![Iam Tongi Talks Being Rejected From 'American Idol' Before Winning, New Music + More [EXCLUSIVE]](https://www.everythingnash.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/iam-tongi-cma-Kayla-schoen-150x150.jpg)
Iam Tongi was crowned the Season 21 winner of American Idol in 2023. It’s a far cry from his experience on year prior, when he didn’t even make it past the first round. “They wouldn’t even let me audition,” Tongi tells Everything Nash. “They said, ‘Come back next year.’ And I was like, ‘You say that to everyone, probably.’…
Iam Tongi is paying tribute to one of his musical heroes. The latest American Idol winner performed an acoustic cover of Morgan Wallen‘s “Sand In My Boots,” as a tribute to Wallen and his influence on Tongi. “I have immense respect for Morgan Wallen, and ‘Sand in My Boots’ is a song that truly touches my heart.,” Tongi says….
American Idol has a new winner! Iam Tongi has been crowned the Season 21 champion, beating out Megan Danielle, who came in second place, and Colin Stough, who came in third. Prior to his win, Tongi performed his current single, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” which he followed with “Don’t Let Go” after he was declared the winner. He also…
