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Family, friends and fans celebrate after Iam Tongi wins ‘American Idol’ contest

Family, friends and fans celebrated in Hauula after Kahuku-born Iam Tongi won Season 21 of the "American Idol" contest.

By Cindy Ellen Russell

May 21, 2023

Hawaii Photos

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Video by Cindy Ellen Russell
Family, friends and fans celebrate in Hauula after Kahuku-born Iam Tongi wins the American Idol contest.
2/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

(L-R) Aminiasi Tuifua, Maa Taua Paialii-Tuia-Sii and Misi Matagi help unload chairs from a truck for the watch party of American Idol finalist Iam Tongi in Hauula.
3/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Liana Apelu (center) claps after American Idol finalist Iam Tongi performs at a watch party in Hauula.
4/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

People watch American Idol finalist Iam Tongi at a watch party held in Hauula.
5/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Anau Kanongataa (center left), reacts after her nephew, Iam Tongi, is announced as the leader in the final round of the American Idol competition on Sunday, at a watch party in Hauula.
6/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

One and a half year old Nuulelei Tafiti naps in the lap of his father Achilles at the American Idol watch party for Iam Tongi in Hauula.
7/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Kaui Crowell, 9-years-old, looks on as Jade Alalea mans the phones to vote for American Idol finalist Iam Tongi at a watch party held in Hauula.
8/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Maxine Apelu casts her vote for Iam Tongi at a watch party for the American Idol finalist held in Hauula.
9/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Children have front row seats to watch American Idol finalist Iam Tongi in Hauula.
10/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Flags fly at a watch party with family, friends, and fans of American Idol finalist Iam Tongi in Hauula.
11/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Family, friends and fans celebrate along Kamehameha Highway in Hauula after Iam Tongi wins the American Idol contest.
12/12
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CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Family, friends and fans react after Iam Tongi wins the American Idol contest at a watch party held in Hauula.

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