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

Yeah I agree, that was a tough one.

Agree. My dad and I were best buddies. Being beside his bed at our home with my brothers and mom was hard but humbling. We are all humans and we had to tell him goodbye.

He reminds me of Iz. His voice soothes and moves me at the same time.

i was thinking to myself “this song not too bad” then when he said that line gahhhhdam it hit me 😭😭

Man my dad just past a few days ago from cancer and this song hit me to deep

wow. you must be proud of him wonderful story, wonderful Iam

Wowwww ❤❤❤

That’s awesome, thanks for sharing ❤

Lucky neighbor!

ssnd big 🤗 for IAM......very lovely man

same man, just found this and my laptop got tears everywhere

Me too bro😢

Sobbing?

@@bubbagump1306 sobbing means crying loudly

Same my man ..THE SAME !!!!!!!!

Hopefully he is in peace. My dad is still around so I'ma try to still cherish the moments together

@@Victor-nv2tl make as many memories as possible, take copious amounts of photos and videos. Cheers man, thanks for the message

Wish I had something like this, my father had no funeral 😢

@ronnie7100 I hope you received closure. All we can do is hold onto the memories. The last thing they would want is to see, is us suffer

Sorry for you’re lost Brody 🥺

Phenomenal

I knew that emotion would empower him to perform at 1000%.

Singing a song like this only happens once. The nerves and emotions turn it into something that can't be captured in the studio later.

That was awesome and hurt at the same time. That lil dude just made this grown man cry. I don’t have a dad but I lost my youngest brother in 2010. Death of your best friend who is also blood really sucks man. This kid has a long road ahead but he made it I know his pops is proud!!! Rip to his pops and RIP my lil brother!!!

I prefer the acoustic guitar to the electric. He was awesome.

Awwww !!!

Malo toko

awwwww❤❤

What a beautiful young man with an amazing voice! An awesome tribute to his Dad who I am sure was smiling down at his son from heaven as he sang ❤️

Love this comment 💯

Omg me too. When it started I was like “oh this is a nice little love song” and then my heart dropped when I heard that line.

got a lump in my throat as soon as I heard it

Same

If you have a decent father...

​@adamw7340 decent or not, anyone can be a monster....what you let go of is blaming yourself for it, making yourself accountable for a monster who didn't ever blame himself. Make yourself better than him and then see what happens...still havent achieved the last bit..Will lyk how it goes

@@user-mx8dh3zn2wbeautifully said

Yeah, man.

BIGTIME😓

I have my Father and it still hits hard.

I missss him sooo damnnn much and iam the oldest in the family, have to be strong to keep everyone together but when im alone, i scream…like im trying to scream the pain away from my soul…

Facts, i be damned if my eyes didn't well up when he said were just two grown men saying goodbye

I felt the sameway, he's going to Hollywood, and I hope he makes it deep in the finals. It got me.

Beautiful comment that has put the crazy string and graph of music into readable words and for that I thank u.

🙌🏽

I feel so bad for him 😢

So beautifully worded

im 23, i lost my dad to colon cancer 3 years ago now, this song makes me bawl

I feel sad for you

😢😢😢😢😢

Bang Tara 🤲

Sama bang 🥺

You're damned true ! This pureness just magnificent !

Bangggg 😭😭😭😭😭

Vanggg 😭😭

Love him❤️❤️

Fuck James blunt he never acknowledged him or even his existence

He sure did♥️

James Blunt was my dream man back in the day😁

Underrated songwriter

ill pray for you

@@simenutti3852can you pray for me too? Sorry

Sorry to hear.

Hugs ❤

They are always with you. I’m sorry for your loss. Go kick ass and make them proud.

Same !!!

He honestly sang this better than the original

Bro same I used to watch American idol but it's been over like 5 years since I've watched it but I came up on his video and he made it relevant for me again

Me too! I tuned out years ago but someone told me to watch this & it's just undone me! Can't stop crying. His voice is incredible & he's so young & humble. Wishing him all the best! ❤🎉

ABSOLUTELY 💯%

Shred lol

Listen to the original which was created by james blunt because his dad was dying

❤❤❤❤

Shredding harder than Metallica

Lost my pops Canada Day 2015, this right here has me wiping a few silent tears away myself.

I will pray for you and your mom.

Prayers to your mom!! She deserves the best and is doing her best throughout the process, bless you ❤❤

Wishing you beautiful memories with your mom. My father passed when I was eleven. It doesn't get easier, but rather becomes your new normal. I cherish all the time I had with him and hope you will too. ❤

I'm so sorry

Before my father passed away 2 years ago when I spent time with him I started asking him about his life. His whole life, like every memory he had. And I just listened. It’s some of the best memories I now have. I wish I would have asked sooner. I got to learn so much about him that I never knew.

