost my father to stage 4 pancreatic cancer 10 years ago, I felt every emotion Iam displayed while he sang the audition song. I was so moved by the audition that I shared the RU-vid video to my siblings and brother-in-law who lost his father not too long ago. They all responded that it moved them & it made them cry as well. The duet version was as impactful…it moved you and ached for your departed loved ones. Thank-YOU for your sincere analysis 😊

I believe Iam was more emotional this time is because he is hearing the pain in James' voice. He has even said this in subsequent interviews that as soon as he heard James begin to sing, he was totally lost. So beautiful.

I lost my dad almost 7 years ago. This song opens that wound as if it happened right now. That line stating its my turn to chase the monsters away. It is packed with many meanings. Dad is the strong superhero and nothing can beat him. He is our protector in every way possible. But they raise us to one day become that superhero for ourselves and our family. Because one day they wont be here to do it for us. For our father to ever be seen as anything less than mighty and strong and invincible is heartbreaking. But to offer them that same strength and protection that they instilled in us throughout our lives when they need it in their most vulnerable state. Its a moment of pride sadness happiness fear and shame all rolled up into love. They dont ever want us to see them as anything less than our protector even in their last breaths. So it is a moment so charged with love and heartbreak that is is almost devastating . To me this is how it hits. Like a truck to the chest. Its almost magic, that snap that happens in that moment that you know they need YOUR strength. So you push aside the fear and sadness that feels can end your world and push that strength out for them. Because they need you. That switch happens so fast you dont even have the capacity to analyze it until much much later. Your only focus is being what they need.

Also I really appreciate the respect you put on this song, by making the video but especially for not playing the audio to maintain the purity. Huge respect man, Iams journey touched me a lot as I’m sure many others and it impressive of you to have such awareness. 👏

The reasons I feel the emotions hit Iam so much harder in this performance are 1. He’s more comfortable and confident with the environment & the judges 2. He doesn’t have his guitar to separate himself from the audience, or to devote some thought to. He doesn’t have that as any sort of distraction so he has the opportunity to be more immersed into the music and it’s meaning to him 3. He gets a chance to sing with his idol, someone he really looks up to and respects. And how it must feel like a once in a lifetime moment to him. 4. And He can feel James’ emotions too. And 5. This is the end of this amazing journey for him. This amazing accomplishment for him. And the emotion that his father isn’t able to be there in person, to physically experience this moment with him.

He’s so emotional in my opinion cause 1 he’s in the finale of American idol. 2 he’s singing a extremely meaningful song and 3 he’s singing it with the original artist which is a full circle moment. Just my opinion

What a heart-wrenching absolutely beautiful duet this was between 2 amazing musicians with 2 stories to tell. The body language was so touching, it broke my heart. James Blunt is a class act and he read Iam's emotions so well and knew just what to do to carry him through, Blessings to both these fine men and may they both continue to bless all of us with their stories through music.

He was singing a Duet like he did with his own dad. He lacked the guitar his dad wanted him to have at every song in the event. He's singing with the man who wrote the very song that inspired him so much to sing and dedicate to his father. He's also singing this song again knowing very well that everyone knows now why he is singing this song so the entire audience was pulling on him to feel the song like they felt it when they listened to it for the first time. People naturally know true emotion and sincerity and this guy sings songs with such feeling and it moved basically everyone who heard it.

Great analysis👏👏👏 ALSO: IAM mentioned in an interview one of the reasons why he got so emotional and shed tears was besides the fact that James blunts voice pierced his soul it was mainly because iam remembered the words of his father said shortly before he passed which was....’one day your gonna make it big and perform in front of the world and when that day comes, I won’t be here to see it’ so when he was in the finale and then singing with the actual singer/writer of monsters which was the song that got him through the audition...... it was a surreal full circle moment that was now a reality! Regardless if iam won or lost A.I it wouldn’t matter because he’s already become a winner to the hearts of so many who have been truly touched by his beautiful voice and humble spirit ❤❤❤❤

The entire performance was on a knives edge of emotion. You could tell James was extremely nervous but I beleive James was playing the chords with his hand rather than adapting.

