'American Idol' winner Iam Tongi gave a heartwarming performance at his high school graduation

Iam Tongi won American Idol in 2023 and now he has another feather in his cap, as he graduated from Decatur High School in Federal Way, Washington. To mark this milestone, he performed on the auditorium stage, entertaining his fellow classmates on their last day of high school as part of the class of 2023. KITV4 Island News showed how the famous singer and songwriter performed his stunning vocals for the audience in the school. He performed "Don't Let Go" by Spawnbreezie, as per Country Now.

During his momentous day, Tongi took the opportunity to express his heartfelt appreciation to a select few. He started with school staff members and teachers for their guidance and then he thanked his classmates by dedicating his performance to them. He also discussed why he brought this song to the graduation ceremony stage. He said it was the same song that he performed on the "American Idol" stage and it led to his life-changing win. "When I won 'American Idol,' I sang this song as my last song and I want to sing it for you guys, 'cause we're all winners today," he expressed as the crowd cheered for him. He also performed the song at the beginning of the competition with the Top 26 contestants at Hawaii's Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.

He shared some behind-the-scenes of the ceremony on his social media. He was seen standing in line with his classmates as all of them donned their graduation caps and gowns, prepared to go home as high school graduates. Tongi was seen performing at a free event called "19 Takeover" at The Valentine, a musical bar located on Nashville's Lower Broadway.

As for his musical journey, it started with an emotional performance of James Blunt's "Monsters" at the audition for the singing competition show. Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were quick to realize his talent and potential and they granted him a golden ticket. During the show, he discussed how his musical career was a tribute to his late father, who died a few months before he came to the show. Tongi also performed his songs on a guitar gifted by his father. In the final stage of the show, Tongi competed with finalists Megan Danielle and Colin Stough. 

In the finale that included many celebs, he gave a heartfelt performance and won many hearts and, ultimately, the show. He also spoke to Country Now after winning the show and said, "To people that are thinking about auditioning, go do it. You could do it no matter what. Just go do it and just try your best. 'Cause that's what I was thinking, like, 'Oh yeah, what if they don't like me?' And all this stuff. If anything, they might not air your episode."

He joked before taking a more serious tone, "So yeah, just go and do it and whatever happens, happens. Honestly, I wouldn't have won if my mom never signed me up. You know, I didn't want to do it 'cause I didn't want to get embarrassed or anything like that and look at me now, I'm the winner of season 21." What an inspiring journey of gratitude, achievements, and heartfelt music!