Iam Tongi on Fire
We chatted with the American Idol winner and Kahuku native during his time at home.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Iam Tongi’s storybook run last year on American Idol got Hawai‘i folks chee-hooing as the 19-year-old became the reality show’s newest winner. One of the songs the Kahuku native sang during the finale was none other than “Cool Down,” the beloved Island tune that even had its songwriter Roman De Peralta of Kolohe Kai belting out, “Braddah, you go!” as he caught Tongi’s winning performance on TV. Although Tongi now resides in Washington state, he explained to millions of Idol viewers that O‘ahu is home—and everyone in Hawai‘i knew exactly what he meant. We caught up with Tongi during his recent trip home and learned about his local faves, lessons learned and what’s next.
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What’s it been like returning to Hawai‘i?
Growing up in Kahuku, it’s like every school supports their football team, and all of Hawai‘i was like that. I’m very blessed to have these people behind me. It was amazing.
People here were happy you did Island songs on American Idol.
Had to. Had to be real.
What kind of music do you want to make?
I’m working on an album now, writing and jamming. I love making all kinds of music, like R&B, a few country songs, a couple of Island songs, reggae.
What advice or tips do you have for local kids who want to follow in your footsteps?
If you mess up or think you embarrass yourself, just keep going. One of those times you’re bound to get it. If you don’t fall on your face, if you don’t fail, you’re not gonna get better. You’re not gonna learn. Doesn’t matter what you’re doing, singing, football, don’t give up.
What’s the first thing you eat when you get off the plane in Hawai‘i?
We go straight to 7-Eleven, get musubi, meat pies, manapuas. I get the deluxe musubi with the egg.
Iam Tongi at his family home in Lā‘ie eating his favorite snack. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Anything you want to say to your fans in Hawai‘i?
Just say thank you to everyone. I don’t really like using that word, “fans.” It doesn’t feel right. I wanna say “supporters.” They’re why I won American Idol and why I’m doing what I love.
You can follow Iam Tongi on Instagram @wtongi.
