Silke Jasso
American Idol is starting its new season on Sunday with a premiere episode that promises to be pretty emotionally moving.
Videos by Rare
In an exclusive sneak peek shared with Entertainment Tonight, we get a first look at one of the contestants, Iam Tongi, who has aspirations of making it to Hollywood. As he begins to tell his story to the judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, it becomes pretty clear that his audition holds a deeper significance.
The Hawaii native, who moments earlier was visibly nervous but excited to audition in front of the trio, revealed that his father was his musical mentor and taught him everything he knows.
New Season of American Idol is Coming!
“He’s the reason for all this?” Lionel asked the contestant.
“My dad passed away a couple months ago,” Iam revealed before getting emotional.
When Tongi gathered his composure and resumed his audition, he announced he was going to be singing James Blunt’s 2019 hit, “Monsters,” dedicating the performance to his father.
As Tongi started to strum his guitar and sing, Richie, Perry, and Bryan were all deeply moved by the emotional rendition. Luke was so touched that he even had to wipe away tears.
Following the performance, Richie praised the singer for his heartfelt and sincere delivery of the song. “Young man, you take this into the world and you’re going to fracture some souls. Your dad is very proud,” he told him.
American Idol returns Sunday, February 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
