Body Language Analyst Reacts: Iam Tongi & James Blunt Bring EVERYONE to Tears! American Idol Finale!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ค. 2023
- When Iam Tongi and James Blunt got on stage at the American Idol season 21 finale they delivered one of the most deeply emotional performances the show has ever seen. Celebrities in the audience like Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Jelly Roll were brought to tears as Iam Tongi, the winner of season 21, barely made it through the song "monsters" written by James Blunt. But what does their body language suggest and what specifically are the audience members feeling towards this performance? Find out now!
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REFERENCES
The Science of Adapters (Pacifiers): • Why Do We Do This Gest...
The facial expression of sadness
www.paulekman.com/universal-e...
Study on the Universal Expression of Pride
www.researchgate.net/publicat...
TIMESTAMPS
03:55 James Blunt Body Language
08:20 How to Tell if a Performer is Nervous
12:40 Why is Iam Tongi More Emotional This Time?
19:45 What Does This Conflicting Expression Mean?
21:09 What is Happening With Luke Bryan & Katy Perry?
24:20 What Are The Right Lyrics?
#bodylanguage #psychology #behavioralpsychology #howtoreadbodylanguage #thebehavioralarts #iamtongi #jamesblunt #americanidol #katyperry #lukebryan - บันเทิง
Man I just watched this and the 5 reasons are on point 💙💙🙏🏽
Iam! Just saw this comment. Thanks so much for watching man. Your journey has been such an inspiration to witness and I’m so glad you got to make your dreams come true. I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more! ❤️ 🤗.
i wish you the best Iam! you’re an amazing singer and such a genuine and lovely person!
@@TheBehavioralArtsWhoa!!!! Speechless. This video was so touching. The way you spoke and the look in your eyes… you analyzed this one with your heart. Shows what amazing people both Iam and James are AND what an amazing person you are to feeling so strongly and deeply about this. Music is the strongest language and makes us all feel and brings us together. I haven’t seen this performance but I’m going rn to find it on TH-cam and watch. As a singer/songwriter, I know firsthand what it’s like to sing with my whole heart and soul in front of a huge audience and try to choke back the tears and push through. I’ve sang at many funerals too, even for my own family (And my own Uncle and Grandaddy). Hardest thing ever. But it was my way of saying thank you, I love you, and goodbye. Whew. Sending so much love to Iam and praying for him and his family. What a beautiful soul!
❤
Like Chris Martin beautifully put when people get Coldplay lyrics wrong… it’s music it’s whatever you want it to be…the internet is full of trolls …but so glad you analyzed this, this was such a beautiful performance & James wrote such a great song! Ps Katie does have Botox
Some people are saying Iam Tongi only won because he got sympathy votes. I call BS! I say Iam Tongi doesn't make us feel sympathy for him, but rather makes us simply FEEL when he sings. He has a voice that conveys feeling and emotion with the lyrics and the music. Not feeling sympathy, but simply feeling!
Very nicely said.
YESSSUH
And toooo many people have been programed and are allowing themselves to still put off being able to truly feel. Being honestly vulnerable and then being able to have real strength with a real foundation creates real actual strength...and it's beautiful
@@nancystasinopoulosjalowiec7668
Then who was LOL
Dear RainyDayz , you are right ! All I saw was a few songs and people just have to be ulgy !
Additionally. James was soooo nervous. He knew how important this was to Iam. He was struggling to hold himself together. James Blunt has massively impressed me during this
Yes, well said .. its what I was wanting to say but you put it far more eloquently than I could 😊
James has been emotional several times while preforming this song. He has found ways to help him make it through the song. He leaned on those methods even more without his instrument.
Whatever is shared is strengthened!
I feel the same!
Yep, James Blunt was endearing and incredible. The critics are immature.
Iam is an empath, and the flip side of his ability to make others feel his emotions when he sings, is that he can also feel others' emotions when they sing. In this performance, Iam was not only flooded with his own emotions about his dad, he was feeling all of James' emotions on top of his own, so it's hardly surprising that the dam broke. Iam has talked about crying his eyes out while listening to this song on the way to visit his father in the hospital, and he said he was trying so hard not to cry in the finale but the minute he heard James's voice he lost it "because his voice just sounds like heartbreak." Imagine being a 17 year old kid listening to James Blunt as your father is dying, and then a year later you're standing on a stage, exceeding your father's wildest dreams by singing that same song WITH James Blunt, in front of a worldwide audience of millions, but without your dad there to see it. I'm amazed he managed to get out a single word.
That makes sense that Iam is an empath. I think it was in the Good Morning American interview, he mentioned that when he was backstage, he told himself he wasn't going to cry. Then he said, when James started singing he could hear the pain in his voice and that is what triggered him to cry.
Spot on!
🎯 Well said!
Exactly Spohie. You speak from my heart. Every word.
Hi sophie..are you speculating that Iam is an impath or is there som info you can point me to? I am continually stunned by his straight forward unself conscious way of relating!! Thank you for your comment!
James Blunt impressed me so much with his care and concern for Iam during this performance. It was very fatherly. Beautiful and painful. His mother is beaming with pride through her pain. That woman lost her husband but sets aside her pain to support her son. That has to be hard because as a mom it is so painful to see your child suffer. Love JellyRoll!
Who is jelly roll?
And he's good looking too!
@@caseslearningtube He's another well know artist. I think he also got his start on American Idol.
Two men grieving and mourning together, being as vulnerable as a person can be in public. So powerful
I believe James blunts father is actually still alive. I think he was able to get a kidney donor. I could be wrong but I am pretty sure I read that.
Yes his father is still alive.
@@leighanncamacho5920 His father IS alive, but every time he performs this song, it dredges up all the old emotions he had when he wrote it; all the fear and grief of impending loss. I've seen him perform this a number of times and his hands are often shaking as he plays the piano. So, here he is, feeling those feelings, singing with someone young enough to be his son, whose dad died of the very same disease that almost killed his own father. I think James was relating very strongly to Iam's grief and grieving with him for Iam's loss of Rodney.
