Iam Tongi had a homecoming as he returned to Hawaii to perform in front of friends and family during the Sunday night (April 16) episode of American Idol, featuring the Top 26 performers.
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Performing live at Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Kapolei, Hawaii, the 18-year-old Hawaii native closed the two-hour show with a resounding rendition of reggae artist Spawnbreezie’s 2011 song “Don’t Let Go.”
Prior to his performance, Tongi, who recently earned his spot in the Top 24 on American Idol with his captivating cover of Simon & Garfunkel‘s “The Sound of Silence,” told mentor Allen Stone that the Spawnbreezie song is a “classic island song” from his childhood.
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“It reminds me of big childhood memories like walking around the island barefoot with my guitar,” shared Tongi, recalling jam sessions with friends. As he was surrounded by friends and family, Stone told the young singer that his voice was “incomparable.”
The singer added, “I always dreamed about coming to Aulani, performing at a big stage in front of a lot of people. This means a lot. It’s a lot of pressure. … I feel like I have to make my island proud.”
His ukulele in hand, Tongi gave a rousing performance of “Don’t Let Go,” and gave a shout-out to his cousins, who were also in the audience, at the end of the song.
“You got a few friends and family out there, and new fans as well,” said host Ryan Seacrest, following his performance, as the audience roared.
“I think I had a spiritual experience,” said judge Lionel Richie of Tongi’s performance. “I’ve been coming to Hawaii forever, and to watch the reaction of hometown folks looking at their hometown hero. I mean, I’m telling you, it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever witnessed. And congratulations. You are our first contestant from Hawaii to ever make it to this point.’
Katy Perry added, “Your voice is like butter. Your voice is vacation. You just put everybody in the mood. Like, Lionel puts everyone in the mood, you put everyone in the mood. You are representing your state so well, and we are so proud to have you on the show.”
As the audience continued screaming for Tongi, Luke Bryan shared a few more words with the contestant.
“It’s really special to see the love,” said Bryan. “Somewhere on this island, there’s a house you’ve probably driven by and dreamed of. You need to drive by that spot on this island, because I think you might be able to have all those dreams.”
Tongi released a number of singles in 2023, including his original acoustic track “Trust Me.”
When Seacrest asked Tongi what it meant to be on stage in Hawaii in a “full circle moment,” he replied, “It’s kind of crazy right now. All my people came out to support. I love all you guys. It really means a lot to me.”
Photo by ABC/Eric McCandless
