American Idol winner Iam Tongi performs “Mele Kalikimaka” for Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade
American Idol winner Iam Tongi performed the classic Hawaiian Christmas song, “Mele Kalikimaka” for 40th Anniversary Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade which aired on ABC Christmas Day.
The 40th anniversary special, hosted by Dancing with the Stars cast members Julianne Hough and Derek Hough took place mostly at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California. However, Iam performed his special number from the Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
Iam also performed “White Christmas” for an earlier ABC special, The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration which aired in November. The performances coincide with the release of a 3 song Holiday EP which includes “White Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” and “Mele Kalikimaka.”
American Idol Iam Tongi Drops Holiday EP, Performs White Christmas on ABC Special
“The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, and I’m thrilled to share these special moments with my fans through the magic of music,” Iam shared in a press statement about the new set.
Hometown concerts
Over the holidays, Iam headlined three homecoming concerts, billed as “Yessah: Iam Tongi Returns to Hawaii,” organized by Rick Bartalini Presents. The first show was held on December 9 at the grand reopening of the 7,000-seat Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. Iam continued with two more shows on December 12 and 13 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. A portion of the proceeds were donated to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui.
American Idol runner-up Megan Danielle opened for Iam for the December 9 concert. The two dueted on a spiritual cover of “Where I Find God.”
American Idol’s Iam Tongi & Megan Danielle Duet on ‘Where I Find God’
Iam is currently working on new music
In a recent interview with People magazine, Iam talked about how a love for country music came from his late father. He could see himself releasing a hybrid of Island and Country music. The singer has been back and forth to Nashville writing and recording music.
Watch Iam perform “Mele Kalikimaka” for the 40th Anniversary Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade below.