@@leighanncamacho5920 This song saved his father's life. The video was only one take (and the first time his father heard the song) and it went viral. A distant cousin heard the song on the internet and got checked and turned out to be a match. So it saved his father's life. I can imagine it's emotional every time he sings it.
James held it together for both of them in that performance. It was incredible
Great song
he deserves so much credit. this song really only became viral with Iam but few give the credit to James who wrote it in the first place for his dying father (who is alive and healthy now btw after successful kidney transplant after diagnosis with Stage IV)
@@suivzmoi in england they played the original song a lot everywhere considering james blunt is english and a war hero. i guess its just everywhere in the world
I agree!!! James was holding it together because he knew the young singer was over emotional about losing his father!!
He won because he brought goose bumps every time. It’s his soul.
Only the very first Audition
For me when i get goosebumps, is because it is REALLY GOOD.
I haven’t gotten goosebumps in a long time.
I think the line “it’s my turn to chase the monsters away” impacts Iam so much because it’s an acknowledgment that his father is gone. Through out the song he can remember all the time they shared and the lyrics are like reassurance to his father that he will be ok. But once he reaches the end of the chorus, it’s like the end of his goodbye and the reality of him having to move on without his father.
Oh man. Yeah… that makes so much sense 😢
@@TheBehavioralArts The line impacts me the most as well as I remember the events around my father passing. All the responsibility passes to you.
James was struggling to make it thought the song as well.
@@Cuffsmaster I’m so sorry to hear that. God bless you, your family and your late father.
And not only move on without his father, but assume responsibilities that he previously relied on his Dad for.
He now has to step up and chase the monsters away (be the man of the family)
But who will chase away Iam's monsters?
I lost my dad at 17 as well... This performance felt extremely personal to me and my grief I have yet to deal with 21 years later.
When I watched the performance the first time, for me personally, the moment when James Blunt put his hand on Iam's arm, I found to be so powerful. I felt like James was saying, "It's ok, you're not alone, and you've got this." The emotion in the moment, for some reason, will stay with me forever. I'll never understand the criticism that came at this performance. It was so emotionally charged. Thank you for covering this Spidey, I was hoping you would 😊
Having lost my daughter, I totally felt his emotion and celebrate his courage...this had to take so much out of him....God bless. I know his dad feels the love
Thank you for this analysis . I think it's truly amazing how you can break this down and be so professional and compassionate at the same time.
I completely agree. I actually think the critics are experiencing some sort of defence mechanism. It’s so rare to see something so unapologetically vulnerable that it makes certain people uncomfortable because they wouldn’t be able to show that much real emotion in front of millions.
@@TheBehavioralArts because people are comparing the way these two men deliver this performance snd there’s no comparison. Yes the song was emotional but James Blunt has a different voice it’s sharp it has a very strong edge which affects every song he sings tbh I don’t really get emotional listening to him sing this song. Iam’s voice on the other hand is entirely different snd we all know why. People should stop comparing their performances
@@brendalogan6281 God bless you. My condolences on the loss of your daughter Brenda 💕 I hope your good memories of her are stronger and more powerful than your grief. Blessings 🙏
James Blunt is PHENOMENAL and so is Iam Tongi. Straight truth! It was pure and amazingly beautiful!
I honestly felt how difficult it was for James Blunt right away. He knew what was happening and what this meant for Iam and tried to stay strong, but clearly felt so much sympathy and struggled himself. I could tell they both tried to kind of keep their “emotional” distance towards each other at the beginning, however this changed quickly, because James Blunt realized that he had to be there for him. It was so sad and beautiful at the same time. As a former singer, I can tell you, it’s the hardest thing to do to continue singing while crying. For me, impossible. I have mad respect for both of them. Just singing a song that could potentially make you cry is utterly stressful. Hence the nervousness. You just can’t be relaxed knowing you have to keep it together. To watch them both struggle truly made me ache.
I am a trained vocalist. If I start crying during a song, everything starts breaking down. Your voice cracks, it interrupts your breathing, mucus starts to overproduce, it's a mess. I've gotten through it before by just pushing from the gut and belting through the tears, but it still sounds rough. I just end up screaming.
Mom's face I recognize. That sad, yet happy look. I've seen it in parents watching their kids graduate and when leaving them at college for their freshman year. It is bittersweet. There is intense pride & happiness mixed with sadness that your baby is now a grownup.
Wow. Terrific comparison! 👏🏻 👏🏻
That’s the exact same thought I had when he started talking about her, I’ve always considered that to be a proud frown, like when your kids do something that your overwhelmingly proud of but at exact moment you’ve realized they are grown/ing up!
As you suggested, after watching this video, I first time watched the performance and the thing you didn't point out (very clearly at least) is how hard James Blunt tried not to outshine Iam. His emotions and performance were very active, but he was catching himself in moments when he starts to take the spotlight and he was immediately kind of shouting it down a little. James knew he's a star, and this his song, but he chose to make it Iam's moment as much as he could ❤
I definitely felt this
This creator has done an excellent analysis of this performance. Thank you.
There is no better example of what wholesome masculinity looks like than this performance. It shook me to the core. Lost my dad as well. It tells the story of why men need to cry, need to express themselves. These two men tell the story of love for their dads. What can me more wholesome than that.
Glad you liked it. Hush on trying to define what masculinity looks like. You don’t and can’t understand.
Oh Jesus. I just watched the audition with zero intention of being moved by it, but I completely lost it and found it almost impossible to finish. That man & that song choice really struck a cord.
The voice of James Blunt gave so much emotion that I cried also when Iam broke down.
