American Idol’ contestant Kyana Fanene delivered an “extremely emotional” performance of Stan Walker’s powerful track 'I AM' - and it’s captured the attention of the singer himself.
During the episode, Fanene, who’s made it to the Top 24, opened up about reconnecting with her Polynesian heritage and the journey that’s led her to this moment.
“My father, who is Polynesian, kind of walked out of my life, and the hurt from that made me drift away from my Polynesian side,” she shared.
“It wasn’t until about two years ago that I started to connect with my Polynesian side again.”
“Reconnecting with my roots, I realised I was missing a whole part of me that I didn’t understand.”
In her performance, you could feel the passion and power the song gave to her.
Many took to the comments to praise Fanene’s performance including Stan Walker himself.
“Wow 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥,” Walker commented on Instagram - a massive compliment coming from the artist behind the song.
“Wow, she set that place on fire with energy! MANA! 🙌,” wrote one user.
Another added: “Beautiful, magnificent voice... You could feel it! Now that is a great singer, when it gives you goosebumps!”
This performance felt bigger than just a competition - it was personal, and you could feel every word.
It’s not the first time Pacific pride has taken centre stage on 'American Idol'. Back in 2023, a then 18-year-old Iam Tongi left the judges in tears with his audition.
Performing James Blunt’s 'Monsters', Tongi revealed he'd recently lost his father, who had been the inspiration and number one supporter of his music journey.
Tongi - of Samoan and Tongan heritage - went on to become the first Pacific Islander to win the show.
With both of these two putting their heritage front and centre on one of the biggest stages in the world, that’s already a double win in our books.