I have watched this so much & cried so hard that I wake up with swollen, crusted eyes. Just the most amazing emotional, powerful performance ever. ❤❤❤😭😭😭

There are certain songs that get me everytime. I can't fathom the strength it takes to actually sing through emotional pain. Your throat tightens to the point of not being able to breathe. Bravo to James and Iam.

I'm usually a silent viewer but this one impacted me so much. I think one reason that Iam gets really emotional in this performance in the ''monsters'' line is because he's now at the very end of his American Idol journey, a journey his father wanted him to go on and it doesn't matter if he win it or not at the end because he's already made it. And the fears and anxieties up until that point - ''the monsters'' - are all gone now; Iam has chased them away and his father now has nothing to be afraid of, there are no monsters anymore

I noticed his mom letting tears drop but quickly wiping them and trying to hold it together for her son’s sake. The strength to hold back sadness to be strong for her child. Bless her heart. That moment Iam couldn’t say monster and then looked at James and frowned broke me too. I think the fact that they played the video of his father prior to starting the duet hit Iam. He made it to a big stage, with James, something he dreamed of with his dad, but his dad wasn’t there to see him. The lyrics saying it was his turn, I think Iam felt it personally because he’d rather have his father vs it be his turn. He realized a dream that his father had for him but his dad wasn’t there to see it. Ugh the sadness 😢 I watch the performance over and over. Truly emotional and touching.

Omg!! I got it all Right!! I described the body language as you did! It was very emotional and comforting at the same time! James Blunt was so nervous and sad for Iam at the same moment. He was comforting himself from head to feet. He would sway as well. Neither had a musical instrument. For Iam and James to always have a prop and then sing this song without nothing, & with the man who wrote this song, just brought even more emotions to them both. This was the best and most true performance I have ever seen!! So happy for Iam!!! You honestly tell it was not fake, but wholeheartedly pure.

I thought the performance was absolutely beautiful and so emotional. The support Tongi got from James was absolutely touching , they will always have a connection. ❤

When my sister died from cancer, I went to a grievance counselor and she told me, “tears are showers for the soul.” Every time I feel my soul needs cleansing, I watch this performance or Iam’s original audition. Thank you, love your analysis.

I was hoping you'd do this Spidey! Why do I believe he was more emotional? I have two reasons. 1: He was almost at the end of his American Idol Journey, a journey that his dad wanted him to go on. 2:He was singing with James Blunt, the person who wrote the song that he dedicated to his father.

Another powerful moment is right after James put his hand on Iams arm, he dropped it to the side with a fist. What that says to me is “you’ve got this” and show of strength. LOVED IT

I think the reason it affected Katy Perry more this time, is cause like you said in the first audition video, Katy Perry kept her guard up first, and then let it down when she turned to Luke Bryan after hearing Iam sing was legit. It’s hard to fully enjoy something just right after you let your guard down. But now that she knows Iam’s story, the type of person he is, how much he deserves to be on that stage, and just seeing him break down breaks you down. I can only imagine all the crying people did when they first seen this performance.

I think Iam was more emotional in the latter performance versus his audition because he was overcome with the feeling of pride that his father would have felt to see him on this grand stage. I’m sure he wished his father could be there to see him during this life changing moment. What a gift for the rest of us. Thank you for this honest analysis.

During the Idol process, a lot of videos were posted of Iam dueting with different contestants. He included everyone in the process. It could be because he's just a super friendly guy or that he is more comfortable singing with others, like his Dad or both.

I am thrilled Iam won the competition. First off he is personally beaming with pride of his win. Not having his father present to share his accomplishment and the unbelievable thrill of performing with James. His emotions are all over the board. Very happy for him!

I could imagine this performance being more emotional because in some ways it was his goodbye and send off to his father. His father was with him through the entire competition and he could feel his spirit near. This was a full circle healing moment for him. He will have other moments of remembrance but this was the journey he was longing to have with his father.

