Iam Tongi Biography
Iam Tongi (William Guy Tongi) is a singer and songwriter who is originally from Kahuku, Hawaii. He is widely known for competing in American Idol season 21 on ABC and being crowned the winner. Tongi has already released original songs that include “Dreams,” “Gone,” and “Time Doesn’t Fly.” He is currently a senior at Decatur High School (Washington). Tongi currently lives in Seattle, Washington.
Iam Tongi Age | Birthday
Born on September 1, 2004, Tongi (William Guy Tongi) is 18 years old (age as of 2022). He celebrates his birthday on the 1st of September each year.
Iam Tongi Hometown
Tongi is originally from Kahuku, Hawaii. He was born and raised in Kahuku, a township in Hawaii. Tongi currently resides in Seattle, Washington, and is a senior student at Decatur High School (Washington).

Iam Tongi Parents
Tongi was born to his parents; Rodney Guy Tongi (father) and Lillie N Rodney Tongi (mother) in Kahuku, Hawaii. His mom, Lillie N Rodney Tongi is from MuʻA, Tongatapu, Tonga. Tongi’s mother moved to Laie, Hawaii in 2003. Tongi’s dad, Rodney Guy Tongi encouraged him to sing when he was younger. Sadly, his dad was diagnosed with kidney disease and in December 2021, he passed away. Moreover, Tongi has three siblings; sisters named Cassandra Alvina Tongi and Leilei Tongi, and a brother named Lerod Tongi.
Iam Tongi Tongi Dad
Tongi is the the son of late Rodney Guy Tongi. His dad, Rodney Tongi always encouraged him to sing from when he was very young. Sadly, Tongi’s dad was diagnosed with kidney disease, and in December 2021, he passed away. While auditioning for American Idol season 21, in 2022, Tongi disclosed that he had lost his dad a couple of months back. He also revealed that it was his dad who introduced him to music. During his audition for American Idol, Tongi sang James Blunt’s “Monster,” a song that Blunt wrote after losing his father.
Iam Tongi Ethnicity
Tongi holds Tongan, Samoan, and Irish descent. He was born and raised in Kahuku, Hawaii. He is an American by nationality.
Iam Tongi Religion
Fans of American Idol have been curious to know Tongi’s religious beliefs. Tongi is a Christian who was born and raised in Kahuku, Hawaii.
Iam Tongi Height
Tongi stands at a height measurement of 5 feet and 8 inches (approximately).
Iam Tongi High School
Tongi went to Kahuku High & Intermediate School. He is currently a senior at Decatur High School (Washington).
Iam Tongi American Idol | Audition
Tongi is one of the contestants of “American Idol” season 21 on ABC. He is a singer and songwriter who is originally from Kahuku, Hawaii, and now living in Seattle, Washington. Tongi has already released several songs which include “Time Doesn’t Fly” and “Dream.” He has also done song covers for popular musicians which he has posted on social media platforms; Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
“American Idol” season 21 premiered on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC. The judges of the season are Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, with Ryan Seacrest as the host.
Tongi sang a rendition of “Monsters” by James Blunt during his audition performance for the “American Idol” season 21. He disclosed that a couple of months before the audition, he had lost his dad. Tongi further revealed it was his dad who introduced him to music. The Hawaiian singer received a standing ovation from the judges who were moved by his emotional audition dedicated to his late dad. Tongi was awarded a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Watch below his audition performance courtesy of YouTube/American Idol
Iam Tongi American Idol Season 21 Top 24
Tongi is among the Top 24 contestants of “American Idol” season 21. On April 17, 2023, his Top 26 audition was aired on ABC. Tongi performed “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie.
Iam Tongi Top 20 of American Idol Season 21
Tongi is one of the contestants to make it to the Top 20 of “American Idol” season 21. On the April 23rd, 2023, episode of American Idol season 21, he was announced to have made it to the Top 20 through America’s vote. To book a place in the Top 12, Tongi wowed the judges, the live audience, and viewers at home with a rendition of ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All.” The Kahuku, Hawaii 18-year-old singer, Tongi received a standing ovation from the audience led by his mom Lillie Rodney Tongi.
Catch the American Idol season 21, April 24th, 2023 episode to find out whether Iam Tongi makes it to the Top 12.
How To Vote for American Idol 2023 Contestants
Voting for American Idol season 21 in 2023 opened on Sunday, April 16, 2023. There are three ways to vote for your favorite contestant and here is how to vote for Tongi
- Text 12 to 𝟮𝟭𝟱𝟮𝟯
- Use the #AmericanIdol App
- Go to https://t.co/zflQXnK76e
Voting opens 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 the show and ends at 9 AM ET / 6 AM PST
Note: You can vote up to 10 times on Each voting method.
Iam Tongi American Idol season 21 Winner
Tongi was crowned the winner of American Idol 2023 on May 21, 2022. Megan Danielle was the runners-up while Colin Stough finished in third place.
American Idol Season 21 Top 20 Contestants
Other contestants who made it to Top 20 of “American Idol” Season 21 are:
- Colin Stough
- Haven Madison
- Michael Williams
- Megan Danielle
- Lucy Love
- Zachariah Smith
- Tyson Venegas
- Nutsa Buzaladze
- Matt Wilson
- Wé Ani McDonald
- Warren Peay
- Oliver Steele
- Olivia Soli
- Paige Anne
- Mariah Faith
- Marybeth Byrd
- Hannah Nicolaisen
- Nailyah Serenity
- Kaeyra
Iam Tongi Instagram
Iam is active on Instagram. His Instagram handle is @wtongi with over 355K followers as of April 2023.