‘American Idol’ Winner Iam Tongi Performs Heartfelt Father’s Day Tribute
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
American Idol Season 21 winner Iam Tongi recently shared a new cover video in honor of Father’s Day. In the clip, Tongi delivers a heartfelt performance of the Tongan hymn “Fifili e Loto” while playing guitar.
Iam Tongi Performs Father’s Day Tribute
“Fifili e Loto a hymn sung by many different artists,” Tongi wrote under the YouTube video of his beautiful new performance. “Happy Fathers Day to my dad and all dads trying to be the best they can for their kids.”
Tongi also posted the performance on Instagram, writing that the song’s title means “the contemplation of the heart.” In the video, the 18-year-old shows off the stunning voice and sincere emotion that earned him the win on American Idol.
The singer also posted a separate Father’s Day tribute to his late father Rodney on Instagram, writing, “Miss you, happy Father’s Day.” Tongi shared during his time on the show that his dad, a fellow musician, sadly passed away in 2021.
In his audition, Tongi sang a tribute to his dad with the song “Monsters” by James Blunt. Then during the finale, he got to perform an emotional duet of the song with Blunt himself.
SEE ALSO: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ WINNER IAM TONGI GRADUATES HIGH SCHOOL
Tongi Is Performing in New Zealand This Year
In October, Tongi will be taking the stage at New Zealand’s Eden Festival in Auckland. Tickets for the event go on sale this week. The singer also has several other performances lined up before then, including Ohana Day at Turtle Bay resort in Hawaii on July 1.
Tongi recently graduated high school in Washington. During the ceremony, Tongi performed “Don’t Let Go” by Spawnbreezie for his fellow graduates. He previously received an honorary degree from Kahuku High School in his hometown in Hawaii.
Fans can listen to Tongi’s single “I’ll Be Seeing You” right now. The touching song was released as part of Tongi’s time on American Idol.