I loved how James had so much compassion for him during the performance. Plus singing with the original performer of the song has to be stressful too but this version killed me they were both amazing and made me bawl like a baby and loved it
James movements are genuine, that's what makes it powerful
This performance was perfectly imperfect . Every note every word every gesture speaks volumes .
When Iam went back to Hawaii the week before the finale, he performed “Monsters” in front of a crowd of 14,000 with his family joining him on stage. He struggled to start the song to where his mom put her hand on him in an apparent attempt to comfort him. I’m not surprised he lost it during the finale when he sang it with James Blunt, but I give him a lot of credit for recovering (with Blunt’s help). I don’t think anyone else in that situation would have been able to handle it any better.
This version broke me. I sobbed loudly. It was absolutely beautiful 🥰😢
The whole performance was just beautiful and touching
Part of the reason he was able to give in to his emotions.
1. The author of this love song to his daddy is standing beside him.
2. It's safe for him to release because he's not alone.
3. The person standing with him understands his pain and is also walking with him on this journey.
There's something powerful about companionship like this that gives you safety and security to be able to let go.
Love that gesture of placing his hand on Iam's arm and emphasized it immediately with a fist pump. It's almost like he was exuding strength for Iam to complete the song and also give himself that power because I could sense he was feeling Iam's pain. What an insightful man!
Iam went to the stage saying in his mind, don't cry don't cry you're not going to cry. His intterview he stated the moment james started singing in the unique quality tone he has, the tears came. You could visibly see james hand shake holding the mic, but fisted his other hand grounded himself into the stage like nola cyrus adviced another contestant to do during top26 for holding long notes or emotional moments. The support he gave iam was amazing to watch, even though after iam broke he had a few off notes, he picked it back up working into the harmony with james. A very powerful, beautiful moment that i'll never forget!
The reasons I feel the emotions hit Iam so much harder in this performance are 1. He’s more comfortable and confident with the environment & the judges
2. He doesn’t have his guitar to separate himself from the audience, or to devote some thought to. He doesn’t have that as any sort of distraction so he has the opportunity to be more immersed into the music and it’s meaning to him
3. He gets a chance to sing with his idol, someone he really looks up to and respects. And how it must feel like a once in a lifetime moment to him.
4. And He can feel James’ emotions too.
And 5. This is the end of this amazing journey for him. This amazing accomplishment for him. And the emotion that his father isn’t able to be there in person, to physically experience this moment with him.
Great analysis👏👏👏
ALSO: IAM mentioned in an interview one of the reasons why he got so emotional and shed tears was besides the fact that James blunts voice pierced his soul it was mainly because iam remembered the words of his father said shortly before he passed which was....’one day your gonna make it big and perform in front of the world and when that day comes, I won’t be here to see it’ so when he was in the finale and then singing with the actual singer/writer of monsters which was the song that got him through the audition...... it was a surreal full circle moment that was now a reality!
Regardless if iam won or lost A.I it wouldn’t matter because he’s already become a winner to the hearts of so many who have been truly touched by his beautiful voice and humble spirit ❤❤❤❤
This performance got to everyone. Even those of us at home. I noticed when the song was over they immediately went to commercial and I thought to myself that the entire crew and staff was crying just like me😪
Iam is a spiritual person and he was singing his father’s harmonies. Perhaps he could feel his father’s presence and that made the performance even more emotional and meaningful.
Thank you Spidey for this analysis, thank you James for this song and thank you Iam for this vulnerable performance. Congratulations on your win. Your dad IS very proud!
Best duet ever on American Idol! The humbleness and love these two men have for their Dad's is amazing! IAM, showed us an American idol, like never before! Thank you, America, for getting it right! I'm so proud of these two performer's!
james blunt is british
He said in interview after the first audition that He cried because he could hear his father sing and his harmony.
I'm sure that Blunt's voice brought that vividly back to him and it crashed him hard. Topping it up with Blunt's powerful and emotional voice he also loved.
BTW, he did not just cried at the end during the first audition. He cried before started the song and took a time before he could start the song.
I believe Iam was more emotional this time is because he is hearing the pain in James' voice. He has even said this in subsequent interviews that as soon as he heard James begin to sing, he was totally lost. So beautiful.
I lost my dad almost 7 years ago. This song opens that wound as if it happened right now. That line stating its my turn to chase the monsters away. It is packed with many meanings. Dad is the strong superhero and nothing can beat him. He is our protector in every way possible. But they raise us to one day become that superhero for ourselves and our family. Because one day they wont be here to do it for us. For our father to ever be seen as anything less than mighty and strong and invincible is heartbreaking. But to offer them that same strength and protection that they instilled in us throughout our lives when they need it in their most vulnerable state. Its a moment of pride sadness happiness fear and shame all rolled up into love. They dont ever want us to see them as anything less than our protector even in their last breaths. So it is a moment so charged with love and heartbreak that is is almost devastating . To me this is how it hits. Like a truck to the chest. Its almost magic, that snap that happens in that moment that you know they need YOUR strength. So you push aside the fear and sadness that feels can end your world and push that strength out for them. Because they need you. That switch happens so fast you dont even have the capacity to analyze it until much much later. Your only focus is being what they need.
Thank you for sharing that incite! I strongly look at many of the lyrics as the person who has passed away. The souls of the loved ones are with us, protecting us, pouring out pure love to us. This love means no judgement, we both made mistakes- our own choices. We both learn n have grown. We will see each other again in the place of pure love. Be at peace, be blessed abundantly. : )
Wow, you certainly described my family's situation. My Dad was the hero and there was nothing he couldn't do. Even though I was his oldest daughter (and favorite kid) he didn't like to admit when his strong hands could no longer turn a wrench or hammer a nail. I never saw him cry often - when his parents and siblings died. But he cried out in pain from the broken back due to a fall. He knew he didn't want to live with that pain. It broke my heart but I never left his side. I held his hands all night and day. We sang songs to him and told stories about the good times. He passed peacefully while I was sitting in the room with him and my niece. I kept the monsters away so the angels could come. I miss him so much. I was so lucky to have a great Dad.
