‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Megan Danielle Addresses Rigging Accusations
Megan Danielle, the runner-up of American Idol’s Season 21, is speaking up about the controversy around Iam Tongi’s victory during the competition.
In a new interview with the New York Post, Danielle pushed back against fan allegations that the show was rigged.
“I feel like Iam is so deserving, and he’s so humble, and, I don’t know, I feel like any of us really deserved it,” the 21-year-old said. “I would say that it isn’t [rigged] just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason, even if I was first, second, last, whatever.”
In the May 21 season finale, Tongi became the latest Idol winner, with Danielle coming in second and Colin Stough placing third. And those results had some viewers suspicious.
“American Idol is rigged,” one person tweeted during the show. “Colin Stough was the best one out there. Big Hawaiian dude that has the best sob story is going to win. … I thought it was about talent.”
Another Twitter user wrote, “Obviously the sympathy vote fix is in. The least talented guy has made it to the finals.”
And a third user tweeted, “I’m having a real hard time believing that American Idol is not rigged just a little.”
For his part, Tongi brushed off his haters in an interview with DailyMail.com last week. “A lot of people are like, ‘Colin Stough was robbed,’ or whatever,” the Hawaii native said. “My dad always told me that your music’s not meant for everyone. There’s going to be people that are not going to like it, and that’s OK. That’s normal. … Everyone gets their own opinion. Everyone gets to think what they think. So, it’s fine. … I love [my] community coming out and supporting me and showing up [for me], and I’m not going to really chase after fans.”
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I don’t understand how people just love to take someone’s glory away. Ian has a smooth voice, has a unique way to communicate stories through his music. He may not be GQ material because he’s a big teddy bear. I was rooting for him because of his singing abilities and not for his tears. Let the young man enjoy the win and know that the top five will probably do well in the near future. Proud of you Iam!
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His singing ability? He is just your average Joe. Nothing spectacular about his voice. Colin and Megan have grit and are standouts in individuality. Iam is just soso.
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Again YOUR opinion.
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I agree. Regardless of who wins or doesn't should not provoke any negativism from anyone. Everyone had favorites for different reasons so why be cruel and rude to anyone. First of all, they're people first, some children, some from sad and hard backgrounds. But to throw ugliness is far from Christian like or just plain out good people. Don't hurt people. As far as myself, I love his music, it's good to sing along with. His vibratos are amazing. America voted. Let it be. If there are those who have problems with voting, don't watch. Everyone can't be winners. I cannot wait to get Iam's and Megan's CD's. Good luck to all.
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He won by sympathy he can't do g anything but slow songs he doesn't have what it takes that's justified criticism not hate
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I think people need to get a life. How rude is this behavior! Iam has a different style and he won end of story.
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Yes...and if Megan or Collin would have won... other people would have complained that it should be called "Country Idol" cuz country stars keep winning!
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I believe that finally America got it right. First of all Iam wasn't the only one with a sad story for all you haters . He brought it every week. Colin sounded the same week after week. To me it became boring.
Great music moves people. Iam touched my soul. Madison touched my soul.
Thank you America for getting it right.
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LOL they all have a sad story. People tell me I should try out for these shows but I always tell them I don't have a sob story so I can't LOL I'm joking, of course, I feel badly for all of their stories, but it is kind of a thing on these kind of shows.
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My top 3 pick was Megan Danielle, Collin, and Iam. I was hoping Megan Danielle would have won but I'm not sad that Iam won. I would have been happy with any of the 3 of them. If I hag to pick a 4th it would have been Zachariah, but that's it. I feel like those where the best and most deserving.
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Does every one think I am will travel and sing for the country who voted him in . Absolutely not he will just stay in Hawaii. Not saying he can't sing he's only got one voice One tone he has no high pitch no low pitch maybe top 10 but not top five Megan I agree with you should have won there were two others in the top five I think one of them should have been in there too she had a very wide range voice
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Maybe go back and listen to The Sound Of Silence. They're good songs that so many can sing along with. You don't have to be a star, have Grammy's, have your own show, or sell Wayfair to be a winner. I don't like the costumes Carrie Underwood wears. Not what I would think Jesus would approve of. But that's my opinion
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Psssst. I don't know how to break it to you but they actually made Hawaii a state. Even in Hawaii, he will still be in the country that voted him in.
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Iam has the most unique voice. He is legit; he won. Sour grapes.
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Iam has the most unique voice???? Did we watch the same competition? Iam is just your average plain Jane. Megan and Colin had grit. Megan's voice is very distinctive. She is like a Lauren Daigle. Iam is boring and predictable.
