‘American Idol’ Winner Iam Tongi Dedicates Song to Maui Wildfire Victims
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol Season 21 winner Iam Tongi recently took to social media to dedicate a song to the victims of the recent wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. Tongi is originally from the town of Kahuku on Oahu, Hawaii. He said he’s been wondering “what I can do” to help those affected.
Iam Tongi Dedicates Song to Maui Wildfire Victims
According to CNN, at least 99 people have been killed by the Maui wildfires, with many others losing their homes. Over the weekend, Tongi posted a video to social media in which he can be heard performing Mel & Tim’s “Starting All Over Again.”
“These past few days I’ve been wondering what I should do, and what I can do to help with Maui,” Tongi said to start the video. “I just wanted to encourage everyone to just go out there and, whatever you can do to help Maui, just go and help out the best you think you can.”
Tongi wrote in the post’s caption that he felt “incapable seeing people donating so much money that I don’t have,” adding, “the only talent I have is music and wanted to dedicate this song.” He ended his post by writing, “I love you Maui and you’re always in my prayers.”
“Starting All Over Again” was famously sung by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, also known as Bruddah Iz. Tongi played the ukulele during his performance of the song, which includes the lyrics, “Starting all over again is going to be rough / For us, we’re gonna make it.”
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Tongi Is Performing in Las Vegas Next Month
Since winning Season 21 of American Idol earlier this year, Tongi has been busy performing around the country. Recently, the singer announced that he’ll be performing in Las Vegas next month at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
According to Tongi’s social media announcement, he’ll be taking the stage on September 21. Fans can see a list of Tongi’s upcoming live performances and buy tickets here. The singer will also be performing in California and Utah next month.
Then in October, the singer will be headed to Auckland, New Zealand, to perform at the Eden Festival 2023. Fans can also stream his single “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
