Iam Tongi sweeps the American Idol and wins hearts of millions

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Tongan and Samoan singer who grew up in Hawaii has won hearts and minds the world over, including the fervent support of fans across the Pacific region.

In recent weeks the 18-year- old brought viewers to tears with show-stopping covers of What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong and Monsters by James Blunt.

Tongi dedicated Monsters to his late father and was joined on stage by Blunt as he fought back tears.

In the three-hour finale on yesterday evening, Tongi performed an original song, I’ll Be Seeing You, before he was crowned the winner.

On Iam’s facebook page, he posted a message to all his fans “Thank you everyone for voting! Love all you guys!

Thank you so much, yessah blessa never stressa! #idol #idolwinner