Iam Tongi Returns To American Idol For A Special Performance During The Show’s Semifinal
On Monday, May 12, American Idol’s Top 5 contestants competed for a chance to make it into the Top 3 and move on to the show’s finale.
It was the second Disney Night of the season, and remaining contestants Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Thunderstorm Artis each took the stage to perform. They had the help and guidance from celebrity mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The episode also featured a special performance from past Idol winner Iam Tongi, who returned to the show to sing “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from Lilo & Stitch
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Fan-favorite Idol alum Iam Tongi stole the hearts of viewers during Season 21. He went on to win the competition at just 18 years old and was the first Pacific Islander to ever take home the title.
Iam’s audition went viral at the time for how emotional it was. He shared that he was auditioning in honor of his late father, who had passed away just months before. His story and performance of James Blunt’s “Monster” ended up bringing all three judges to tears.
To this day, it remains one of the most watched auditions in American Idol history, with over 36 million views.
Iam’s live performance of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” comes in support of his recorded version for the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, which hits theaters on May 23.
For the film’s soundtrack, Iam is joined by the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus on the song.
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Iam’s performance was a perfect addition to the night.
Surrounded by an adorable youth choir, the American Idol winner sang “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” from Disney’s beloved film Lilo & Stitch. Iam Tongi strummed a ukulele while he brought the audience on a journey to Hawaii with his smooth vocals and stunning tropical decor.
You can watch Iam Tongi sing “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” during the semifinals of Season 23 of American Idol in the video below.