WATCH: ‘American Idol’ Champ Iam Tongi Delivers Captivating Acoustic Cover of Morgan Wallen’s ‘Sand In My Boots’

American Idol winner, Iam Tongi put his unique spin on Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” in an official cover that was unveiled on Friday (Oct. 20). 

Tongi, 19, released a stripped-down version of the song to streaming platforms as part of his acoustic sessions series. He paired the release with an acoustic performance video that captures the true emotions of the song. With his acoustic guitar in hand and pedal steel accompanying him, Tongi delivered a soul-stirring cover of the chart-topping Morgan Wallen hit. 

Morgan Wallen Cover

“Sand In My Boots” was co-written by HARDY, Josh Osborne, and Ashley Gorley and appears on Wallen’s record-breaking sophomore release, Dangerous: The Double Album. The song tells the story of a man who meets a woman while vacationing on the beach. They strike up a whirlwind romance, but when it’s time to return to reality, she leaves the man hanging. He’s ultimately left with her memory and “some sand in my boots.” 

“Yeah, but now I’m dodging potholes in my sunburnt Silverado/ Like a heart-broke Desperado, headed right back to my roots/ Somethin’ bout the way she kissed me tells me she’d love Eastern Tennessee/ Yeah, but all I brought back with me was some sand in my boots,” goes the chorus. 

His Fans Are Loving It

Tongi’s cover was well-received by his fans. His acoustic performance was flooded with comments, with some fans admitting that they were not familiar with the song until he shared his cover. 

“I’ve never heard this song before, but everything you sing sounds like you wrote it. Every note is mesmerizing, convincing, and passionate. Every lyric sounds believable,” one YouTube user wrote. “Iam, your voice is a warm blanket to a hurting soul. Before you came into our hearts, I only listened to music. With your voice, I now feel the music.”

Another added, “Iam, You are incredible. This is the first I’ve heard you sing country. You knocked it out of the park. I believe you will captivate audiences with any genre. Well done!”

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“Why Kiki”

Tongi’s cover of “Sand In My Boots” follows the release of his original track, “Why Kiki.” The song hit streaming platforms on September 22 and tells the story of heartbroken man as he asks, “Why Kiki/Why you wanna do me like that Kiki/Why you gotta hurt me so bad Kiki/Why you got me down on my knees…”

The Hawaii native honored his Hawaiian roots by releasing an official hula dance video for the song. 

Winner Of Season 21

Iam Tongi captured the hearts of millions and was crowned the winner of American Idol season 21. Throughout his time on the show, he impressed the viewers and judges alike with his emotional performances that tugged at the heartstrings. His audition included a moving performance of James Blunt’s song “Monsters” in honor of his late father.

The standout contestant later enjoyed a full-circle moment when Blunt appeared on the show to sing the song with him. The pair went on to release an official duet weeks after the American Idol finale. 

His previously released original track, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” was penned by Season 18 Idol alum Francisco Martin and serves as a tribute to a loved one who passed away. For Tongi, that person is his father, who died just months before he auditioned for American Idol. 

The lyrics find Tongi confessing that he’ll never forget “all your wits” and “all of the laughs.” While he admits he’s “lonely,” he has “no fear” because he finds comfort in the fact that he’ll see him again one day.     

“’Cause I’ll be seeing you / Seeing you / Wherever I go / And I’ll be / Be with you / Be with you / Wherever I’ll go,” Tongi sings on the chorus.

Iam Tongi has been staying busy since his time on Idol. He recently hit the road for his first-ever tour, which included two sold-out shows in Los Angeles. The rising star also performed at several festivals throughout the summer.