Katy Perry breaks down in tears at American Idol’s live finale after fan-favorite Iam Tongi’s chilling performance
KATY Perry broke down in tears during the American Idol finale and gushed about contestant Iam Tongi’s finale performance.
The Hawaiian singer took the stage to interpret Keith Urban’s song “Making Memories of Us.”
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Before taking american idol I caught up with Keith on stage to talk about his song choices and get some pointers before he went on stage.
He revealed early in their discussion that his late father played one of the Australian country singer’s songs at their home when he was a child.
Keith noted his “emotional connection” to the song and hinted it was the right choice for him.
Iam took the stage with his guitar strapped on and flip flops on his feet.
He delivered a characteristically moving performance that touched quite a few judges emotionally.
Katy Perry cried in her seat while Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan hid their feelings a little better.
After Iam finished singing, Katy opened the jury by saying, “Can I just say something?
“Between you and Megan [Danielle] I had to grab a small handkerchief and fold it into a triangle because every time you come and sing, the vibration that comes out of your mouth goes through people’s hearts and just reaches them.”
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She concluded: “It moves us so much. So when you sing I’m ready to feel baby.”
Both Luke and Lionel revealed in their jury statements that they, too, were close to tears or burst into tears during the performance.
Katy and Luke broke down again when he took the stage for the second time on Sunday.
EMOTIONAL RIDE OF THE ROLLER COASTER
Ahead of the “American Idol” finale, the network released a teaser that caused fans to weep a little themselves.
The clip, posted to the show’s Instagram, captured Iam’s homecoming performance.
The ABC star played his guitar while wearing a lei, also known as a lei, which is given away in Hawaii as a symbol of welcome or farewell.
The caption read, “Flower power and all that aloha.”
“Hawaii has welcomed its hometown hero @wtongi!”
Fans got emotional in the comments section as they watched the singer become a sensation in his hometown.
One fan said: “This is why Hawaii is so unique and special. When you represent our homeland and culture, you have the entire Hawaiian Islands behind you.”
Another fan added, “HAWAII loved having @wtongi back home on the islands!”
“THOUSANDS of people turned out for the parade and concert honoring @wtongi!”
A third fan added, “Mahalo @wtongi for representing HAWAII, your culture, your beliefs and for just being yourself!”
“You are already a WINNER for us! Whatever happens on Sunday, this is just the beginning of many more blessings to come!”
A fourth person wrote: “I can’t stop watching! This is so beautiful!”
“There is nothing that compares. Our community is here! Nothing beats the true Aloha spirit!”
One commenter chimed in, “There might be competition but they don’t have the aloha and mana that I have because this is our boy who can heal this crazy world with his voice.”
“The world came together to take me home.”
ALL ABOUT I AM
The candidate grew up enjoying island life in Hawaii until economic difficulties forced him and his family to relocate.
Tongi and his family packed their bags and headed to Seattle, Washington.
When the American Idol judges asked why he was leaving bright and sunny Hawaii for rainy Seattle, he mentioned that his family was being “pushed out of paradise.”
On May 21, Tongi will compete against Danielle, a 21-year-old Christian singer from Georgia, and Stough, an 18-year-old country artist from Mississippi, in the final episode.
Viewers have already voted Iam the “true winner” of the talent contest show.
During recent Disney night, Tongi honored his late father and sang the song “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens.
After his performance, judge Katy Perry – who dressed up as Elastigirl from The Incredibles – hinted that he could be the next winner.
She teased, “I think that’s in the stars.”
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