@@darlaavard3318 uuufff….. reading your comment literally took my breath away. It does hurt, I get it. They were bigger than life, they made everything better and never complained. My daddy went missing for 4 days. He was terminally ill with cancer. I flew back home the first day and we hit the ground running searching in every place we could think of. We made sure the news cared enough to cover the search and put his pictures out. We were broken and lost honestly. The worst part was knowing he was already gone because I felt him with me those 4 days. We just needed to get to him and bring him to rest and find out what happened, how, why. My mom was so devastated, she broke down in the ER and her health took a toll. I remember the moment I had to be the strong one and hug her tight, kiss her on the top of her head and tell her, I got you. They both needed me. I needed her to be ok, and I needed to find my dad. A helicopter found his car in the desert. He ran it into a ditch and it appears he got locked out of the car. He passed alone. I dont know if he was scared or in pain. I dont know how Im writing this in a comment section to strangers. I did get to go to him, I got to find him and tell him everything I should’ve when he was alive. And I was lucky enough to lay him to rest. My mom misses her soulmate, but she is the strongest woman I have ever seen, and she is doing good now thank gd. Anyways.. his life was amazing, he was the funniest, most hardworking, loving, honorable and sacrificing man I ever had the privilege of knowing. His death was horrific but his life was full of light and I feel him with me still. Im a lucky gal. This kind of love cant be described in words.. words fall short. Im glad I wrote this very private part of my life even if it is to strangers. Thank you for the space❤️
My father lived with us the last 4 1/2 years of his life and I definitely lived the shift of the relationship. I was the parent at the end. Chasing monsters away. This song kills me! You and James Blunt wrote about that so beautifully! Thank you
Thank you for your post. A truly empathic person.
He was singing a Duet like he did with his own dad.
He lacked the guitar his dad wanted him to have at every song in the event.
He's singing with the man who wrote the very song that inspired him so much to sing and dedicate to his father. He's also singing this song again knowing very well that everyone knows now why he is singing this song so the entire audience was pulling on him to feel the song like they felt it when they listened to it for the first time.
People naturally know true emotion and sincerity and this guy sings songs with such feeling and it moved basically everyone who heard it.
I'm usually a silent viewer but this one impacted me so much. I think one reason that Iam gets really emotional in this performance in the ''monsters'' line is because he's now at the very end of his American Idol journey, a journey his father wanted him to go on and it doesn't matter if he win it or not at the end because he's already made it. And the fears and anxieties up until that point - ''the monsters'' - are all gone now; Iam has chased them away and his father now has nothing to be afraid of, there are no monsters anymore
100% agree that it has to do with it being his last time preforming the song on his amazing journey. His dad would be so proud!
I was hoping you'd do this Spidey!
Why do I believe he was more emotional? I have two reasons.
1: He was almost at the end of his American Idol Journey, a journey that his dad wanted him to go on.
2:He was singing with James Blunt, the person who wrote the song that he dedicated to his father.
Both beautifully worded and great reasoning 😊
And Iam had mentioned making so many friends and how hard it was to see them eliminated. Adam Lambert couldn’t relate to that-only in it for himself. Iam touched so many! No wonder he won!
I really like your hair, Spidey! It’s so much better without going too far. It suits your handsome face. 😊
Agree. I think he was more emotional because he was actually singing with James Blunt.
I noticed his mom letting tears drop but quickly wiping them and trying to hold it together for her son’s sake. The strength to hold back sadness to be strong for her child. Bless her heart. That moment Iam couldn’t say monster and then looked at James and frowned broke me too. I think the fact that they played the video of his father prior to starting the duet hit Iam. He made it to a big stage, with James, something he dreamed of with his dad, but his dad wasn’t there to see him. The lyrics saying it was his turn, I think Iam felt it personally because he’d rather have his father vs it be his turn. He realized a dream that his father had for him but his dad wasn’t there to see it. Ugh the sadness 😢 I watch the performance over and over. Truly emotional and touching.
As a person who lost my mom at age 4, I have to add that when you lose a parent so young you realize you’re not going to get comforting hugs anymore. The world seems scarier and more difficult to navigate and so you realize you have to toughen up even if you don’t feel prepared to do so. Iam, I believe is the youngest of his siblings and probably spent more time with dad. As the youngest, one tends to feel very safe and secure in his parents’ love. So now that Iam has lost his father and at a pivotal time of 18 years old when you are supposed to embark on manhood, the “Chase the monsters away line” takes on more meaning and gravity. This coupled with the other song he dedicated on stage to his mom which talks about his reassurance to her that he will be her guardian from now on conveys Iam’s acknowledgment that he will honor his father and become a strong man to support and honor his mother and to reassure her that he will overcome this adversity and make her proud also. His statement that his family was priced out of paradise also shows his cognizance that being a man also will mean doing his part to assist his family out of poverty. He is thinking of how his father saw that spark in him and that music was Iam’s purpose. Iam is beginning to believe the wisdom of his father’s words and that it truly is his destiny, and that dad knew all along and prepared him for this moment to take the helm and be the shining light for his family. This song is a culminating moment for Iam and therefore much more meaningful and emotional
WOW! I got teary eyed just listening to your analysis…so spot on! Having lost my father to stage 4 pancreatic cancer 10 years ago, I felt every emotion Iam displayed while he sang the audition song. I was so moved by the audition that I shared the TH-cam video to my siblings and brother-in-law who lost his father not too long ago. They all responded that it moved them & it made them cry as well. The duet version was as impactful…it moved you and ached for your departed loved ones. Thank-YOU for your sincere analysis 😊
Also I really appreciate the respect you put on this song, by making the video but especially for not playing the audio to maintain the purity. Huge respect man, Iams journey touched me a lot as I’m sure many others and it impressive of you to have such awareness. 👏
Thanks. It was a tough decision because I had to handle the analysis differently but yeah I’m with you, cutting this up doesn’t do it Justice.
