Iam Tongi Deemed A ‘Superstar’ Following Back-To-Back ‘American Idol’ Performances
Katy Perry said Iam stands for “I AM the next American Idol.”
Iam Tongi; Phoot by ABC/Eric McCandless
Iam Tongi was deemed a “superstar” following his two performances on American Idol’s Disney Night on Sunday evening (May 14).
Ahead of his performances, Tongi had the chance to visit Disneyland for the first time ever.
“This is my first time at Disneyland and I love it. It’s so fun. We’re just having the time of our lives out here,” he shared. “Attractions are amazing and brilliant. It was funny to see everyone dancing. Disneyland is the happiest place on earth!”
First Visit To Disneyland
Actress Sofia Carson, who appeared in Austin & Ally on the Disney Channel, was on hand to offer Tongi advice.
“I’m super excited that Sofia’s our mentor because she’s such a great artist. It’s crazy because I’ve been watching her all my life, you know on Disney channel and stuff,” Tongi said.
Carson gushed over the opportunity to work with Tongi.
“I have to tell you I’m a fan. You sing and it’s like you lived a million lifetimes,” she told him.
A Tribute To His Home
The contestant then took a moment to reveal plans to sing “Lava” from the musical short film of the same name.
“The reason why I love that song is because it takes me to Hawaii and to me it’s really important for me to represent where I’m from and make people proud,” Tongi explained.
“It’s the beauty of being an artist is connecting with people and they connected with him. It was such a beautiful moment,” Sofia shared. “The lyrics keep them in your heart ‘I have a dream, I hope will come true.’ It’s just so beautiful. It’s so precious.”
For his performance, Tongi gave a nod to his native Hawaii, sporting a colorful shirt and a lei. While strumming a ukulele, Tongi allowed his effortless vocals to shine. He earned a standing ovation.
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“Listen Iam, a superhero mom once said ‘your identity is your most valuable possession’ and this is so true for you. You know exactly who you are and honey that is a superstar,” Katy Perry applauded.
“Yeah, I mean, authenticity, you are so authentic to what you are and like Katy said you don’t have to do a lot… you don’t have to work hard to go be fake,” Luke Bryan pointed out. “You just come out and have your thing and people just gravitate… I’ve never seen a room like up like you make a room light up and it’s very special.”
Lionel Richie also praised Iam Tongi and his storytelling abilities.
“When we first met you who knew that this phenomenon was going to happen, but let me just say this to you. I consider you a master storyteller, you understand me? You don’t have to hit notes, you just have to tell the story, but I want to let you know something right now. Your dreams have come true,” he said.
During Sunday’s show, Tongi also performed “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Although it was Mother’s Day, Tongi paid tribute to his late father with his second performance.
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Following another memorable performance from the Hawaii native, Perry told him, Iam stands for “I AM the next American Idol.”
Paid Tribute To His Late Father
This isn’t the first time Iam has honored his father. During his audition, he brought the judges to tears with a moving rendition of James Blunt’s 2019 hit “Monsters.”
The emotional performance earned Tongi a ticket to Hollywood and served as the start of his incredible American Idol journey.
Ultimately, Iam Tongi’s performances earned him a spot in the Top 3 alongside Megan Danielle and Colin Stough.
Each of the final contestants will release their debut singles on Friday, May 19.
Finale To Air Next Sunday
They will face off for the title of American Idol during the three-hour season finale of American Idol on Sunday, May 21 at 8 pm ET.
Live from Hollywood, the finale will feature performances by the judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, as well as guest performers Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard, Ellie Goulding, James Blunt, Jazmine Sullivan, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban (who is also mentoring Top 3), Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon, Kylie Minogue, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Daigle, Pitbull, and TLC.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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