While Iam brings so much pride to Hawaii -- he now lives in Federal Way, Washington. And that city's also been celebrating Iam!
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- It was a storybook season of American Idol for winner Iam Tongi, and he's still on cloud nine from his recent victory.
Iam was able to connect with millions of people across the nation through his Idol performances, showcasing both his talent and pride for his hometown of Kahuku.
Looking back to where it all started at Idol auditions just weeks ago, Iam had no idea his life was going to change for the better. He says to any aspiring artists looking for their big break, it starts by taking a chance.
"You can't be afraid. You can't be ashamed to do things," Tongi told KITV4. "You can't be prideful. You gotta go and do your best and put yourself out there and see what happens. Don't let people tell you you can't do anything."
As for that Kolohe Kai "Cool Down" finale performance, he said he's just grateful he got the experience to showcase Island Reggae to Idol viewers.
"I wanted to represent the islands, and represent where I'm from, people in Hawaii," he said.
As Iam's musical career takes off, he says he hopes to one day record an all Polynesian album.
KITV4’s Mika Miyashima has been on the road and behind the scenes with Iam during his journey on American Idol. And on Thursday, June 1, KITV4 will air an hour-long special “I am Iam,” with exclusive stories and interviews you can only see on KITV4 Island News.
See all of Iam's American Idol journey here, and catch Iam's very first audition weeks ago here.
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Born and raised on Kaua’i, Lei kicked off her on-air career joining the KITV4 in 2014. From traffic reporter to weather anchor and news reporter, today you can wake up every weekday morning with Lei at the anchor desk on Good Morning Hawai’i’ and Midday.
Kathryn spent the last decade in the Bay Area working in nonprofits, education, and communications consulting. She has a B.A. in English from St. Mary's College of CA and an M.A. in Public Affairs and Politics from the University of San Francisco.