So sorry for your loss Jacob

God Bless Jacob. I completely relate.

🙏🏼

I totally agree I cried felt him losing my father as well Iam Tongi did that this was my first time hearing this song and it was the perfect song for you you got this LETS GOO

Sorry for your looose

You’re absolutely right!

And notice. The only (modern) woman on the panel did not shed a tear.

@@txbassn7902 i cried

great musicians can often do very much with very little. Be it through feel, beautiful melody work, or emotional connection.

I didn't cry, after losing so many people I have learned to appreciate stuff more. I dont cry because its over, I laugh because it happened. Just remember how lucky we are to have the people we have, enjoy it while it lasts.

Damnit man this can’t be more true😔 Man I miss my dads singing 😔

Beautiful ❤

What a beautiful thing to say. Kid is full of heart.

Thank you you for your correction I appreciate. Learning the language in the country I lived, I guess I always get it wrong . Thank you very much

How about the pronounciation? 😅

It's called 'editing' In terms of the post production with the director & Also in this udeoscase It's the Pacific way

Haha, being a teacher means nothing. I would love to challenge you to a competition to find the true language arts master.

@@MLGB0Yz A. So all of your knowledge got into your head without any teachers? No one taught you how to read and write? B. Why would you think that an English teacher shouldn't make a comment about storytelling? C. It is quite common for ignorant, uneducated people to try and put down people who are educated. Like here, they only succeed in exposing their insecurities, their lack of self-confidence, and their low self-esteem. I feel sorry for you.

Sadly it’s true. Hawaii is like USA’s moneymaker out of greed.. Everything is up for the rich.

That's a song in itself and if the young man sees this? He should pen "Priced outa Paradise"

30,000 locals are moving from Hawaii each year. My 3 grand children moved to Vegas for a better life for them and their children. Local people that don't already have a house in Hawaii, can't afford to buy one now that starts at over half a million dollars on a zero lot(which means 10 feet between you and your neighbor with very little front and back yard. YES, priced out of paradise.

We are all getting priced out. I’m born and raised in Honolulu but my husband and I had to relocate to Arizona where we could actually afford to live

About to be priced out. Lucky enough to be living with family, but that can only last for so long. PSA don’t move to Hawai’i and if you visit pick up your trash and tip well 🙏

Wow

Beautiful words ❤️

TRADUCCIÓN DEL COMENTARIO de @crushingthevector5837 Como músico mayor de 35 años, rara vez le doy una oportunidad a alguien en estos días. Pero, algo en ti me hizo detenerme por un momento y prestarte mi atención. Cuando comenzaste a contar tu historia, escuché aún más de cerca... y luego comenzaste a cantar esta canción. En mis 51 años ha habido tal vez 4 artistas que me hicieron llorar y solo uno que me hizo llorar y no pude parar. ¡¡Ese eras tú!! Independientemente de los resultados de esta competencia, no tengo dudas de que llegarás lejos con tu talento. Tu interpretación de esta canción es muy especial y rezaré para que Dios te traiga el éxito. Entregas un amor que es tan raro en la música en estos días. Mi corazón se rompió durante esta actuación, pero inmediatamente me convertí en fan. Esta canción, sea tuya o no, fue escrita para que la cantes en este momento especial de tu viaje. Realmente te deseo todo lo mejor en tu carrera y en tu vida. Como Veterano lo saludo y como padre le envío mis respetos. Tu padre estaría absolutamente orgulloso y definitivamente está brillando sobre ti. Bravo buen señor. Dios los bendiga.

Those were beautiful words. Thank you for your service sir.

beautiful comment good sir. god bless

Bless you king 💚

I hope you know that it's not ever your fault that he left...❤

True an best part

only becouse his competiton sucked ICK!"

Nyc

Brilliant

Nicc

Nice video

Brilliant

So emotional 💔

You can see when it started too. Around 3:00 once that line drops, Lionel's left hand started shaking and he was like, "oohh" like he recognizes something is happening to his body and soul and it was because of this young man's song.

That’s my reaction when I eat chick fil a for the first time after a few months.

Lionel's reaction was definitely one the highlights of this video. Watching him struggle to keep his composure because of this performance was really something else.

