Iam Tongi Became The First Pacific Islander To Win "American Idol," And My Polynesian Heart Is Bursting With Pride

The 18-year-old first captured hearts around the world with his audition. Of Tongan, Samoan, and Irish descent, he shared that he was born and raised in Hawai'i but was "priced out of paradise" and living in Seattle. He dedicated the song "Monsters" by James Blunt to his father, Rodney, who passed away just months before. By the end, he had the judges in tears (along with the rest of us!).

ABC / Via youtube.com