Iam Tongi’s Emotional Journey from Bullying to Stardom on American Idol

Iam Tongi, one of the Top 8 finalists of American Idol 2023, delivered an emotional performance of “Guardian” by Alanis Morissette on Sunday night. The song, which is about finding strength and protection in oneself and others, resonated with Tongi’s personal story of overcoming challenges and pursuing his dreams. Tongi, who was born in the Philippines and moved to the US when he was 12, shared that he faced discrimination and bullying because of his accent and appearance. He also struggled with his sexuality and identity, and felt alone and misunderstood. He found solace in music, which became his outlet and passion. He auditioned for American Idol to inspire other people who are going through similar struggles and to show them that they are not alone. The judges were moved by Tongi’s performance, which showcased his powerful vocals and heartfelt emotions. Katy Perry praised him for being authentic and vulnerable, and said that he has a “beautiful spirit”. Luke Bryan complimented him for his “incredible tone