A new season of American Idol is officially underway, and the contestants’ stories are already pulling at the heartstrings of longtime viewers. But one person’s story especially hit home for judge Luke Bryan to the point of bringing him to tears.
During the premiere episode of the latest season, Iam Tongi came into the audition room to vie for a spot in the Hollywood rounds. Standing in front of Luke, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, the 18-year-old aspiring singer talked about the special bond he’d shared with his father Rodney, who had died recently. After he emotionally told the judges how he still hears his father harmonizing with every song he sings, Iam went on to perform his rendition of James Blunt‘s “Monsters.”
When Iam concluded his audition, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Coupled with his moving story, Luke opened up about his own personal journey with loss. “I cannot handle your heart breaking about your dad,” he said. “Because you know, my nephew lost his dad and he came to live with me … Just seeing you missing your dad, it just sucks.”
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He continued: “Gosh, man, you’ve just got a great voice … You just did everything perfect, and I love you and I just want to see you have fun in this whole thing. It’s just awesome what you just did.”
It wasn’t just Luke who cried while hearing Iam sing his heart out. Fans immediately swarmed social media with their own heartbreaking stories about loss and shared how much they related to the singer’s story.
“I’ve watched this ten times and cried ten times. Not only is this a beautiful story, but it’s a beautiful voice. I could listen to him sing all day,” one person wrote on YouTube. “What a beautiful tribute to his father. Currently laying in bed ugly crying. You sir are going places with a beautiful voice like that. I could listen to it all day!,” another added. “This is the only song that’s ever made me cry. I love my dad so much and I couldn’t imagine losing him. Much love to anyone who has. You can be apart [sic] of my family forever,” a different fan agreed.
Luke has previously been vocal about the loss he endured throughout his life. In 1996, he lost his brother Chris tragically in a car accident. A decade later in 2007, Luke learned his sister Kelly died while she was home with her son Til, who he brought to live with his family.
So, did Iam’s tearjerking audition earn him a spot in the next round? Not only did he make it to Hollywood, he even got a hug from Luke. Better stock up on the tissues for this season!
Editorial Assistant
As the entertainment and news editorial assistant for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.