Iam Tongi Brings the House Down with “Don’t Let Go” in Hawaii

Iam Tongi, the 18-year-old singer from Kahuku, Hawaii, who has been wowing the judges and viewers of American Idol with his powerful voice and emotional performances, had a special homecoming on Sunday night’s episode. The episode featured the Top 26 contestants performing from Hawaii, where they were greeted by their families and friends. Tongi, who is of Tongan, Samoan, and Caucasian descent, was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters, including his mother, siblings, cousins, and aunties. Tongi dedicated his performance to his late father, Rodney, who passed away from cancer in 2021. He sang “Don’t Let Go“ by James Arthur, a song that he said reminded him of his dad’s words of encouragement. “I know he’s watching over me and he’s proud of me,“ Tongi said before taking the stage. “He always told me to never give up on my dreams and to always be myself.“ Tongi delivered a stunning rendition of the song, showcasing his vocal range a