I love that you gave an analysis on these heartfelt performances. I never watched AI until this season and it was Iam that pulled me in. I love his genuine and authentic performances. It's truly sad if anyone watched and couldn't feel the emotion communicated. I had never heard Monsters until Iam's audition. It is by far the saddest most beautifully raw song I've ever heard😭So happy Iam won. I think we need more of what's real in life, because at some point we all have to face it. Much love❤

Emotional impact to me is due to 1) Iam's stress and exhaustion of American Idol for past months, 2) performing with James Blunt, 3) has James Blunt support, 4) connection along with the absence of his father and 5) inexperienced young performer. The compassion brings me to tears, in addition I'm emotional due to and not unlike what you see in Iam's mother immense pride and admiration of such talent in both Iam and James. I'm a big fan of James, his song writing and singing. I find him amazing. Iam is coming into his own early in life, and he is just as amazing. His father is quite proud.💝💓🌷🌸🤩😁

I lost my dad when I was 22 yrs old, due to AML (leukemia). I'm now in my early 70s and still miss him very much. When I saw Iam's audition, I have to admit I totally lost it, and I also knew at the very moment that he would win American Idol. I had never experienced such profound feeling during any other Idol experience. I've been a close fan of show since it's beginnings. I have also watched as the talent on the show became better through those years. I still get emotional when thinking about my own father, to this day, and there are a number of songs that will do this to me, like Dance with My Father, but nothing has hit me as hard as "Monsters", especially when sung by Iam Tongi. Watching the duet with James Blunt ripped me apart, especially when James put his hand on Iam. I really enjoyed your videos on this particular subject and I feel that you are dead on with your interpretations. I know, because I felt every one of them.

I can't hold it together watching that performance. This song hits me so hard. I lost my dad to leukemia in 2012 and it was over a year long battle. I was there with him through it to take him to dr visits and all his treatments. Stayed with him to cook for him and just try to make him happy and comfortable. Nothing he did or failed to do as a dad mattered anymore. It was just making sure that in his last days he knew he was loved. I haven't stopped grieving and I never will but I had that time to say goodbye. Iam should be so proud of himself and I know his dad would be.

I was fortunate to watch them sing live at the American Idol, both amazing, Iam was so emotional, i cried too…and I got to high five w him and shake his mom’s hand they’re so humble…I hope they remain that way.

Bigger stage, bigger stakes, bigger dream to meet, bigger expectations to over take and step into from on who was lost and not there to see it, on stage with the creator of the song, singing with him nerves, and he understands & he is the only one who could take over & help. Its a lot!!!!!!

Lillie was so strong throughout the competition. First time I saw her cry. As a widow, I understand the strength needed to be a single parent suddenly. I also felt the urge to comfort Iam. I’d have run onto the stage to hold my son.

Oh man, I was NOT prepared for this. Appareantly I've been living under a rock for the last month and I haven't seen Iam's performances. I also missed your first video on this and, well, I've been sobbing for past hour and half. When you talked about James acknowledging that Iam was feeling this song even more than James ever could... man... have some mercy. Besides that, great analysis, as always. Now, if you don't mind, I'll go crawl under the blanket and continue to cry my eyes out.

I had not heard this song prior to Iam singing it on American Idol. I had thought many of the thoughts that you explained in this narration and agree with all of them. I also appreciate the more in-depth thought that you have had. This song is amazing. I love it. I really enjoyed and Iam’s version. However, when he sang with James Blunt, I was overwhelmed. Thank you for this great video. Thank you James Blunt and Iam Tonge for this experience.

Oooooh! I’m so interested in what you have to say about this. My reading was what an overwhelmingly human experience this was. Raw honest emotion. James Blunt does a beautiful altruistic job of supporting Iam Tongi. So often the big name singer/writer can’t help but take the greater part in a duet. Here James sings supports encourages and facilitates Iam to sing this as well as he can to honour his father. Utterly beautiful interaction between two people. Now let’s seem if you think the same as me 🤣🤣

It’s the finale with a lot of pressure, it’s been a long season and he’s tired, he’s singing with James Blunt, his father is near and yet so far as he is living out his dads wish for him, the song just helps him feel his sadness and drives home that his dad is gone.