@@jmeyers88 truer words have never been spoken 😂

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. My heart goes out to you & your husband. ❤️

Me too🙏💕

Truly❤

Easy for me to envision this moment. He really did fracture souls with this audition. Best to you both as you try to navigate this season. I mean that. 💛🌈

@@johnmalone1189 Very much agree

WE‼️ love him ❣️ he definitely deserve it 🥲

I am so glad this young man won America idol, he had us in tears last night as he sang monsters. Love Iam’s voice he is going to go far. Congratulations Iam 🎉

@@mar6268 amen 🤞

Amen.. Godbless him

Everyone knows Colin should have won.

EVER

Agree with u

👍👍👍👍👍

Yeah, I said the same thing

Agree

I noticed that one as well. And booom! Tears were flowing like river

this!

like this ?? 🤣😂🤣🤣🤣😂

It was indeed repeated at the final as he sang it with James Blunt. What beautiful gift they gave us all. Life is a gift.

Agree, and I feel like that’s what this show needs to do the America and the world.

You called it!! ❤❤ He sure did win it!!! ❤❤

Yep, could see that weeks ago. What a beautiful voice

Unfortunately she seemed unaffected by the same song that had the other two men in tears.

@@BoswellGary he sang it again with James Blunt in the live show and she absolutely lost it... it's worth a watch! Very moving...

​@BoswellGary some people can hide emotions well when infront of others

@@BoswellGary She was affected, trust me, what you were seeing was just the Botox lmao

@@brianseng4029 LOOOOOOOL, true, she was affected for sure

As a young man who can relate it’s perfect to sum up the feeling to carry the torch and protect and provide for the family.

James blunt is criminally underrated

@@808bboarder yes!!! 🥹😭

The lyrics are great, but the delivery was amazing…

I agree

U said it all

U said it all

Man…. Right in the chest because I had the same realization and want the same, you literally couldn’t have said it better. Word for word, thank you for this comment

@j0epark1 and I thank you for reminding me what to do with my parent. You are absolutely right, we take our parents for granted and never appreciate them enough. I have to change that. Thank you to Iam Tongi too for the great reminder to us all

@@angeloaristondo2475 Thank you as well for taking it to heart! I genuinely felt a huge change in me after listening to the words in this song. I’m disappointed it took me this long to look at things through his lens, because I am not a father just yet, but I’m so glad I found this song to really think about things. My dad is going to get a better and better version of me from now on! Cheers to you and hope you do well too!

❤

❤❤

So am i brother

❤️❤️

ALREADY 💕💕💕

This month in exactly 3 days will be 11 years since my dad passed away just 5 days shy of his 63rd birthday. I miss him every day.

Growing up my dad died when I was only five and can’t remember him but a lot of people said he was a very kind loving policeman in town. Known by the whole town. I can still remember his picture with him in his uniform .This really makes me cry even I’m now 70 yrs.old

I feel this too. Lost my dad 3 yrs ago. Still tough living w/o him and his love. This is soo touching

Watching from Auckland NZ both my parents passed away 13 years ago in Tonga thinking of going back first time to see family's 🙏

Love the comment

You are so right! Iz lives again!

Who's IZ?

@@yoashmo the guy who sang somewhere over the rainbow he passed away a few years ago it’s a beautiful song

If makes it easier was on the film 50 first dates at the end.

@@yoashmo They referred to him as "The Voice of Hawaii". His name was Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, but most called him Bruddah Iz. He passed away in 1997. The man had an incredible voice.

I think it also shows his love for music and the importance of conveying the message through song in a beautiful way.

I think he let the pain go while singing. He felt better as he sings

I know you love her.... but she has to experience me.... she has to... she loves me bro she won't tell you I will. Sorry. #johnnyx100

Lol how do you cry from your arse tho

I cried too then got a text from my brother😢 missing our dad. Then went to look up the song. But he sang this song with ❤. Love his version.

i literally couldn't stop crying....damn!

James Blunt loved this version of his song

I agree! Had a couple of Polynesian friends and they’re all amazing singers

Yessss!!!

Islanders man, Filipinos are all good at singing too.

RIGHTT

I’m aboriginal living in Australia obviously.. I went to high school where 80% of students were Sa and let me tell you.. there was not a lunch break where I wasn’t listening to beautiful music and creative music too. For me that’s a real blessing

Me too. I'm not a crier but he got me.

Thanks to American idol for giving this kid the stage.

Absolutely 💯👍🏼

he sang from his pure soul

I unliked it just to like it again Amazing ❤

This comment is just pure gold. Perfect!

Wow what a comment...I agree 101%

Angelic voice

the best music comes from pain...sad but true

Amen. I am so grateful I had my dad till I was 35. But it still hurts and seeing this young man sing his feels is healing in so many ways. God bless you, young man.

Listen to keep the wolves away - uncle lucious

I will .

