Let me begin this little American Idol rant by answering the question I posed in my headline: No, it’s not too soon.
What’s that, you say? “But there are still eight singers left in the competition”? You’re not wrong… but neither am I.
This may be one of the most talented group of Idol finalists in recent memory, but there’s always been something special about Iam Tongi. From the moment he was introduced two months ago (with an audition that has since been watched online by more than 15 million people), we’ve remained under the unassuming 18-year-old’s breezy island spell. And by “we,” I mean me, the judges, the voters — pretty much everybody with two ears and a heart.
If TVLine’s weekly polls are any indication, we might as well drop the confetti on Tongi right now. The charming guitarist regularly tops our polls, typically followed closely by Wé Ani — and that’s a final two I can absolutely get behind. (It should be noted that Megan Danielle and Zachariah Smith are also nipping at their heels.)
Still, I can’t help but envision Tongi standing alone in the spotlight on May 21 when Ryan Seacrest finally reveals the winner of American Idol Season 21.
Scroll down to relive Tongi’s best performances thus far, then cast your vote in the poll below. Do you think Tongi is destined to be named the next American Idol?
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‘Monsters’ (Audition)
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC This James Blunt jam was the perfect introduction to Tongi’s unique style and authentic artistry. Armed with his late father’s guitar, the Hawaiian crooner sang his way right into our hearts, where he has remained ever since.
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‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ (Hollywood Week)
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Tongi was visibly fighting back tears during his performance of this emotional Bonnie Raitt ballad, and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have me cutting onions too.
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‘Don’t Let Go’ (Hawaii)
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Bad news: This was not the En Vogue cover I was expecting. Good news: It was even better! Tongi’s voice fit this Spawnbreezie song perfectly, and getting to watch him perform it on stage in his home state of Hawaii was really special.
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‘The Sound of Silence’ (Final Judgment)
Image Credit: ABC screenshot I’m sorry, Simon and who? Tongi made this folk-rock classic his own, blessing it with his signature sound and churning out a version even more chilling than the original.
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‘The Winner Takes It All’ (Top 20 Reveal)
Image Credit: ABC screenshot I said it two weeks ago, and I’ll say it again: Tongi did more justice to this ABBA ballad than Meryl Streep did in Mamma Mia!, and out-Streeping the GOAT is no easy feat.
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‘Stuck on You’ (Top 12 Reveal)
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Not only did Lionel Richie give Tongi his seal of approval for this cover of his 1983 hit, but as you’ll see towards the beginning of the video above, Tongi also received the blessing of the infamous, iconic Idol fly.
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‘What a Wonderful World’ (Top 8 Reveal)
Image Credit: Courtesy of ABC Tongi’s latest performance was also one of his finest, a gorgeous take on Louis Armstrong’s timeless ode to life itself. Tongi’s voice is pure magic, so pairing it with an equally magical song only enhanced the unforgettable experience.
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