Backlash over American Idol as Iam Tongi named winner
Viewers of yesterday’s American Idol season finale have slammed the singing show on social media, claiming that the competition was “rigged” in favour of 18-year-old Iam Tongi, who became the youngest male ever to win.
The Hawaiian high school student, who lost his father shortly before his audition, beat out finalists Megan Danielle, 20, and Colin Stough, 18, for the top spot, which left several fans scratching their heads, New York Post reports.
“American Idol is rigged. Colin Stough was the best one out there,” tweeted one angry viewer. “Hawaiian dude that has the best sob story is going to win. American Idol I thought it was about talent?”
“Obviously the sympathy vote fix is in,” snapped another fan, tagging Idol host Ryan Seacrest, 48. “The least talented guy has made it to the finals. You are not the person I thought you were.”
Another viewer vented their frustration by tweeting at the host. “@RyanSeacrest So Ryan I thought American Idol was a singing contest? Any reason why the obviously better singer did not win? Curious.”
The Post contacted Tongi and American Idol for comment.
During the show’s three-hour finale, the young singer wowed both audiences and judges with two showstopping performances.
Tongi brought judge Katy Perry to tears with a moving rendition of Making Memories Of Us originally sung by country star Keith Urban, who mentored the young singer.
In the second half of the show, the high school senior took the stage again with British pop star James Blunt to sing Blunt’s song Monsters, which Tongi dedicated to his father.
Even though Tongi’s historic win was marred by angry fans, the up-and-coming star also had several heartwarming tweets of support.
“Congratulations @wtongi! It was a great season of American Idol, excited to hear more of your music,” tweeted one fan.
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“Congratulations to Hawaii’s own American Idol, Iam Tongi,” tweeted Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green with a photo of the star.
“American Idol got it right. Congratulations Iam Tongi,” wrote a third fan.
This story originally appeared on New York Post and was reproduced with permission
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