Despite singing a beautiful rendition of the “National Anthem” before the MLB’s 2023 All-Star Home Run Derby, Iam Tongi, this season’s beloved American Idol winner, the 18-year-old is apologizing for a slight oversight during his performance.
While everyone at the Seattle Mariner’s T-Mobile Field rose and removed their hats for the singing of the national anthem, the Hawaiian high schooler neglected to take off his cap.
“Tens of thousands of people. I walk out and my uncle reminds me to remove my hat before I start singing. I remember. A few seconds later the nerves took in and didn’t remember until it was all done,” he wrote on Twitter.
In spite of the mishap, most people seemed to brush it off while others quickly accepted his apology, knowing he’d remember the next time.
“You did an amazing job, brought tears to my eyes. I can see the pride you took in singing the anthem. It took just as much nerve to realize you forgot and acknowledge it as it did to stand up in front of all those people and sing. God bless!” one person wrote.
“Nothing wrong with the hat, just keep doing you. The honor came from your heart and voice,” another fan said.
“A beautiful rendition. Brought tears to my eyes. An oversight is different from a purposeful act,” another tweeted.
Removing one’s hat during the performance of the National Anthem is considered a sign of respect.
READ MORE:
- High school’s choir impromptu singing of national anthem at Jefferson Memorial brings crowd to a standstill
- High school football team told National Anthem won’t be played, so they sing it loud
It was extremely mature of Iam Tongi to apologize for accidentally forgetting to take his hat off during his performance of the National Anthem. I have no doubt he won’t forget the next time!
