American Idol 2023 Winner Iam Tongi drops two new cover songs “Cool Down” and “Don’t Let Go”
Iam Tongi, American Idol Season 21 winner, has released two new cover songs today via 19 Recordings. He wanted to share some of the island hits that influenced his musical style. On the Kolohe Kai cover of “Cool Down,” Iam’s vocals drift over reggae beats and horns. On the Spawnbreezie cover of “Don’t Let Go” the Island singer’s voice compliments the bluesy reggae sound filled with guitars, bass, organ and pedal steel.
“I chose ‘Cool Down’ because we all need to take time to relax with all our family and friends and ‘Don’t Let Go’ because I would love the fans to continue to hold on for the ride,” Iam said in a press statement.
Iam Tongi – Cool Down
At just 18-years old when he auditioned, the Hawaiian born singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist brought Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, to tears with his emotional performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters,” dedicated to his father Rodney who had passed away only a few months prior.
Iam Tongi – Don’t Let Go
Iam made it to the finale defeating Megan Danielle after singing an emotional duet with James Blunt on his audition song “Monsters.” the singer went on to earn his first Billboard #1 on the Rock Digital Songs Sales chart after releasing his debut single, “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
American Idol Winner Iam Tongi Drops ‘Why Kiki?’ Alongside Vibey Videos
Iam is originally from Kahuku, Hawaii but the family had to relocate after being “priced out of paradise” as he told the judges at his American Idol audition, so the family moved to Federal Way, Washington when he was in his early teens. Proficient on ukulele and piano by the fifth grade, he learned guitar at the age of 13 after receiving the instrument as a gift from his father.
Tongi is the first Pacific Islander to win the competition.
Iam Tongi 2024 Tour Dates
- June 1 – San Mateo County Fair @6:00 PM San Mateo, CA
- June 8 – Nugget Event Center @ 2:00 PM Sparks, NV
- June 14 – BYUI- Hart Auditorium @7:30 PM Rexburg, ID
- June 29 – Light At Night Music Festival Matanuska Brewing Co @2:00 PM Eagle River, AK
- July 5 – Surf Rodeo Music & Surf @2:00 PM Ventura, CA
- Aug 23 – Granary Live @6:00 PM Salt Lake City, UT
- Sept 21 – Cal Expo @ 12:00 PM Sacramento, CA
- Nov 9 – Holo Holo Music Festival Tacoma Dome @2:00 Tacoma, WA
