American Idol runner-up Megan Danielle claims show was 'rigged' in favor of Iam Tongi

American Idol runner-up Megan Danielle has broken her silence after last week's final was branded 'rigged' by fans in favor of winner Iam Tongi

18-year-old high school student Tongi, from Kahuku, Hawaii , beat finalists Megan Danielle and Colin Stough in the 21st season the hit show.

When asked if the talent show was rigged, Megan told the New York Post : 'I would say that it isn't just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason.

'Even if I was first, second, last, whatever … I feel like any of us really deserved it.

'I feel like Iam was deserving and he's so humble and so talented. And this was his time and I'm just super proud of him.'

Some fans that were upset by the result took to social media, with one writing on Twitter: 'American Idol is rigged. Colin Stough was the best one out there.'

Another claimed Iam won on voters' sympathy rather than talent, writing: 'Obviously the sympathy vote fix is in.'

With a third simply adding: 'I'm so over this rigged American Idol'.

Tongi, who was born in Hawaii but is of Tongan and Samoan heritage, was crowned the winner of the hit show after a nationwide vote.

He performed Don't Let Go by Spawnbreezie as his family in the audience waved their hands in the air.

Tongi already has a number of connections in the music industry and had a single 'Dreams' released in November 2020.

Tongi is a member of the Mormon Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has openly shared his faith on social media.

The singer even shared a video of him singing a Mormon hymn with other American Idol contestants on his Facebook page.

During the finale, a number of major performers also hit the stage, including Kylie Minogue, Pitbull, TLC, James Blunt and Clay Aiken.

Iam took the stage playing his guitar and performed the song for the live studio audience.

When he was finished the crowd chanted his name and the judges gave him a standing ovation.