Iam Tongi

Iam Tongi is an American singer-songwriter who gained national attention after winning Season 21 of American Idol in 2023. Born William Guy Tongi on September 1, 2004, in Kahuku, Hawaii, he is of Samoan, Tongan, and Irish descent. He made history as the first Hawaiian-born and first Pacific Islander to win the competition, as well as the first winner born after the show's 2002 debut.

Tongi’s love for music began early—he learned to play the ukulele in elementary school and received his first guitar from his father at age 13. His father, Rodney, who passed away in 2021, was a central influence on his musical journey. Tongi's emotional audition performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters,” dedicated to his late father, became the most-viewed audition in American Idol history.

After his win, Tongi graduated from Decatur High School in Federal Way, Washington, where he performed for his classmates at the ceremony. He released several successful singles, including “I’ll Be Seeing You,” which landed high on digital song charts. He also released a holiday EP titled An Iam Tongi Christmas, featuring island-inspired renditions of seasonal classics.

Tongi has performed at major events, including singing the national anthem at the 2023 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby and appearing in Disney’s holiday specials. He also performed at Cornell University’s Pacific Island Cultural Night in 2025, continuing to represent his heritage with pride.

In recent years, Tongi has undergone a major personal transformation, losing over 100 pounds through a disciplined fitness routine. Now based in Memphis, Tennessee, he is working on a new soul-influenced album, drawing inspiration from artists like Al Green, with plans for an upcoming release.

Tongi's journey is a story of resilience, cultural identity, and heartfelt artistry, earning him a growing place in the American music landscape.