I love how sensitive you are as you detail what you are seeing here. I got choked up just listening to you talk about Iam and the others watching. Iam is amazing, a real natural singer/storyteller. His ability to break open hearts is unmatched, in my opinion. A well-deserved win for a very special young man.

I agree, "It's my turn to chase the monsters away." is the hardest line. I've sung this for my father who is 87 and in poor health. My whole life my father has been my biggest cheerleader, the "if-just-one-person-believes-in-you" person. I'm so grateful for him, and I want to show him he taught me well, I can be brave, and he's done his job well. It's also about truly being the adult and not the child. It frequently surprises me that even at 56 years old, my dad is still my dad and there's a bit of a little girl within me still. It gets me every time.

Thank you for sharing how to understand body language. At 79 years of age, a widow, and truly enjoy people. I enjoy learning others opinions and personal experiences BUT I am horrible at recognizing what a person's actions, thoughts, and every message the person says and behaviors. I've been a victim of being abused emotionally and physical because I can Not understand the word vs their actions.. thank you for all your fellow persons who work with you! I am a person who wears my heart on my face, body language etc. I trust everyone, also ADHD, and have been professionally diagnosed with PTSD. Thank you for your patience to teach recognizing body behaviors. I'm trying to "learn to recognize liers, conartist? Fraudulent attacks to take advantage of me. I'm not wanting sympathy! I just need to learn what my actions cause a person to hurt me? Carol k

I paused this video to watch both the audition and the final performance so I was fresh without the analysis with you and I have to tell you that kid is incredible. I think James Blunt is still feeling why he wrote this song as you can tell he still feels the sadness of almost losing his father. Even though he survived, he still had that journey that made him write these lyrics. That line my turn to chase the monsters away broke me, you can feel the heart ache and loss in those words. James blunt is good but Iam brought that story to me and made me feel those emotions. I think he couldn’t hold it for these word because they are more real for him to now be the man his father brought him up to be.

I'm in awe that Iam got to perform the duet with James Blunt. Although, I could watch and listen to Iam's versions of Monsters all day long on repeat. It's so heartfelt and touching as I lost my mom earlier this year too. So, I feel the connection to Iam obviously. My mom also would've absolutely LOVED Iam too

Iam Tongi; my Son, you took the element of "priced out of paradise" completely away. Couldn't happen to a better young man!

Your hair looks fabulous spidey. I hope you're happy with it & it helps you feel good about yourself ❤

Looking good, Spidey! Nice detailed analysis as usual. For those of us who have followed Iamʻs journey from the audition to the finale (and beyond), this full-circle moment with James Blunt himself was devastating. We still cry when we see the audition and the duet in the finale brought buckets of more tears. We had the tissues ready like Katy. This song has such meaning for Iam, I donʻt think he has ever sung it in public "on auto-pilot." (The TikTok or IG videos were before his Dad passed away.) Iam had a hard time beginning to sing "Monsters" at his homecoming concert in Hawaiʻi. He needed support from his mom and sister after trying four or five times to even sing the first note. In this duet with James Blunt, who gave him the gift of this song which started his journey, Iam is finally able to release the emotions that heʻs always tried so hard to hold back. Everyone asks him about the moment when James Blunt reached out to comfort him as he sang, "You can feel my hand on your arm," but Iam has said in an interview that it just made him cry more. Though many people were moved just watching this performance in the finale, to fully appreciate its significance, you have to go back to the audition that started it all and where it has taken Iam on this "crazy" ride, as he says. Weʻre glad you were there with your first analysis. You can see the significance of this moment forJames Blunt as well. (Yes, many people have noted his trembling and intense facial expressions and movements.) Not many people even knew about this song before Iamʻs audition (clearly the judges didnʻt), and this talented singer-songwriter who may be best known for "Youʻre Beautiful" released in 2004, has seen an upsurge in recognition and his career because of the "Iam Effect." If not for Iam singing this song, we all know James Blunt wouldnʻt have been invited to appear on American Idol, and his performance wouldnʻt have been so anticipated and meaningful.