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I believe it’s another Rubin/ Clay story. I’m not at all discounting that they ( Rubin Iam) can sing, both have beautiful voices. But it’s clearly same scenario. I hope the very best for Iam, but when you look at all the seasons number one picks only very few went on to stardom. Kelly Clarkson/ Carrie Underwood to name a few. Idols 2,3, 4, 5, 6 and so on went on to have great fame! SO runners up keep that in mind and never give up or loose faith/ hope!
Congrats sincerely to Iam.
My trip to Hawaii hope to hear you sing!!!
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Iam is clearly the winner because he is the people's choice. The judges çould not take away the votes from Ian and give them t I another contestant. Hence, the one with popular votes wins. Some people use bullying and make toxic remarks about Iam. I think his ability to tell his story through his remarkable voice and his emotions paved the way for his win. Love this young man and I wish him all the best. He won my votes.
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He won I voted each time 10 my wife voted 10
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Personally I feel all the contestants were extremely gifted. My husband & I do NOT think it was rigged. That is silly, otherwise Megan Danielle would have won to allow Blake Shelton to go out as the BIG WINNER since so much of the show that night honored Blake. Our personal favorite was Megan, she has an amazing talent & sounds like Patsy Cline. No matter what she will have a great career in music.
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Blake is not on this show. He was on The Voice.
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I think you might be thinking of The Voice. But your point is right.
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Desr 1953, first off this was American idol not the voice
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Iam won, not rigged but certainly not the most talented. IDOL is a popularity contest at the end, he got the vote because of his tears and his story. The rules don't say you need to be able to sell the most records, just get the most votes. Good for him.
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It was fair. Iam deserved it. The other Black gal should of been #2.
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Yes,your she should have been runner up or won every song she did from beginning
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There are way to many country singers out there and yes they all were good. Iam had a unique voice like Alejandro did. I dont think ot was rigged
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I hope this is not the way the country is going. Someone wins that you don't like, and it is rigged, American Idol, political elections, etc. Time to get a grip.
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IAM TONGI had the most unique beautiful story telling voice, the BEST Ive seen in his Genre of American Music in a Long Time! In my OPINION, which , after all is the actual deciding winning factor of American Idol- People's OPINION- He should be the winner. And also in my opinion...We Ani was robbed of top 3 by Collin Stough..who although a cute taleted kid, was in no way a singing sensation yet. We Ani sounded like a SEASONED PROFESSIONAL EVERY SINGLE TIME SHE SANG! As did IAM!
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Everyone that comes on this show has a story to tell , love, loss, suicide , depression etc. Just like everyone has an opinion about who should win. Iam was the beat singer. Megan was good too don’t get me wrong but dang it let the guy have his moment.
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Leave it to country music fans to call it rigged … so typical. I thought Stough sounded just like every male singer in Nashville. Boring. Iam was unique and sounded like liquid butter when he sang. Very deserving. Meghan was very good, too.
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I say American idol is rigged. The winner was a lousy singer!
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These people who yell rig do not know what they are saying… America voted not the show or judges and America got it right after a tough decision. All candidate were really good and all deserved to win unfortunately only one could but it doesn’t stop there for all that made it to any level. America has tons of undiscovered talent.
The judges were great as always even though some contestants got their feelings hurt take the free pointers and try again if you got the guts.
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In God's eyes she did win. In Hebrews 13 a reference is given about entertaining angels unawares. She is God's representative being a beacon of light for the world to see. It's better she was runner up, so the glory points to God.
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I really think that the backstories need to stop. The judges already have that information and the contestants are vetted. I would love to see new judges next year who wouldn’t announce the winner before we vote. Did Iam have the best voice out of the 26? No, I’m fact this wasn’t his first time to try out for the show. We shall see how well that he does. Some do well and others who won don’t. I wish him well!
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I don’t think it’s rigged… Funny though how someone always have something to say when the person they choose don’t end up winning. Really??? It was all by peoples votes!!! And it wasn’t out of pity. That’s pretty sad for someone to comment something like that. But you know what it doesn’t matter it was people choice! Look on the bright side maybe your contestant might win next year. YESSAH and CHEEHOO!!!🥰
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I think it went as it was supposed to. They were all great but I believe Iamand Kristen both deserved the spots they got, I congratulate them both on their victory 👏👏🙏😊
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Oh yeah, I think it’s time for Ms. Perry to go judge another show.
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No way she is great on the show and loves the contestants...
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Yes!! My husband and I were rooting for all 3 of them! I have watched American Idol since the first season and I have usually picked the correct winner. I have got it wrong a few times. I absolutely love the show!
