'So sorry guys': 'American Idol' winner apologizes for forgetting to remove hat while singing national anthem

"American Idol" winner Iam Tongi issued a mea culpa after failing to remove his hat while performing the national anthem.

Tongi committed the faux pas while singing "The Star Spangled Banner" at the MLB's 2023 Home Run Derby.

The singer explained that he had been nervous and forgotten to remove his hat prior to the performance.

"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. I will try to do better next time," he tweeted.

Tongi, who won the latest season of "American Idol" earlier this year, addressed the hat issue in posts on other platforms as well.

"First try at singing the National Anthem. So nervous that it was in front of such a huge crowd. And apologize for being so nervous and forgot to take off the hat," a video description on his YouTube channel reads. In an Instagram post Tongi wrote, "First time singing the National Anthem and it was nerve wrecking that the nerves took over and I forgot to take my cap off. So sorry guys. Biggest crowd yet!"

Many people responded by expressing their support for the singer.

"It was amazing don't worry about forgetting your hat. Your wonderful voice and heart is what really counts. Again good job friend!!!" one person wrote in response to the singer's tweet about the performance.

"Easy mistake, you sounded great, next time you’ll remember.. No one is perfect!" someone else wrote.

"Your fans know that you have a kind heart and soul. It wasn't an intentional act. It was all nerves. We still love ya...this is coming from a military spouse," another commenter wrote.

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