After Iam Tongi Won American Idol, Disappointed Fans Slammed The Show And Claimed It Was Rigged

Fans have been left with a bad taste in their mouths after claiming that the final of American Idol was ‘rigged’ and that ‘the best’ artist was not proclaimed the deserved victor.

Iam Tongi, a Hawaiian-born singer, won the youngest male winner of the annual singing competition at the age of 18.

He defeated fan favorites Colin Stough, 18, and Megan Danielle, 20, to be voted American Idol season 21 champion – but not everyone was delighted.

The singer, who is of Tongan and Samoan descent, was coached by Australia’s Keith Urban, 55, during the course of the ABC show.

Following yesterday’s (Monday, May 22) conclusion, fans took to social media to wonder whether the singing competition was rigged against Tongi’s primary rival, 18-year-old country artist Stough.

“Iam was really good, but so was Colin,” one admirer remarked. Colin would have been the ideal choice for best singer. Are these shows pre-recorded? Apparently.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 19: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan attend ABC’s “American Idol” Finale on May 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

“American Idol is clearly fixed,” remarked another. They’ve been acting as if Iam was already the winner for the majority of the season.”

“I think the winners of American Idol are fixed,” said a third. People with genuine talent do not win.”

Despite some viewers’ outrage, many were happy that Tongi had won the yearly talent event.

“I’m not crying,” one Twitter user said. You’re sobbing. This incredible and extremely talented young man moves my very soul. His spiritual purity is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. More Iam Tongis is what the world needs.”

“Iam Tongi singing Kolohe Kai’s Cool Down is the best thing I’ve seen on American Idol,” a second concurred. Bringing those island vibes to the rest of the world!”

“What I love about Iam is that he stayed consistent and authentic to himself the entire time,” another user said. Humble, big-hearted, talented guy from a family-oriented environment. We are overjoyed.”

Hawaii’s Governor, Josh Green, has also congratulated the new American Idol, saying, “Congratulations to Hawaii’s own American Idol, Iam Tongi!”

During the live final, he sang two songs: a cover of Keith Urban’s Making Memories of Us from 2004, followed by a magnificent rendition of James Blunt’s Monsters.

Tongi was joined on stage by the British singer for his performance of the latter, which he dedicated to his father.

After Iam Tongi Won American Idol, Disappointed Fans Slammed The Show And Claimed It Was Rigged

Fans have been left with a bad taste in their mouths after claiming that the final of American Idol was ‘rigged’ and that ‘the best’ artist was not proclaimed the deserved victor.

Download The Radiant App To Start Watching!