‘American Idol’ fans claim competition ‘rigged’ as Iam Tongi named winner
The competition ended on a flat note.
Viewers of Sunday’s “American Idol” season finale slammed the singing show on social media, claiming that the competition was “rigged” in favor of 18-year-old Iam Tongi, who became the youngest male ever to win the reality show.
The Hawaiian high school student, who lost his father shortly before his audition, beat out finalists Megan Danielle, 20, and Colin Stough, 18, for the top spot, which left several fans scratching their heads.
“‘American Idol’ is rigged. Colin Stough was the best one out there,” tweeted one angry viewer. “Big Hawaiian dude that has the best sob story is going to win. ‘American Idol’ I thought it was about talent?”
“Obviously the sympathy vote fix is in,” snapped another fan, tagging “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, 48. “The least talented guy has made it to the finals. You are not the person I thought you were.”
Iam Tongi, 18, became the youngest male ever to win the reality show. Barry Maier/ MEGA
Another viewer vented their frustration by tweeting at the host. “@RyanSeacrest So Ryan I thought #AmericanIdol was a singing contest? Any reason why the obviously better singer did not win? Curious … just asking Thank you.”
The Post reached out to Tongi and “American Idol” for comment.
During the show’s three-hour finale, the young singer wowed both audiences and judges with two showstopping performances.
“‘American Idol’ is rigged. Colin Stough (pictured) was the best one out there,” tweeted one angry viewer. “Big Hawaiian dude that has the best sob story is going to win. ‘American Idol’ I thought it was about talent?” Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images
During the show’s three-hour finale, the young singer (in pink) wowed both audiences and judges with two showstopping performances. ABC via Getty Images
Katy Perry (center) and her co-judges, Lionel Richie (left) and Luke Bryan, were brought to tears by Tongi’s moving rendition of “Making Memories of Us” originally sung by country star Keith Urban. ABC
Tongi brought judge Katy Perry — who was trolled online for her orange sheer dress — to tears with a moving rendition of “Making Memories of Us” originally sung by country star Keith Urban, who mentored the young singer.
In the second half of the show, the high school senior took the stage again with British pop star James Blunt to sing Blunt’s song “Monsters,” which Tongi dedicated to his father.
Even though Tongi’s historic win was marred by angry fans, the up-and-coming star also had several heartwarming tweets of support.
“Congratulations @wtongi! It was a great season of #AmericanIdol, excited to hear more of your music,” tweeted one fan.
The Hawaiian high school student, who lost his father shortly before his audition, beat out finalist Megan Danielle, 20, for the top spot, which left several fans scratching their heads. ABC
“Congratulations to Hawai’i’s own American Idol, Iam Tongi,” tweeted Hawaii’s Gov. Josh Green with a photo of the star.
“American Idol got it right. Congratulations Iam Tongi,” declared a third fan.
Source: New York Post