Thank you again for your spot on analysis of that emotionally impactful duet with Iam and James. When our family watched this live it was very clear to see that James was stressed and so emotional that he was doing everything possible to just get through the performance. There was not a dry eye in the house. We love our hometown hero that showed the world what Aloha looks and feels like. Aloha Ke Akua.

I think that the indescribable beauty of love and grief are displayed perfectly in this video and I'm still crying my eyes out . And I am grateful to feel the pain and love shown here.

The original song when Iam sang it I even cried and even when he was up in the stage singing a duet I cried kid has feelings and he shows it

Pausing for my 5 reasons: -No instrument/ dads guitar -he won so he’s extra emotional -moms in the audience -he probably shared stories with James Blunt about their fathers so he sympathizes with him. - his eyes are open so he can see everyone’s real time reaction.

One thing you didn’t mention that I found so touching was after their embrace at the end, James gave Iam a kiss on his neck/cheek. It was clear James was touched by Iam’s emotion and was supporting him through the end of their performance.

2 things I would add to Iam’s emotion during the performance is 1) a shared connection of sadness with Blunt because the song has similar meaning to both of them, and 2) his mama was in the room this time. She understands what the song means more than anyone.

I LOVE your hair!! Wasn't sure what to expect but it looks so natural and I can definitely see the increased confidence you have. So happy for you 😊

I wanted to add 2 other observations: Iam’s tendency to put his hand in his pocket when he has no instrument seems like a pacifier movement. Also, I wished you had also commented on the last moment of the video when the two of them embrace. There is a moment while hugging Iam, James kisses his cheek. James seems like a more reserved person, so for him to kiss Iam’s cheek was to me another powerfully tender moment as when he put his hand on Iam’s arm and emphasized those words of the song to really convey to Iam, “Don’t worry, I am with you. I will carry you through this song.” The kiss on Iam’s cheek to me is even more powerful because he does it in a kind of forceful way, conveying pride like the one that Iam’s mother shows. I feel he is saying, “I know you are grieving so much, but what I want you to know is we are all so proud of you for your courage and I know your father is also so proud of you, young man. You are strong and you are already chasing the monsters away for all of us with your courage and strength.”

That song was very emotional not only for Iam. but for James as well. I think they both remember their individual losses and looking at each other, they're realizing that the other person was as connected to the loss concerning the words of the song as he was so at the end of the song,. You see James hugging IAM for several seconds at the end of the performance. He keeps hugging him. He gives him a kiss on the cheek.I think the reason he did this was both experienced emotionally with their fathers that the relationship between them on stage became immediately. Amplified.

I 100% agree with everything you have said. The talent was so strong on Idol this year but it was Iam's genuine soul along with his talent the had him come away with the winning spot. I lost my Dad when I was 21 back in 1980 & still to this day have that rush of emotion when I think of him. It the price we pay for loving someone so deeply. ♥️

I think Iam lost it for so many reasons, 1. the big finale of this major competition had to already make him emotional even if nothing else was happening. 2. He is wishing his dad was there to see him make it this far 3. He is singing this emotional song WITH the writer/performer of the song… that had to be a crazy sea of emotions

The poetic aspect you mentioned about James writing this song when his dad was going through dialysis and kidney failure, in the belief that he would die, and Iam having lost his dad while James still has his, it goes even deeper because Iam's dad actually died from kidney failure and also went through dialysis, not obviously didn't make it. What James is feeling might be that gosh I'm lucky, gosh it could have been me, gosh how must Iam be feeling. Iam jokingly said in an interview that when James put his hand on his arm he started to cry more, but it was clear to me what you saw too. I too noticed that they didn't show Lionel, I respect that they didn't because he might actually have been a complete mess. Luke's look might be surprise at Iam's strong reaction, in combination with worry that they did that to him and could be possibly not win because of it? Great analysis.

