When Iam Tongi captured America’s heart and won American Idol in 2023, it seemed like the ultimate dream come true. At just 18 years old, the Hawaiian teenager with the soulful voice became a household name, celebrated for his heartfelt performances and powerful story. But behind the spotlight and applause, Tongi carried a deep grief that nearly kept him from enjoying the very blessings he had worked so hard to achieve.
Tongi, now 20, shared in a vulnerable April 10, 2025 post that the months following his win were not as joyful as they appeared. Still mourning the death of his father, who had passed away shortly before his iconic audition, Tongi admitted he struggled to embrace his newfound success. “When I won American Idol in 2023 my life changed forever,” he wrote. “So many amazing things were happening so quickly… but I still felt a sadness and an emptiness I could not escape.”
The whirlwind of recording contracts, national tours, and global attention might have thrilled any young artist, but for Tongi, it was a bittersweet rise. “I still had a lot of pain from losing my dad and that made it so hard to appreciate all the blessings God was giving me,” he confessed. Fans who once saw only his smile and effortless charm now understand the depth of loss that followed him into every performance.
Recognizing he couldn’t continue without change, Tongi made a life-altering decision: he took a step back. Over the past year, he focused on his health, shedding 115 pounds through consistent workouts and a renewed commitment to self-care. He also allowed himself the time to properly grieve. The transformation was not just physical but spiritual and creative, reigniting his passion for music and giving him a new outlook on life.
The results speak for themselves. Tongi is preparing to release his new single, “Sunshine,” a track he describes as “a simple message about chasing the light and celebrating the gift of each day.” In a video montage of workouts, studio sessions, and special moments — including attending fellow Idol alum Megan Danielle’s wedding — Tongi captioned: “POV: You’ve been working for an entire year and it’s finally all coming together.”
His honesty struck a chord. More than 24,000 fans flooded his post with love and support, with one commenting, “SO proud of you Iam!! It takes so much strength to wake up and choose yourself every single day! Can’t wait to hear all the new music 💖🤙🏼.” The outpouring reinforced what many already knew: Tongi’s journey is about more than fame — it’s about resilience.
The next chapter of his career promises to be his most exciting yet. In June, Tongi will perform at CMA Fest before making his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 11 — a milestone he calls “a dream come true.” Reflecting on the honor, he shared, “My dad introduced me to country music when I was young and I grew up listening to artists like Kenny Rogers. So the fact that I get to perform on the Opry stage is a dream come true.”
For Tongi, the stage is no longer just a platform for songs. It’s a place where grief, love, and hope meet. His story is not only about winning a competition — it’s about finding the courage to heal, the strength to change, and the determination to let his music shine brighter than ever before.
