Iam Tongi, who won the 21st season of “American Idol” back in May, has issued an apology after he wore a hat while singing the national anthem at the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Monday night.
Iam Tongi belting the national anthem before the Home Run Derby pic.twitter.com/RKb9m7uzfq
— Hawaii Sports Fans (@HIsportsfans) July 11, 2023
Tongi Apologizes
“First try at singing the National Anthem,” Tongi, 18, wrote in the description of a video he posted to YouTube. “So nervous that it was in front of such a huge crowd. And apologize for being so nervous and forgot to take off the hat.”
Check out that video for yourself below.
Tongi later doubled down on this on Twitter.
“Tens of thousands of people,” he wrote. “I walk out and my uncle reminds me to remove my hat before I start singing. I remember. A few seconds later the nerves took in and didn’t remember until it was all done. I will try to do better next time.”
Tens of thousands of people. I walk out and my uncle reminds me to remove my hat before I start singing. I remember. A few seconds later the nerves took in and didn’t remember until it was all done. I will try to do better next time pic.twitter.com/CUbwQXU0js
— Iam Tongi (@wtongi) July 11, 2023
Fox News reported that fans were forgiving of Tongi, despite his major mistake.
“Much respect for your response,” one social media user commented. “More important is you did such an amazing job on the song itself. Great job. Congrats to your accomplishments! You deserve it all. Go get em bro. You were nervous, but you did awesome. Love it.”
“Your rendition was inspiring and beautiful. If you are worried (in the future) just have somebody grab the hat, adjust your outfit. Keep your head high!” another added, with a third writing, “That’s ok. Nerves can get to anyone, at least you remembered the words!”
Check out Tongi’s performances on “American Idol” in the video below.
Related: American Idol Finalist Says It’ll Be An Honor to Perform at White House – It’s About Patriotism
Tongi Fires Back At Haters
After beating out Megan Danielle and Colin Stough for the “American Idol” title back in May, Tongi was met with backlash from many who felt that the show was “rigged.” These naysayers claimed that Tongi only won because of his “sob story,” as he often talked about his father’s 2021 death, even using his guitar during performances.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Colin Stough was robbed, or whatever. And I just love it,’” Tongi previously told Daily Mail.
“‘I just like [the comments], whatever what they say, ’cause you know, [I gotta] let those things happen. I am guilty for liking it,” he continued, referring to pressing “like” on a social media comment. “But look, [my] music’s not for everyone. And I have to learn that the hard way.’”
‘American Idol’ winner Iam Tongi speaks out after ‘rigged’ backlash
Iam Tongi spoke out Monday about his “American Idol” victory after being crowned the youngest male to ever win the competition and how he honored his late father during his time on the show. “It’s amazing,”… pic.twitter.com/uyfi4A6icu
— Dr.LyndaBarnes (@MrsBarnesII) May 23, 2023
Tongi went on to say that he has no plans to “chase after” the people who don’t support him, as he instead wants to focus on those that do.
“I love [my] community coming out and supporting me and showing up [for me], and I’m not going to really chase after fans,” he explained. “I’m going to be myself and do what I love and just have fun while I’m doing it and see whatever happens, happens.”
Watch Tongi’s winning moment in the video below.
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Tongi Working On Album
Tongi concluded by saying that he’s currently working on his first album, which he said will have a “Jack Johnson kind of vibe.”
“I’m working on a lot of new stuff and I’m excited to share with people,” he stated.
I don’t usually post stuff like this, but this is Iam Tongi. He had lost his father just a couple months prior to this audition, and his father always wanted him on AI.
He’s Polynesian and from Hawaii and is now in the top 3 of AI. Would appreciate if y’all vote for him sunday! pic.twitter.com/nOYFKuP6oW
— USOVINNY (@hawaiinguy808) May 17, 2023
While we were disgusted when we initially saw that Tongi had worn his hat while singing the national anthem, it seems that this young man simply made a mistake. Here’s hoping that he learns from this enough that he won’t do it again in the future, and that he always gives the national anthem the respect that it deserves from now on!
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