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She is so mature, humble and honest. Only good things will happen in her life!!😍😍
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I LOVE IAM TONGI. He gives me goosey when he sings. He can sing any kind of music. He has that buttery tone. I am so tired of those country singers winning. Mind you. I know most of the country likes country music, but the only good one that came from that show is Carrie Underwood. Unless you are country no one hears about any one else who won. So sob story or not, the kid can sing. I didn't hear the audience shouting out any other name but his. But like Clay Aiken once said, their career will speak for them. I hope Iam produces more music. I can listen all day.
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He was the only one in the top three that even deserved to be there. I can pick 4 others that shouldve been there. I know this is just my opinion. Seriously, how did those two even make it as far as they did?
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Just because your favorite didn't "win" doesn't mean it was rigged. Personally I think We Ani should have been in top 3 in place of Colin. We all have different tastes, and they are all very talented.
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I called Iam as the winner a few episodes before the end. If you rewatch and pay attention, everytime Iam performed the crowd cheered louder than with the other contestants. I wasn't surprised at all that he won. I think people are just upset that their choice didn't win. I didn't vote, I always watch the show late, recorded. Either way it must be amazing to even be chosen to BE a contestant and I am might have gotten the big prize many of the contestants have promising musical futures and I'm sure many record executives have been watching them all. Way to go, you all rocked!!!
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The last ten or fifteen contestants should get record contracts they were all great and I mean Great
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I voted for for him , because he deserved it! Winner in my book 100%!!!
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Ever since Adam Lambert didn’t win, I have thought that Amer Idol was rigged. Idol execs didn’t allow Lambert to win because he was gay. So, they had a third-rate singer win whose name no one can remember. iam won because Idol execs wanted a winner from Hawaii with a sad story to win, and the second place went to a Christian female, who the execs would not allow to take the honor because of her beliefs are not politically correct nor broadly supported by America’s viewers.
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This was a hard season. I for one could not make up my mind. They are all so talented and will a go on to successful careers. In the end I voted for Iam but would have bern happy to see any of them win. People should start creating drama and mistruths about them just because who they voted for didn't win. 1st, 2nd or 3rd they all won.
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I love Iam BUT let's be honest he's not versatile at all, slow islandy songs he kills but he can't do different types of songs. In all honesty they only had one that could and that was Zachariah 😔
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I am 79 watch idol every year this is the first I am disappointed I will not follow anymore. Ism is sweet soft voice but does not have the abity to do g the different times needed to be a star. He is good for a club on Hawaii but no where else he will not make it.
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I totally agree with you!!! We Ani was by far the best singer! I was not okay with Katie Perry when she said Iam should be I Am the next American Idol. If I was one of the other contestants, that would not have sat well with me. The sob story always wins!!
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I truly believed that American Idol was not rigged. American people have voted and picked who they feel was the winner in their heart. The whole Hawaiian state celebrated and welcome him home. Not only that the Hawaaiian people voted for him he also had fans all over the states. Clearly everyone loved him and voted for him. I voted for him, my first time. So for all the BS that some fans of 2nd and 3rd place are saying...move on. The winner is Iam Tongi.
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I don't watch AI anymore.
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Iam did NOT deserve the win. He's a fine singer but Megan and Colin were superstars. Megan should have won over Colin though. Colin was often off pitch. Megan NEVER went off pitch. Iam will just be another Rubbin Studdard. He will not draw crowds like Megan will. I want to see Megan in concert with Lauren Daigle. Megan's voice is so unique and her story and testimony are what this world needs. God will use you Megan for His glory. You have already won.
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Did you feel the same way when she did not win the Voice?
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Oh for God sake, cry me a river!!! It isn't very Jesus like for you to keep on whining over this and saying the winner didn't deserve it, right??? Megan doesn't need to win, she'll still be successful on her own term. She's a Christian singer and had she won I don't think American idol would truly have her back and support the type of music she would want to sing. Under contract they would probably make her into something she's not and force her to sing songs she may not want to. Because she didn't win she'll have the freedom to sing whatever she wants. Lauren Daigle is also a Christian singer and to be honest had she won idol I don't think she would be as successful as she is now.
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Iam deserve the win ,He played hearts out and sang from the hearts and I call him winner . Won fair and square point blank... Hater's going be but beautiful and wonderful person definitely deserve the win...