I have watched this so much & cried so hard that I wake up with swollen, crusted eyes. Just the most amazing emotional, powerful performance ever. ❤❤❤😭😭😭
Dammit , I’m crying too but it’s too late I’ll have swollen eyes tomorrow. I guess I’ll be rolling ice cubes on my lids tmrw!
@@lw3808 I have used cucumbers. It actually helps!!!
What a heart-wrenching absolutely beautiful duet this was between 2 amazing musicians with 2 stories to tell. The body language was so touching, it broke my heart. James Blunt is a class act and he read Iam's emotions so well and knew just what to do to carry him through, Blessings to both these fine men and may they both continue to bless all of us with their stories through music.
James Blunt has had personal experience directing people and dealing with emotions while an British Army Officer in a Recon. Unit.
@@Cuffsmaster he sure can tell a story with his songs. Thank you.
@@darlaavard3318 Yeah - James Blunt is a great writer and this was personal to him based on his Dad's health.
When my sister died from cancer, I went to a grievance counselor and she told me, “tears are showers for the soul.” Every time I feel my soul needs cleansing, I watch this performance or Iam’s original audition. Thank you, love your analysis.
I could imagine this performance being more emotional because in some ways it was his goodbye and send off to his father. His father was with him through the entire competition and he could feel his spirit near. This was a full circle healing moment for him. He will have other moments of remembrance but this was the journey he was longing to have with his father.
The entire performance was on a knives edge of emotion. You could tell James was extremely nervous but I beleive James was playing the chords with his hand rather than adapting.
I think James has found a way to stay focused while singing the song on stage. He uses the actions to stay focused and not give way to emotions. A professional in action,
⁰0⁰
@@Cuffsmaster agreed
Omg!! I got it all
Right!! I described the body language as you did! It was very emotional and comforting at the same time! James Blunt was so nervous and sad for Iam at the same moment. He was comforting himself from head to feet. He would sway as well. Neither had a musical instrument. For Iam and James to always have a prop and then sing this song without nothing, & with the man who wrote this song, just brought even more emotions to them both. This was the best and most true performance I have ever seen!! So happy for Iam!!!
You honestly tell it was not fake, but wholeheartedly pure.
I think James went to that place to control his emotions while he sings this deeply personal song. All the movements help him remain focused on completing the song.
@@Cuffsmaster Absolutely!
Oh man, I was NOT prepared for this. Appareantly I've been living under a rock for the last month and I haven't seen Iam's performances. I also missed your first video on this and, well, I've been sobbing for past hour and half. When you talked about James acknowledging that Iam was feeling this song even more than James ever could... man... have some mercy. Besides that, great analysis, as always. Now, if you don't mind, I'll go crawl under the blanket and continue to cry my eyes out.
There are certain songs that get me everytime. I can't fathom the strength it takes to actually sing through emotional pain. Your throat tightens to the point of not being able to breathe. Bravo to James and Iam.
Wow. Just wow. Their performance was so emotional. I really can’t believe anyone could criticize it. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to not break down singing a song like this. I’m so happy for Iam now tho. I wish I could give him a hug.
For those who criticized …I feel sorry for them…if this didn’t touch their heart makes one wonder what would!
Oooooh! I’m so interested in what you have to say about this. My reading was what an overwhelmingly human experience this was. Raw honest emotion. James Blunt does a beautiful altruistic job of supporting Iam Tongi. So often the big name singer/writer can’t help but take the greater part in a duet. Here James sings supports encourages and facilitates Iam to sing this as well as he can to honour his father. Utterly beautiful interaction between two people.
Now let’s seem if you think the same as me 🤣🤣
I thought the performance was absolutely beautiful and so emotional. The support Tongi got from James was absolutely touching , they will always have a connection. ❤
I was fortunate to watch them sing live at the American Idol, both amazing, Iam was so emotional, i cried too…and I got to high five w him and shake his mom’s hand they’re so humble…I hope they remain that way.
He’s so emotional in my opinion cause 1 he’s in the finale of American idol. 2 he’s singing a extremely meaningful song and 3 he’s singing it with the original artist which is a full circle moment. Just my opinion
During the Idol process, a lot of videos were posted of Iam dueting with different contestants. He included everyone in the process. It could be because he's just a super friendly guy or that he is more comfortable singing with others, like his Dad or both.
He was in the show for fun, to make more friends, & for his parents in remembrance of his dad rodney. All his choices held meaning to him & with his parents. The lyrics alone gives insight to his thoughts, how he feels or felt in moments. Judges keep saying song selection is key, iam is a testiment to how very true that advice is because he felt the lyrics every bit as much as the music. That is to me his powerhouse & truest of gifts along with his kind, humble, playful, & happy nature. He's going to be one of those artists who'll become a legend, one well earned & sharing with the world his legacy with rodney his dad, mentor & hero. What a beautiful legacy to live on through generations!
