Following his recent "American Idol" victory, Iam Tongi performed the national anthem at the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby in Seattle on Monday. However, the performance was marked by a brief oversight: Tongi forgot to remove his hat.

Tongi acknowledged the incident on social media, expressing his apologies. In a YouTube video description, he admitted to nerves, playing before a large crowd, and forgetting to remove his hat. A similar sentiment was shared on Twitter, where he explained that pre-performance jitters led to the lapse in etiquette, despite his uncle's reminder.

Fans responded with overwhelming support, commending his performance and downplaying the hat incident. Many praised his talent and encouraged him, emphasizing that nerves are a common experience. Some even offered practical advice for future performances.

Tongi's "American Idol" journey concluded with a win against finalists Megan Danielle and Colin Stough. He emphasized the strong friendships formed during the competition, crediting his fellow contestants for keeping him grounded. Despite facing accusations of a rigged competition and criticism related to his personal story, Tongi has shown resilience, acknowledging the varied reception to his music and choosing to embrace the commentary.