BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' runner-up Megan Danielle decided to set the record straight with respect to rumors that the finale fo the ABC reality show "rigged" in favor of Iam Tongi. Tongi, an 18-year-old high school student from Kahuku, was crowned the winner of season 21 with Danielle taking second place and Colin Stough coming in third.
"I would say that it isn't just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a purpose," Danielle said after being asked if the reality show was rigged. "Even if I was first, second, last, whatever … I feel like any of us really deserved it," she further told the New York Post, adding, "I feel like Iam was deserving and he's so humble and so talented. And this was his time and I'm just super proud of him."
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“The least talented guy has made it to the finals
Danielle’s claims came after many frustrated viewers vented on social media, with one stating on Twitter, "American Idol is rigged. Colin Stough was the best one out there. The big Hawaiian dude that has the best sob story is going to win. American Idol, I thought it was about talent." "Obviously the sympathy vote fix is in. The least talented guy has made it to the finals. You are not the person I thought you were," a second user said while another wrote, "So Ryan I thought #AmericanIdol was a singing contest? Any reason why the obviously better singer did not win? Curious...just asking Thank you #AmericanIdol”’.
“I’ve always been about making my people proud”
Tongi—who was born in Hawaii but has Tongan and Samoan ancestry—was named the show's winner and was awarded the grand cash prize of $250,000. He sang Spawnbreezie's ‘Don't Let Go’ while his relatives cheered for him from the audience. Before winning, Tongi already had a name in the music industry with a single 'Dreams' released in November 2020. He recently spoke about what the victory meant for him.
“It’s amazing. I was so happy everyone voted. Thank you to everyone. Now that I’m the Idol of the 21st season, it’s crazy. I’ve always been about making my people proud, my family proud, my dad proud. My culture. It’s so cool I get to be an inspiration to other Polynesians and other people like me. I’m a Polynesian boy, but I love everyone,” Tongi told TV Insider following his win. On what his father would say knowing he won 'American Idol', Tongi said, “I know he would have been happy. I just love him and miss him and know he would be proud.”
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