American Idol fans defend winner Iam Tongi, 18, after ‘bitter’ troll claims singer ‘will be working at the airport soon’
American Idol fans have come to the defense of this season’s champion Iam Tongi after a troll left a “bitter” comment about his future career prospects.
After a cruel social media user predicted the 18-year-old singer would ‘be working in an airport soon’ after his recent win, many viewers called the hater ‘rude’ and in need of a siesta.
The cynic has been lambasted for writing that winning ABC’s hit singing competition ‘will look good on his CV when he applies to be a host at an airport on a tropical island ‘as he sings while’ handing out leis”.
The mean comment, under the official American Idol Instagram account, garnered more than 70 replies, many of which told the cyberbully to “spread love, not hate.”
“He laughs at you to the bank,” said a fan of Tongi, according to The sunwhile another reminded the troll that there was “still time to delete this”.
Winner: American Idol fans have come to the defense of this season’s champion, Iam Tongi, after a troll left a ‘bitter’ comment about his future career prospects; seen earlier this month
Iam, who is of Tongan and Samoan descent, made history by winning the 21st season of American Idol last Sunday, becoming the first person from Hawaii to win the No. 1 spot.
The latest online discussion of her victory comes after her runner-up Megan Danielle broke her silence on the final, which some viewers said was “rigged”.
When asked if the talent show was rigged, Megan said the New York Post“I would say it’s not just because, you know, I feel like God did all of this for a reason.
“Even if I was first, second, last, whatever…I feel like each of us really deserved it,” she said.
Danielle continued: “I feel like I deserved it and he’s so humble and so talented. And that was his time and I’m just super proud of him.
Some fans upset with the result took to social media, with one writing on Twitter: “American Idol is rigged.” Colin Stough was the best.
Another claimed I won on voter sympathy rather than talent, writing: ‘Clearly the sympathy vote fix is in place.’
With a third simply adding, “I’m so over this fake American idol.”
Jealous of his voice: After a cruel social media user predicted the 18-year-old singer would ‘be working at an airport soon’ after his recent win, many viewers called out the hater for being ‘rude’ and needy of a nap
Defending her friend: Comments come after finalist Megan Danielle broke her silence after last week’s finale was called ‘rigged’ by some viewers
For his final performance, he sang Spawnbreezie’s Don’t Let Go as his family in the audience waved their hands in the air.
Tongi already has a number of connections in the music industry and released a single Dreams in November 2020.
Tongi is a member of the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has openly shared her faith on social media.
Tongi, a native of Hawaii but of Tongan and Samoan descent, claimed victory after defeating finalists Megan Danielle and Colin Stough in the final.
The singer even shared a video of himself singing a Mormon anthem with other American Idol contestants on his Facebook page.
During the finale, a number of major artists also took to the stage, including Kylie Minogue, Pitbull, TLC, James Blunt and Clay Aiken.
Iam took the stage playing his guitar and performed the song for the live studio audience.
When he finished, the crowd chanted his name and the judges gave him a standing ovation.