I'm in awe that Iam got to perform the duet with James Blunt. Although, I could watch and listen to
Iam's versions of Monsters all day long on repeat. It's so heartfelt and touching as I lost my mom earlier this year too. So, I feel the connection to Iam obviously. My mom also would've absolutely LOVED Iam too
I love that you gave an analysis on these heartfelt performances. I never watched AI until this season and it was Iam that pulled me in. I love his genuine and authentic performances. It's truly sad if anyone watched and couldn't feel the emotion communicated. I had never heard Monsters until Iam's audition. It is by far the saddest most beautifully raw song I've ever heard😭So happy Iam won. I think we need more of what's real in life, because at some point we all have to face it. Much love❤
I lost my dad when I was 22 yrs old, due to AML (leukemia). I'm now in my early 70s and still miss him very much. When I saw Iam's audition, I have to admit I totally lost it, and I also knew at the very moment that he would win American Idol. I had never experienced such profound feeling during any other Idol experience. I've been a close fan of show since it's beginnings. I have also watched as the talent on the show became better through those years. I still get emotional when thinking about my own father, to this day, and there are a number of songs that will do this to me, like Dance with My Father, but nothing has hit me as hard as "Monsters", especially when sung by Iam Tongi. Watching the duet with James Blunt ripped me apart, especially when James put his hand on Iam. I really enjoyed your videos on this particular subject and I feel that you are dead on with your interpretations. I know, because I felt every one of them.
Another powerful moment is right after James put his hand on Iams arm, he dropped it to the side with a fist. What that says to me is “you’ve got this” and show of strength. LOVED IT
I paused this video to watch both the audition and the final performance so I was fresh without the analysis with you and I have to tell you that kid is incredible. I think James Blunt is still feeling why he wrote this song as you can tell he still feels the sadness of almost losing his father. Even though he survived, he still had that journey that made him write these lyrics. That line my turn to chase the monsters away broke me, you can feel the heart ache and loss in those words. James blunt is good but Iam brought that story to me and made me feel those emotions. I think he couldn’t hold it for these word because they are more real for him to now be the man his father brought him up to be.
I had not heard this song prior to Iam singing it on American Idol. I had thought many of the thoughts that you explained in this narration and agree with all of them. I also appreciate the more in-depth thought that you have had. This song is amazing. I love it. I really enjoyed and Iam’s version. However, when he sang with James Blunt, I was overwhelmed. Thank you for this great video. Thank you James Blunt and Iam Tonge for this experience.
I am thrilled Iam won the competition. First off he is personally beaming with pride of his win. Not having his father present to share his accomplishment and the unbelievable thrill of performing with James. His emotions are all over the board. Very happy for him!
Emotional impact to me is due to 1) Iam's stress and exhaustion of American Idol for past months, 2) performing with James Blunt, 3) has James Blunt support, 4) connection along with the absence of his father and 5) inexperienced young performer. The compassion brings me to tears, in addition I'm emotional due to and not unlike what you see in Iam's mother immense pride and admiration of such talent in both Iam and James. I'm a big fan of James, his song writing and singing. I find him amazing. Iam is coming into his own early in life, and he is just as amazing. His father is quite proud.💝💓🌷🌸🤩😁
I think the reason it affected Katy Perry more this time, is cause like you said in the first audition video, Katy Perry kept her guard up first, and then let it down when she turned to Luke Bryan after hearing Iam sing was legit. It’s hard to fully enjoy something just right after you let your guard down. But now that she knows Iam’s story, the type of person he is, how much he deserves to be on that stage, and just seeing him break down breaks you down. I can only imagine all the crying people did when they first seen this performance.
I think Iam was more emotional in the latter performance versus his audition because he was overcome with the feeling of pride that his father would have felt to see him on this grand stage. I’m sure he wished his father could be there to see him during this life changing moment. What a gift for the rest of us. Thank you for this honest analysis.
Your hair looks fabulous spidey. I hope you're happy with it & it helps you feel good about yourself ❤
Bigger stage, bigger stakes, bigger dream to meet, bigger expectations to over take and step into from on who was lost and not there to see it, on stage with the creator of the song, singing with him nerves, and he understands & he is the only one who could take over & help. Its a lot!!!!!!
Iam Tongi; my Son, you took the element of "priced out of paradise" completely away.
Couldn't happen to a better young man!
I can't hold it together watching that performance. This song hits me so hard. I lost my dad to leukemia in 2012 and it was over a year long battle. I was there with him through it to take him to dr visits and all his treatments. Stayed with him to cook for him and just try to make him happy and comfortable. Nothing he did or failed to do as a dad mattered anymore. It was just making sure that in his last days he knew he was loved. I haven't stopped grieving and I never will but I had that time to say goodbye. Iam should be so proud of himself and I know his dad would be.
I love these videos about real human emotions.
The hair turned out beautiful.👍
It’s the finale with a lot of pressure, it’s been a long season and he’s tired, he’s singing with James Blunt, his father is near and yet so far as he is living out his dads wish for him, the song just helps him feel his sadness and drives home that his dad is gone.
I agree, "It's my turn to chase the monsters away." is the hardest line. I've sung this for my father who is 87 and in poor health. My whole life my father has been my biggest cheerleader, the "if-just-one-person-believes-in-you" person. I'm so grateful for him, and I want to show him he taught me well, I can be brave, and he's done his job well. It's also about truly being the adult and not the child. It frequently surprises me that even at 56 years old, my dad is still my dad and there's a bit of a little girl within me still. It gets me every time.
I love how sensitive you are as you detail what you are seeing here. I got choked up just listening to you talk about Iam and the others watching. Iam is amazing, a real natural singer/storyteller. His ability to break open hearts is unmatched, in my opinion. A well-deserved win for a very special young man.
I LOVE your hair!! Wasn't sure what to expect but it looks so natural and I can definitely see the increased confidence you have. So happy for you 😊
Beautiful video Spidey... i think it might be a sixth reason for Iam emotions: Iam and James "feeds" (i don't know if that's the right word) each other sadness.
We are much more prone to cry out loud, let go our emotions, if the people around us is crying, or we sense they are feeling the same (and with the same intensity) as we are.
And this reason could explain also why James is so emotional. He certainly saw Iam's audition, and i bet my life that James ended up crying too).
I'm so happy that Iam won the contest!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you again for your spot on analysis of that emotionally impactful duet with Iam and James. When our family watched this live it was very clear to see that James was stressed and so emotional that he was doing everything possible to just get through the performance. There was not a dry eye in the house. We love our hometown hero that showed the world what Aloha looks and feels like. Aloha Ke Akua.
