Ree Hines
The Season 21 finale of American Idol is just around the corner, and the anticipation is building as the top three contestants, Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, and Iam Tongi, vie for the prestigious title of the talent competition.
But who will emerge victorious?
While fans have their favorites, and one of the contenders seems to have captured the judges’ hearts, the ultimate winner will only be determined through the final live vote on Sunday, May 21.
However, before the big day arrives, let’s take a closer look at each finalist’s journey.
Colin Stough
Colin Stough, the talented country crooner from Gattman, Mississippi, has come a long way in the competition. When he first introduced himself to viewers, he shared his southern family roots, the challenges he faced due to his absentee father, and the valuable lessons he learned through taming horses. His genuine cowboy backstory, coupled with his love for country music and distinctive twang, resonated with the audience.
His initial performance on American Idol, where he showcased his rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” during the audition, left panelist Luke Bryan acknowledging Stough as an epitome of what the show represents.
Why he might win: Stough’s popularity among fans cannot be ignored. With over 4 million views on YouTube, 128,000 followers on Instagram, and more than 303,500 on TikTok, he has amassed a significant following. Moreover, considering the recent trend of male country singers winning American Idol, Stough’s chances of claiming the victory seem promising. Additionally, he has managed to outlast other strong contenders, further solidifying his position as a front-runner.
Why he might not: While Stough has won the hearts of many viewers, it is evident that he is not the strongest vocalist remaining in the competition. That distinction belongs to Tongi.
Megan Danielle
Megan Danielle, the 20-year-old singer from Douglasville, Georgia, attributes her current musical journey to her late grandfather. Prior to her audition, Danielle shared how her “Paw Paw” questioned her choice of performing in bars, leading her to realize that it wasn’t aligned with her aspirations. Consequently, she transitioned to Christian music, a genre she has showcased throughout her Idol journey.
Why she might win: Danielle’s fusion of country and Christian music has resonated well with the audience. Her growth as a vocalist throughout the competition has been commendable, surpassing her initial performances. Although she may not surpass Stough or Tongi in terms of vocal ability, her improvement cannot be overlooked. With nearly 3 million views on YouTube, close to 89,000 followers on Instagram, and 60,400 followers on TikTok, Danielle has cultivated a dedicated fanbase.
Why she might not: Despite her progress, Danielle falls short in comparison to the competition. The remaining contenders have showcased stronger performances and vocal abilities.
Iam Tongi
Iam Tongi, an 18-year-old high school senior, captivated the judges from the moment his audition began. His heartfelt story of being uprooted from his native Kahuku, Hawaii, to Seattle, Washington, and the recent loss of his father deeply moved both the judges and the audience. Tongi’s soulful, island-style vocals further solidified his position as an early favorite in the competition.
Why he might win: Tongi’s consistent and emotional performances have struck a chord with the viewers. His videos on YouTube have garnered over 32 million views, and he boasts a significant following on social media platforms, with 489,000-plus followers on Instagram and 820,500-plus on TikTok. The judges have consistently praised his talent, with Lionel Richie referring to Tongi as a “phenomenon.” Katy Perry, taking the praise a step further, declared him as the potential next American Idol.
Why he might not: The high praise from Perry could potentially lead to complacency among Tongi’s fans, assuming that victory is guaranteed and diminishing their urgency to vote. Furthermore, the public’s preference for country music may overshadow their appreciation for Tongi’s unique style.
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