In an interview with The Coconet TV, Iam Tongi admitted he wasn’t thrilled when he learned his mother had signed him up for a virtual American Idol audition.
He tried it before and failed. He was convinced he’d fail again.
He didn’t, of course.
And Sunday night, fans voted the teen from Kahuku, Hawaii, as the Season 21 winner of American Idol.
Iam beat out runner-up Megan Danielle and third-place finisher Colin Stough in the show’s season finale.
Here’s a photo gallery from his winning night.
Iam Tongi poses with the card announcing him the winner of American Idol Season 21. (ABC Photo)
Keith Urban with Iam Tongi and his mother, Lillie, during a mentoring session on American Idol. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi during rehearsals with American Idol mentor Keith Urban. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi with Keith Urban during their mentoring session on American Idol. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi performs Making Memories of Us on American Idol’s finale Sunday night. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi gestures to the crowd after performing Making Memories of Us on American Idol. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi performs ‘Cool Down’ during the American Idol finale Sunday night. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi enjoys a laugh as the judges deliver feedback following his second performance Sunday night. (ABC Photo)
Colin Stough and Megan Danielle congratulate Iam Tongi on making the top two on American Idol. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle embrace as the Top 2 as Colin Stough is eliminated on American Idol. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi tears up during his performance of Monsters with James Blunt on the American idol season finale. (ABC Photo)
A teary-eyed Iam Tongi performs Monsters with James Blunt on American Idol Sunday night. (ABC Photo)
Ryan Seacrest enjoying a light-hearted moment with the Top 2 of Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle Sunday night. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi sings his new single, I’ll Be Seeing You, during the American Idol finale. (ABC Photo)
Ryan Seacrest names Iam Tongi the American Idol champ Sunday night as Megan Danielle looks on. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi reacts to his American Idol victory Sunday night as he’s congratulated by runner-up Megan Danielle. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi is congratulated by the American Idol Top 12 after winning Season 21 Sunday night. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi poses with Ryan Seacrest, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan after winning American Idol Sunday night. (ABC Photo)
Iam Tongi jokes around backstage after the show, trying on fellow finalist Colin Stough’s cowboy hat. (ABC Photo)
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