When Iam Tongi won American Idol Season 21 in 2023, he was a teenager still reeling from the loss of his father and navigating the sudden shock of fame. Two years later, the Hawaiian-born star has transformed not just physically, but emotionally and personally, emerging as a confident artist, a touring performer, and a young man deeply in love.
Tongi and his girlfriend Leah have become fan favorites in their own right, frequently sharing glimpses of their sweet relationship online. In a recent joint Instagram post, the couple uploaded a carousel of 20 photos, capturing everything from playful arcade dates to quiet moments at home. One particularly heartfelt shot showed Tongi lying on the sand, the name “Leah” drawn beside him with a heart — a simple gesture that spoke volumes about their bond.
The affection between the two was undeniable in the comments section. Leah captioned the post, “A whole lot of life with the one I love” with a double-heart emoji, to which Tongi replied, “I love you so much babe ❤️❤️❤️.” Leah’s response, “I love you most,” sealed the moment with the kind of sincerity that fans can’t help but root for.
Their romance began more than a year ago, with Tongi marking their one-year anniversary in December 2024 by posting another set of adorable photos. “1 year ago you forced me to ask you out, nah nah jk jk, I love you babe, forever,” he wrote. Leah replied, “happy anniversary my handsome, I love you more.” The post even drew comments from fellow Idol alumni and reality stars who praised the couple’s chemistry, with Paige Anne calling them “so precious.”
But Tongi’s personal life isn’t the only transformation fans have noticed. In May 2025, the singer revealed to People that he had dropped an incredible 115 pounds, crediting his success to consistent workouts and guidance from a personal trainer. “We have a workout session maybe around 11, come back [home], and we go to an ice bath or sauna … or whatever it is,” Tongi explained. “It feels amazing. I feel great.”
His health journey has not only reshaped his body but also fueled his confidence as a performer. This summer, Tongi is touring across the U.S., fresh off his June debut at the Grand Ole Opry — a bucket-list milestone he described as “a dream come true.” He also relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, to focus more deeply on his music, drawing inspiration from the city’s rich soul and country roots.
For fans who first met him as a grieving teen with a guitar, Tongi’s story now stands as one of growth and resilience. With Leah by his side, a thriving career, and a healthier outlook, the young artist is proving that his journey is about more than just a reality show win. It’s about love, healing, and the kind of self-belief that turns challenges into triumphs.
From an emotional Idol audition to stadium stages and tender love stories written in the sand, Iam Tongi’s life today feels like the beginning of a new chapter — one filled with light, purpose, and music that continues to touch the world.
