Iam Tongi debuted new song “Why Kiki” at 2nd Hawaii homecoming. Oliver Steele, Spawnbreezie and more joined him on stage.
Last weekend on July 1, Iam Tongi returned to Hawaii to perform for fans as the winner of American Idol.
He performed to a crowd of 5,000 people at Oahu’s Turtle Bay Resort–where he performed in front of thousands for his Top 3 Idol homecoming concert in May. The singer headlined “Ohana Day” alongside reggae singer Spawnbreezie. Kapena, Likkle, Jordee, Paula Fuga and Natural Vibrations.
Additionally, Iam’s good friend and fellow American Idol alum, Oliver Steele joined him on stage.
Iam performed Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” which he dedicated to his mother, followed by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Lover of Mine” for the first time in front of a live audience. He covered the Mano’a Company’s “Drop Baby Drop/Who’s Gonna Love You Mama.”
American Idol Winner Iam Tongi Sings at High School Graduation
American Idol 2023 Winner Iam Tongi – Every Performance Ranked
American Idol Winner Iam Tongi Earns First Billboard No. 1
Other songs included a tune he performed on the American Idol finale, “Cool Down” by Kolohe Kai. And surprise–Roman De Peralta from the band joined him on stage for a duet. De Peralta told Hawaii News Now, ““I mean, he’s coming home after an epic win, and I texted him, are you going to jam “Cool Down” tomorrow? And he said yeah, and I said, ‘Can I join?’ and he was really stoked. I am honored to be here.”
Iam also debuted the new song he recently wrote “Why Kiki.” He finished the set with his viral audition song, “Monsters,” dedicating it to his grandpa. For a moment, he became emotional. The audience cheered him on. “You can do it baby!” a fan shouted. As an encore, Iam performed “Bring it on Home” by Sam Cooke and Spawnbreezie joined him on stage for a performance of “Don’t Let Go.”
Watch a live stream of Iam’s concert below
Iam teased his next single, “Why Kiki” writing that it’s “coming soon!”
Recently, Iam posted a clip of himself in the studio recording “Why Kiki.” The song will be his first single after winning American Idol. It’s about a girl that did him wrong. The chorus goes: “Why Kiki, why you wanna do me like that, Kiki. Why you wanna make me so sad Kiki, Why you got me down on my knees…”
Iam and Oliver received matching ukuleles
Not only did Iam and Oliver perform together at Turtle Bay, they both received custom made matching ukuleles made by Kanilea Ukulele. The custom instruments represent brotherhood, says the artist Sam Mangakahia, who designed them. It took over 100 hours to create the instruments!
Oliver wrote on Instagram, “What an honor it was to share the stage again with my brother @wtongi , as well as to be able to speak to so many wonderful people at my talk story event! And i’m so incredibly honored to have been gifted this Ukulele by my good friend @hamiora.art and the wonderful folks at @kanileaukulele.
The singer continued, “…They represent our brotherhood and bond, whilst also telling the stories of our heritage and family. Each piece is a stunning piece of art, and there has never been a ukulele made like either of these, with a large portion or the inlay work being made of sand from Kailua beach.”
Iam Tongi out on tour
Iam told Hawaii News Now that he plans to move back to Hawaii after financial considerations forced his family to move to Washington last year.
His recently announced tour continues on July 15 in Tacoma Washington and continues on to Ventura, CA and more dates in the state including two nights at The Troubadour in West Hollywood. on October 7, Iam will perform a concert in Auckland, New Zealand.
