Popular reality competition series American Idol season 21 aired a brand new episode on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC. It documented the Top 8 contestants performing on the stage in front of the judges and live audience. They delivered some of their best performances to impress them as well as viewers at home to earn enough votes and make it to the Top 5 of the competition.
On this week's episode of American Idol, William (Iam) Tongi and Oliver Steele performed a duet as part of the competition. They were received with immense applause from the judges and the audience. Fans loved the duo together. One tweeted:
The hit ABC series has received a fair share of love and criticism over the two dedades that it has been on air. Many former contestants who have appeared on the show have gone on to become successful musicians with a global fan base and sold-out concerts in the country and worldwide.
This week, viewers witnessed a different judging panel than the ones they are used to. As Katy Perry and Lionel Richie were to perform at King Charles III coronation concert, exisiting judge Luke Bryan was accompanied by iconic pop artists Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette as judges.
William (Iam) Tongi and Oliver Steele impressed all with their duet on American Idol
Tonight's episode of American Idol saw the contestants perform in front of the judges and a live audience. The Top 8 contestants - Warren Peay, Haven Madison, Oliver Steele, Colin Stough, We Ani, Megan Danielle, Zachariah Smith, and William Tongi - promised to deliver their best, considering the stiff competition and the fact that only five of them would make it through.
Katy Perry and Lionel Richie gave a glimpse of their time at the coronation concert, and were joined by surprise guests - King Charles III and Queen Camilla themselves. Back at the Idol stage, Luke Bryan was joined by pop legends Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran. Alanis also served as the guest mentor for the week.
While the American Idol contestants performed Alanis' songs, they also had the opportunity to blend in a fellow competitor's style by performing in duets. William (Iam) Tongi and Oliver Steele took to the stage for the first duet performance of the night. Ahead of the same, the two singers reflected on their journey.
The duo chose to sing together during Hollywood Week and impressed the audience. They hoped to do the same on tonight's duet round. For their performance, Iam and Oliver delivered their own rendition of Photograph by Ed Sheeran. Both of them divided their parts and sang in perfect harmony.
Considering they've performed before, the two American Idol contestants seemed more comfortable with each other and breezed through the performance. They received immense applause from the judges and the live audience.
Ed Sheeran expressed that the duo's voices complimented each other and there was a lot of power in their singing. He further said that the performance had gentleness and soulfulness. Alanis Morissette noted that Iam and Oliver's connection was "respectful." Luke Bryan loved their song choice and arrangement.
The American Idol duo also shared their deep friendship with the audience. They bonded over being close to musical fathers.
Fans adore William (Iam) and Oliver's duet performance on American Idol
Fans took to social media to express their love for Iam and Oliver.
Season 21 of American Idol has been a pretty interesting watch so far. As the installment nears its close, the remaining contestants have to pull out their A-game and deliver their best skills to make it to the end. Viewers will have to wait and see who takes the title this year.
Don't forget to tune in to a brand new episode next Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 8 pm ET on ABC.