Guest
The long-awaited finale of American Idol 2023 aired on Sunday, May 21, 2023, and after three hours of thrilling performances, emotional moments and nail-biting suspense, the winner of season 21 was finally revealed. Host Ryan Seacrest announced that the next American Idol is **Iam Tongi**, the 18-year-old high schooler from Kahuku, Hawaii. Tongi beat out the two country crooners, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough, who came in second and third place respectively. Tongi received the most votes from America after delivering three stunning performances during the finale. He sang “Making Memories of Us“ by Keith Urban, “Cool Down“ by Kolohe Kai and his original song “I'll Be Seeing You“, which he co-wrote with producer Ryan Tedder. The judges, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, praised Tongi for his natural talent, charisma and soulful voice. Perry said that Tongi's vibration goes through the hearts of people, Bryan called him a gift from God and Rich
