An 18-year-old with Tongan and Samoan heritage who grew up in Hawaii has been crowned the winner of ABC's American Idol 2023 season.

Iam Tongi, who was previously a resident of Kahuku Hawaii before moving to Seattle in the U.S. three years ago, won Season 21 of the ABC singing competition on Sunday night (Monday Samoa Time). Megan Danielle, 20, of Georgia was runner-up followed by Colin Stough. 

The young Polynesian's audition, when he did a cover of James Blunt's "Monsters" in his audition, is now the most viewed of the season with over 16 million views on YouTube. 

Prior to doing his audition before the Idol judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry, he said he was dedicating the song to his father who died a couple of months before the audition. The young singing sensation reportedly said his father was the reason he got into music with his rendition of the British artist's song bringing both Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to tears.

“You hit a nerve, and that’s what great storytellers do,” Katy said. “That’s what great artists do, and your voice is just so magnificent.”

“I cannot handle your heartbreaking about your dad,” Bryan added. “Just seeing you missing your dad just sucks. Gosh, man, you just got a great voice. ... You just did everything perfect, and I love you.”

“You take this into the world and you’re going to fracture some souls,” Richie said.

According to the Honolulu-based radio station KHON2, Iam is the first Hawaii resident to ever win the American Idol crown after over 17 million votes were submitted by viewers, with most choosing the 18-year-old.

"Cheers erupted after the show aired the huge Kahuku homecoming that happened earlier this week at Turtle Bay and Tongi was the first to make it to the final two," reported KHON2. "After winning American Idol, Tongi’s family and friends took to Kamehameha Highway with their Tongi swag, signs, and flags right after the announcement was made."