In a heartwarming return to the American Idol stage on May 12, 2025, Season 21 winner Iam Tongi delivered a spirited rendition of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, infusing the performance with authentic island vibes. Dressed in a floral-print shirt and strumming his ukulele, Tongi’s performance was a vibrant celebration of his Hawaiian heritage. His soulful voice, combined with the rhythmic strumming, transported the audience to the shores of Hawaii, evoking the spirit of ‘ohana and the joy of surfing the waves.
The performance was met with enthusiastic applause, highlighting Tongi’s ability to connect deeply with both the material and the audience. This rendition not only showcased his musical versatility but also his commitment to representing his roots on a national stage. For those who missed the live broadcast, the performance is available to watch online, capturing the essence of Hawaiian culture through Tongi’s heartfelt interpretation.
One of the most unforgettable moments in American Idol history came in 2023 when 18-year-old Hawaiian singer Iam Tongi auditioned with “Monsters” by James Blunt. But it wasn’t just his voice that moved everyone to tears—it was the deeply emotional story behind the song.
Before his performance, Iam shared that he had lost his father just months before the audition. His dad had been his biggest supporter and taught him everything about music. Singing “Monsters,” a song James Blunt wrote for his dying father, became a tribute from Iam to his own.
As Iam performed, the room fell completely silent. His voice was tender, vulnerable, and full of pain. By the end of the song, all three judges—Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan—were in tears. Lionel Richie told him, “You have a great voice, but you touched us with your story.”
The audition quickly went viral, resonating with viewers across the country. Fans praised Iam not just for his singing, but for the sincerity and heart he poured into the performance. The clip gathered millions of views online and marked the beginning of his journey on the show, which eventually led him to win American Idol Season 21.