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There's always some people out there that just can't be happy for someone that always always have to stir things up maybe because there just miserable themselves if the girl would of won the same people would be saying it was rigged against iam
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I think America is nuts for putting Collin Stough in the top. I mean…the red headed bearded dude was way better, along with some of the earlier talent sent home. But at the end of the day this is a talent show wrapped in a popularity contest. So… 🤷🏻♀️ They’re all talented. They can all make a living doing this. So…. Whatever. Lol
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To all the negative people saying it was rigged just don't understand spiritual gifted individual. See people who have nothing nice to say be rest assured your day of judgement is at hand..These type of people are small minded my suggestion to you negative ora check yourself out first before pointing finger at someone else just to there's 3 fingers that is pointing back to you meaning judge yourself before stepping on someone that is BLESSED, TALENTED, and CHOSEN for such a time like this not for you or I yet for this Generation that needs a light unto there pathway. I believe GOD has ordained this appointed young man to touch people around the world that seeking for true refuge spiritually Amen 🙏 To all negativity God forgive them for they don't know what they're saying, bless them remove the scale off there eyes and renew their minds so they have a better understanding of self examination. God's Love 🙏
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AMEN🙏AMEN
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I have always felt it was rigged from the time clay aiken lost
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Poor loser. Another reason not to watch any longer!
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I agree with MaEve
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It’s not about politics but talent
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Iam won and I am happy for him. I picked him to win from day one. Any of the top 5 deserved to win. By the end of the competition Megan Danielle was my favorite. There was so many talented singers on the show this year. I do think that the sob stories need to end. It needs to be kept as a totally fair singing competition.
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Then American Idol needs to come to a stop rigged or not. To controversial in the beginning, during, and ending anyways.
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I been felt like all of these so called talent shows are rigged ever since my cousin,"Brooke Simpson" was on America's Got Talent and The Voice. She came in 3rd place on the Voice.🙄
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Of course it's rigged. Read the fine print. The producers can change the results as they see fit. The truth of the matter is it's a popularity contest. And it's about ratings,not talent. And in the end there have been what 3 American Idol winners to have sustainable careers. A cpl of runner ups carved out a career but mostly they have become answers to trivia questions.
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Iam and We Ani were the most talented singers and Emma Busse was unique was hoping she'd get farther, anyhow was one of the few times the show got the right winner, and thank christ they didn't put another meaningless country singer as the winner, that's the real rigging they certainly tried but Iam was too popular and had good supportive fans.
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IAM haters are jealous and don’t know what talent is. Our boy IAM deserved that winning. Hawaii showed up and showed out for our boy!!! What about the rest of them? You know what? Our Iam made American Idol his and the people all over this world loves him. Not sure about the others. 🤔 hmmm?
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And I was pulling for Iam because he is a student at Decatur High in Federal Way, WA. The same school my son graduated from.
There are many reasons why people make their choices.
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Not the best singer. I don't think anybody will be wanting to buy his music or see him in concert. Do I think it was rigged? Five years ago I would have said no but now we live in a world of he's a racist or she's one or I may appear to be one if this person doesn't win. I now have my doubts as to whether or not it was rigged.
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Everything in life does not have to be rigged just because the favorite person of our choice weren't in the finals . Iam had that sultry smooth voice like Luther V . They all had a hit you in the heart story to tell. His story didn't get him or anyone else to the finals. There will be or has been Contestants that has already or will be in somebody's recording studio. So as Americans, we wish them all well with a BRIGHT FUTURE!!!!!!
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Nowadays it seems like the black people are winning everything or being picked for everything or we will be considered racists if they don't win. Why would you want to be declared the "winner" just because you're black? Give the title to whomever is the most talented for their singing and not because of their color. Megan deserved the win and she is the most talented. But she is white and white people don't win anymore. This country was not racist until now. It's reverse racism against white people.
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Several thoughts:
The rise of reality shows and fan postings has led to the belief that anyone’s opinion is valid but the louder you squawk the more legitimacy you have. Hence tRump and his election claims.
The sympathy vote has always been in play. Elizabeth Taylor was a powerful actor but she won an Oscar for Butterfield 8, a soap opera of a movie, all agree because of the emergency tracheotomy she survived.
All these fan voting shows are popularity contests, not talent evaluations, so as long as the votes are counted properly there is no point in disputing the results.
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I'm sure the ones calling American Idol rigged are all trumpers.
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That was uncalled for and you need to truly keep things like that away. I am a Trump supporter and feel Iam won the hearts of people. His talent is different and by far not the best this season. People vote!
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You know libs can't see any social media thread and not talk about President Trump 🙄 Their TDS is showing lol
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I'm a President Trump supporter and I haven't watched this show in a decade at least! The best singer never wins! I still think Bo Bice should have won over Carrie 🤷♀️
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