@Rap_savy if you like that lyric you gonna love that song. Discovered it the day I drove to the hospital when I had to sign papers to take my pops off life support. Such a great song imo

i will

So true. I miss my dad so much.

Beautiful well said

we need more experiences like this more than ever. You're 100% correct. I'm positive people at odds due to beliefs today would come together and empathize with each other. This performance is probably top 3 I've ever seen. I can't think of another time I was this impacted by a song. Beatiful

It reminded me of my late father

Agree

Its so nice seeing all the positive!! No negative! Not that I could imagine what that could be

very sorry for your loss god bless you 🖤

@@UziGotFame thank you

you can see it hit him hard

4:00 he shaking because he is trying to control his emotions

same, I cried when he mentioned having to leave his land for Seattle

Yeah, aside from losing his dad, the financial struggles. I am praying for Iam's success.

His performance touched me.

Aloha & so true about the daily price we have to pay, job(s) we work to make ends meet, and he represented all people of Hawaii Nei

And what's even worse, is the education system in HI is NOT attached to property taxes. So the children get screwed over that way too.

fr 😔

Getting hit by a truck is not a good feeling. Are you saying the line is as bad as getting hit by a truck?

@@FullmoonEffects89 Bro has too much fullmoon effects on him, u must be really fun at party 🧸

@@aliwiz i dont go to parties 🐻

Lionel felt it hardddd too

my content vids are better than american idol

@@gambalombo It’s really not

I hope your dad rests in peace. You got this and your dad is proud of you

Hugs 🥺

Much love my friend.

You should see Janes Blunt sing it.

Same idc how many times I watch this I cry every time

A lot of sons don't have respect for their fathers because their fathers are absent. Lots of black people don't have fathers. Their mothers had sperms donors. The women slept with men without protection and without any moral compass. The men came and went like they would do at the red light district.

Man my wife and I plan on trying for a child soon and I always find my way back here. lol This video makes me cry like a damn baby.

Same here bro. This video pops in my feed every few months and it does it to me as well every time.

Same

Wow. Good catch. I got chills replaying that and I believe he was there by his side like always

I noticed that too

I've watched that same apart about 100x glad I'm not the only person who noticed such a sad but beautiful moment 🙏❤️ God bless this kid .

And the judges noticed it and felt it too

The amount of times I’ve watched this I never realized that. I’m from hawaii and this will always stick with me because so many of us even at his age and younger have lost a parent so I know it hits all of us back home

Agree. A healing word or song is worth more than gold.

Much love from your Samoan brothers. Tokouso

@@kenetileilua5715 he actually half Samoan but we are all one

Hawaii and the Polynesian culture has knocked it out of the park with Iam Tongi here.

The can also wrestle. #Bloodline

It's an overlooked culture in America which is a shame. They bring so much talent and should be showcased more. I think you're starting to see that more lately, though. So that's good.

@@Corina_June_Cunningham stolen land. It shouldn’t really be considered part of America. Especially since the people that created that culture and grew up there are being kicked out by billionaires, soon it’ll just be a bunch of islands owned by CEO’s

​@@Corina_June_Cunningham Ah, but he can do it! I have heard him sing in person and he can sing even better!

but not everyone had a good father

@@thomasfookinshelby5206 Don't ruin it bro that obvious and not anyone has a great mom. Anyone can be a dad but not everyone can be a father.

ok

I agree with you sir. Its been a long time since i cried like this feeling like theres something stuck in my throat.... But man i cant stop feeling so much emotions from his story and his song.

😭😭😭 I’m crying!!

I'm sorry for your pain, Brother. My Dad died in 2001. I miss him with all of my heart and this song tears me to pieces, but I promise you it gets better. I love you, bro. Hang in there.

😭😭😭

He's with you even now partner, love cannot be broken and he is present in all your actions and all the ripples that move out from you in this world.

RIP to your father Bobby. 🙏

More than Hawaii. We’re all here.

Iam is a wonderful example of what's right with this show. So happy for him to have lived and loved in paradise on earth.

@@sonnymartone6759 No kidding. 😭😭😭😭😭

For real ❤ we’re one family

Yessah!!! 🤙🏾🙏🏽❤️

That’s amazing. I agree. This is one of the most beautiful performances I’ve ever heard.

go watch james blunts video for it too🥲

You and me both brother.. This performance is on repeat in my car

Agreed!! I’ve watched about 20 times and each time I cry. So raw and moving ❤️😞

Agree. Music is so amazing, it tells us stories and remind us the feelings we have within ourselves. Much Aloha brother. ❤️

Most definitely

Amen.. He is the winner now of American idol 2023..

I wouldn’t say that, but I definitely balled my eyeballs out listening to & watching this…