I loved that he clasped his arm to show his support, love which I feel gave Iamtongi strength…….was awesome to watch! ❤️
The poetic aspect you mentioned about James writing this song when his dad was going through dialysis and kidney failure, in the belief that he would die, and Iam having lost his dad while James still has his, it goes even deeper because Iam's dad actually died from kidney failure and also went through dialysis, not obviously didn't make it. What James is feeling might be that gosh I'm lucky, gosh it could have been me, gosh how must Iam be feeling.
Iam jokingly said in an interview that when James put his hand on his arm he started to cry more, but it was clear to me what you saw too.
I too noticed that they didn't show Lionel, I respect that they didn't because he might actually have been a complete mess. Luke's look might be surprise at Iam's strong reaction, in combination with worry that they did that to him and could be possibly not win because of it? Great analysis.
I wanted to add 2 other observations: Iam’s tendency to put his hand in his pocket when he has no instrument seems like a pacifier movement. Also, I wished you had also commented on the last moment of the video when the two of them embrace. There is a moment while hugging Iam, James kisses his cheek. James seems like a more reserved person, so for him to kiss Iam’s cheek was to me another powerfully tender moment as when he put his hand on Iam’s arm and emphasized those words of the song to really convey to Iam, “Don’t worry, I am with you. I will carry you through this song.” The kiss on Iam’s cheek to me is even more powerful because he does it in a kind of forceful way, conveying pride like the one that Iam’s mother shows. I feel he is saying, “I know you are grieving so much, but what I want you to know is we are all so proud of you for your courage and I know your father is also so proud of you, young man. You are strong and you are already chasing the monsters away for all of us with your courage and strength.”
I think that the indescribable beauty of love and grief are displayed perfectly in this video and I'm still crying my eyes out . And I am grateful to feel the pain and love shown here.
Thank you for your break down on this. I am of Pacific culture, Maori from New Zealand and for it makes perfect sense to me that Iam is extra emotional with the line 'chase the monsters away'. Down in the Pacific our parents are our hear beat. I agree with the way you unpack your observations.
Oh my goodness the hair transplant looks fabulous! Never seen one turn out so well. Hope it helps you feel more confident in yourself lovely❤
Pausing for my 5 reasons:
-No instrument/ dads guitar
-he won so he’s extra emotional
-moms in the audience
-he probably shared stories with James Blunt about their fathers so he sympathizes with him.
- his eyes are open so he can see everyone’s real time reaction.
At the time of the duet he didn't know he won.
Who is the guy with face tattoo with mom?
@@chiccavaquita
Jason Bradley DeFord, known professionally as Jelly Roll, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his collaborations with Lil Wyte, Struggle Jennings, and Tech N9ne. In 2023, he won three CMT Music Awards for the song "Son of a Sinner".
Wikipedia
I 100% agree with everything you have said. The talent was so strong on Idol this year but it was Iam's genuine soul along with his talent the had him come away with the winning spot. I lost my Dad when I was 21 back in 1980 & still to this day have that rush of emotion when I think of him. It the price we pay for loving someone so deeply. ♥️
One thing you didn’t mention that I found so touching was after their embrace at the end, James gave Iam a kiss on his neck/cheek. It was clear James was touched by Iam’s emotion and was supporting him through the end of their performance.
Looking good, Spidey! Nice detailed analysis as usual.
For those of us who have followed Iamʻs journey from the audition to the finale (and beyond), this full-circle moment with James Blunt himself was devastating. We still cry when we see the audition and the duet in the finale brought buckets of more tears. We had the tissues ready like Katy.
This song has such meaning for Iam, I donʻt think he has ever sung it in public "on auto-pilot." (The TikTok or IG videos were before his Dad passed away.) Iam had a hard time beginning to sing "Monsters" at his homecoming concert in Hawaiʻi. He needed support from his mom and sister after trying four or five times to even sing the first note. In this duet with James Blunt, who gave him the gift of this song which started his journey, Iam is finally able to release the emotions that heʻs always tried so hard to hold back. Everyone asks him about the moment when James Blunt reached out to comfort him as he sang, "You can feel my hand on your arm," but Iam has said in an interview that it just made him cry more. Though many people were moved just watching this performance in the finale, to fully appreciate its significance, you have to go back to the audition that started it all and where it has taken Iam on this "crazy" ride, as he says. Weʻre glad you were there with your first analysis.
You can see the significance of this moment forJames Blunt as well. (Yes, many people have noted his trembling and intense facial expressions and movements.) Not many people even knew about this song before Iamʻs audition (clearly the judges didnʻt), and this talented singer-songwriter who may be best known for "Youʻre Beautiful" released in 2004, has seen an upsurge in recognition and his career because of the "Iam Effect." If not for Iam singing this song, we all know James Blunt wouldnʻt have been invited to appear on American Idol, and his performance wouldnʻt have been so anticipated and meaningful.
Lillie was so strong throughout the competition. First time I saw her cry. As a widow, I understand the strength needed to be a single parent suddenly. I also felt the urge to comfort Iam. I’d have run onto the stage to hold my son.
#1. This is for everything for the win.
#2. He has made it this far and probably never thought he could.
#3. His Dad isn't alive to see this.
#4. He is performing the song with the man that wrote and is thankful for him not only writing it but for being there with him.
#5. Realizing just how much he is loved by so many people.
I think he has been on his Idol journey for weeks with little sleep and a lot of hard work and a lot of emotions rise to the surface when you’re tired. He’s also coming towards the end of the competition and it’s a lot of pressure with very little time to rehearse. He’s also performing with a well-known and respected artist whose songs he obviously admires and having to perform that song in a live audience situation with his mom and family there - but not his dad. Everything’s coming together at once creating a tsunami of emotions. The lyrics of the song were just a catalyst to unleash them all.