The entire situation is so much bigger than the initial audition. He’s moved so far along into actually realizing his shared dream that he had with his father-a singing career. He’s singing the song with the song’s original artist in front of a huge audience… just to name a few.

I loved that he clasped his arm to show his support, love which I feel gave Iamtongi strength…….was awesome to watch! ❤️

I think he has been on his Idol journey for weeks with little sleep and a lot of hard work and a lot of emotions rise to the surface when you’re tired. He’s also coming towards the end of the competition and it’s a lot of pressure with very little time to rehearse. He’s also performing with a well-known and respected artist whose songs he obviously admires and having to perform that song in a live audience situation with his mom and family there - but not his dad. Everything’s coming together at once creating a tsunami of emotions. The lyrics of the song were just a catalyst to unleash them all.

When I saw this and the emotions from everyone I got emotional too because to me it was a full circle moment. Like look how far he’s come-- but he’s still the same guy, if that makes sense? Like I just love how much growth he has had in such a short amount of time, and I am so grateful we all got to experience this amazing journey of growth with him.

Your analysis was great and many of gestures you identified were consistent with what i saw. James touchung Iam was special and heartfelt. Wow. Thank you.

As an amateur singer/musician, I can attest that my instrument definitely has a soothing effect on me and I feel naked and vulnerable on stage without it.

I haven't watched idol in years so when I saw your first video I wasn't expecting this song. I'd never heard it before. It was a week after my dad died of prostate cancer. I didn't watch the finale so didn't see this performance. It's a month to the day and then this video is posted. The last thing I said to my dad before he couldn't talk anymore was, "I will take care of them. It's ok." He told me to stay strong and 4 days later he left. I'm impressed Iam was as strong as he was because just looking at the body language in this video broke me. I'm not ready to hear the song in its entirety yet but thank you for introducing it to me and thank you for your videos. I now understand where my gut instincts on people comfrom. While I don't recognize it in the moment my brain is seeing what my eyes aren't and reacting accordingly.

I love these videos about real human emotions. The hair turned out beautiful.👍

I think it's also so important to remember how empathetic Iam is. It's why Lionel Ritchie kept telling him he's an incredible storyteller all season long. Iam wasn't just feeling the big emotions of himself and James Blunt, he was awash in the audience's sadness/love for him! So much more overwhelming emotional feedback surrounding them both, versus in the original audition with only the judges and crew. Even as emotional as they all were, in the original, it was a shock to all of them. They didn't know the full context. Now they DO, and so does the rest of the audience. I'd venture to guess that Iam was also feeling the emotions of the family and friends he knew would be watching on TV in Hawaii, that's how empathetic he is.

#1. This is for everything for the win. #2. He has made it this far and probably never thought he could. #3. His Dad isn't alive to see this. #4. He is performing the song with the man that wrote and is thankful for him not only writing it but for being there with him. #5. Realizing just how much he is loved by so many people.

I haven't reacted to a song in this way since Susan Boyle sang "...the tigers come at night and tear your dreams apart." Touches the soul.

I totally agree with your analysis. I think that last line..."It's my turn to chase the Monsters away" He realizes and understands, It's a Big Responsibility in taking care of his mom and family. I think he was feeling surreal that he has made it to the final day of AI and that his father isn't there physically to experience it. Yet, we know he is there spiritually. It was great that Blunt was there to help him thru the song and finish it.

Thank you, Spidey. Your analysis made me cry once again, just like Iam’s audition, and his second performance of the song with James Blunt. How many people could feel such grief with an open heart, with a voice to carry it through? What a blessing to witness this rare gift.

I feel like anyone who has lost a loved one can understand the raw emotions of both Iam and James. Even though James' father is still alive, it doesn't change the real emotion he poured into his song.