Thank you for sharing how to understand body language. At 79 years of age, a widow, and truly enjoy people. I enjoy learning others opinions and personal experiences BUT I am horrible at recognizing what a person's actions, thoughts, and every message the person says and behaviors. I've been a victim of being abused emotionally and physical because I can Not understand the word vs their actions.. thank you for all your fellow persons who work with you! I am a person who wears my heart on my face, body language etc. I trust everyone, also ADHD, and have been professionally diagnosed with PTSD. Thank you for your patience to teach recognizing body behaviors. I'm trying to "learn to recognize liers, conartist? Fraudulent attacks to take advantage of me. I'm not wanting sympathy! I just need to learn what my actions cause a person to hurt me? Carol k
Carol K, I understand and share what you're saying. As an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) myself, it's confusing that people often are not how they seem, they're shiny on top and ugly/nasty underneath. As we do the work to re-parent ourself, learn to love/value/respect ourself, somehow we become more able to read others. We can become our own parent, our own protector.
Best wishes to you on your journey, you're not alone.
You seem very lovely! I'm the same way with showing my emotions. I can't hide them if I tried lol. Which I think is a beautiful way to be but others do take advantage of it and that's too bad.
Carol, you sound like a woman whos lived a full life, well I hope so. I highly recommend Joe Navarros book "what every body is saying" if you want to understand body language, from scams to touches and how we communicate start there my lovely. You sound a bit like myself that way Carol and I had to seek the same help you are. I also have PTSD and ADHD and have been scammed so I had to learn. If we stop learning we give up on ourselves ❤ lots of love and blessings. Nicola from Scotland 🙏
Carol, you sound like a beautiful soul, never stop being YOU! I always tell myself, Jesus knows my heart! You keep loving, but also protecting. Find comfort in knowing that although you have been hurt, you've not hurt others. God Bless You!
Hello Carol. The mind is very powerful. Change your thinking and you change your life. Google Carol Ann Liaros. She is an intuitive and has TH-cam videos on how to protect yourself. You'll see what I mean if you're interested in exploring her videos. And she's authentic.
The original song when Iam sang it I even cried and even when he was up in the stage singing a duet I cried kid has feelings and he shows it
I think it's also so important to remember how empathetic Iam is. It's why Lionel Ritchie kept telling him he's an incredible storyteller all season long. Iam wasn't just feeling the big emotions of himself and James Blunt, he was awash in the audience's sadness/love for him! So much more overwhelming emotional feedback surrounding them both, versus in the original audition with only the judges and crew. Even as emotional as they all were, in the original, it was a shock to all of them. They didn't know the full context. Now they DO, and so does the rest of the audience. I'd venture to guess that Iam was also feeling the emotions of the family and friends he knew would be watching on TV in Hawaii, that's how empathetic he is.
I love your analysis, I think it was two grown men sharing the emotion on that stage , just beautiful.
I totally agree with your analysis. I think that last line..."It's my turn to chase the Monsters away" He realizes and understands, It's a Big Responsibility in taking care of his mom and family. I think he was feeling surreal that he has made it to the final day of AI and that his father isn't there physically to experience it. Yet, we know he is there spiritually. It was great that Blunt was there to help him thru the song and finish it.
Sounds like in the harmony sections Iam Tongi is potentially singing the part that his father would. (James Blunt taking the main line where Iam Tongi would when doing the song with his dad.) Even THAT exchanging of parts could have an emotional impact - it's HIS turn...
Even your analysis video gave me goosebumps. THEN I watched the video. I'm not crying, you're crying.
Thoughts on James' fingers moving (pacifying.) As a piano player, if I'm singing without my instrument, my fingers kind of automatically (muscle-memory?) do their part and more so if I'm nervous. Definitely still pacifying but I just saw a musician who typically has an instrument and their fingers would be moving just doing what the body is used to.
It's what Joe Cocker does too.
This was my post on fb with your link here...... I found this sooooooo fascinating and educational.
I've also had all Iam's songs on repeat ever since. His soul is amazing! And just to get personal and deep for a moment: I can feel my heart healing and soothed by these two men, James' song and Iam's voice which like cuts through and vibrates my soul. Having watched my Mother die who we were so close for each other changed my life forever. Iam is such a warm, open soul. His voice and soul are like butter. I feel like he chases my monsters away. Thank you both!!
I haven't watched idol in years so when I saw your first video I wasn't expecting this song. I'd never heard it before. It was a week after my dad died of prostate cancer. I didn't watch the finale so didn't see this performance. It's a month to the day and then this video is posted. The last thing I said to my dad before he couldn't talk anymore was, "I will take care of them. It's ok." He told me to stay strong and 4 days later he left. I'm impressed Iam was as strong as he was because just looking at the body language in this video broke me. I'm not ready to hear the song in its entirety yet but thank you for introducing it to me and thank you for your videos. I now understand where my gut instincts on people comfrom. While I don't recognize it in the moment my brain is seeing what my eyes aren't and reacting accordingly.
When I saw this and the emotions from everyone I got emotional too because to me it was a full circle moment. Like look how far he’s come-- but he’s still the same guy, if that makes sense? Like I just love how much growth he has had in such a short amount of time, and I am so grateful we all got to experience this amazing journey of growth with him.
you're awesome, man, another gentle soul.
Touching to see how between the pianist and James Blunt holding the song together , expanding the rhythm whilst Iam gets it back
Iam Tongi WON because his VOICE is AMAZING - Rich and Strong and Beautiful
I think Iam lost it for so many reasons, 1. the big finale of this major competition had to already make him emotional even if nothing else was happening. 2. He is wishing his dad was there to see him make it this far 3. He is singing this emotional song WITH the writer/performer of the song… that had to be a crazy sea of emotions