Reigning 'American Idol' Winner Iam Tongi Says Aloha to the Top 24 and Performs His Hit Single

Iam Tongi

American Idol returns to Hawaii tonight and Monday night for the Top 24 performances at the Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. And as part of that, what could be more perfect than having the reigning Idol, Iam Tongi, who just happens to be Hawaiian born, return to perform his new single “Why Kiki?”

“It’s just been crazy,” Iam says of his life since winning American Idol. “I’ve been on the road and recording a lot of music. I played a couple shows in Australia, New Zealand and Bali – international. I’ve been making a lot of music. I’m just doing what I love and it’s amazing.”

Among the music that Iam has made is the aforementioned single “Why Kiki?,” which captures his Hawaiian roots. It’s a song about a heartbroken man and the woman who did him wrong, but Iam finds the humor in it.

“It’s super catchy,” he tells Parade. “The collaboration reminds me of Hawaii. It’s a fun song. Yes, it’s about heartbreak, but it’s a fun, catchy, upbeat song. It’s not the end of the world. ‘Why Kiki?’ is a sad song, but it’s fun. I like to jam that one. I wanted to represent from where I grew up.”

Iam, who was living in Washington state when he appeared on American Idol, doesn’t miss a chance to return to Hawaii whenever possible, so he was happy to come back to the Aulani when invited. But as fun as it was, he says it felt strange.

“It felt weird not being one of the contestants, just being there performing,” he says. “One of my buddies from when I was on Idol, she came back this year. It was cool to see her again. It was fun, honestly, because I got to go talk to the crew and stuff. When I was on Idol, I mainly hung out with the crew basically.”

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But Iam did take time to speak to the new crop of contestants if they approached him – and several did asking for advice.

“I was, ‘Have fun,’” he says. “I was telling them just have fun and don’t let it be a competition. Because once it becomes a competition, it’s not fun. So, make sure you have fun and laugh.”

During our chat, the reigning American Idol also spoke about what life after winning has been like. Below is what he told Parade.

What has surprised you about life as the American Idol that you didn’t expect?

Probably that people know me internationally and it’s crazy. I was in Bali and I was getting stopped nonstop. It just blew my mind how they knew me out there. Also, in Australia and New Zealand. It was insane.

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So, you think maybe because those are more island cultures and you’re an island guy, do you think maybe that’s why?

Maybe, maybe. But also, there’s a lot of people from Singapore that are like, “I loved watching you on Idol.” What? And the Philippines. I guess you would say islands, yeah, like Bali, Australia and New Zealand.

What is your favorite thing that you’ve done since winning American Idol?

Probably my favorite thing has been performing in Hawaii at the Blaisdell Arena. It was so fun. I played with Megan Danielle and we just had a blast. Megan Danielle was the second place in my season. I performed with her on the stage in Hawaii and that was a crazy show.

One of the things that I’m told every season is “we became a family; we became lifetime friends.” Are you still friends with some of the people from your season?

Oh, yeah, I’m friends with all of them. I still talk to all of them every now and then. We still have the group chat. Everyone texts what they’re doing in life and it’s so cool to keep in touch with that. They’re just like, “Yeah, guys, guess what? I’ve got this thing that I’m doing,” and everyone’s so supportive. I just love that group chat and I just love my season of Idol.

Related: American Idol Judges Award the Second Platinum Ticket to the 'Best Thing We've Ever Heard'

You have a tour coming up. In addition to Why Kiki? what music will you be playing?

I’ll be playing some of the songs that I played on the show, but also originals that I have been writing – unreleased originals and released originals. It’s just going to be so much fun. It’s just me, me and my band, that’s it. We’re just going around jamming out.

Do you like touring? Or is it hard because it’s a different city every night?

I love touring. It’s so much fun. I honestly basically just sleep and do music. That’s what I do on the road.

You released a holiday EP. Is there now an album in the works?

Yes, there’s an album in the works. I’m still working on it. The plan is I’m going to do an EP first and then an album.

Related: American Idol Judges Give Out the First Platinum Ticket to the ‘Best Soul Singer of the Season'

You said that on your tour you were going to perform some songs that are not released. Are those ones that you’re working on for the EP? So, you’re trying them out to see how they do with an audience?

Yes, I’m just jamming it out and seeing exactly what you said. And promoting my originals and my songs.

When you were on Idol, you lived in Washington state. But the dream, I think, is to move back to Hawaii. Are you any closer to doing that? And is it just you that you want to move back or do you want to move your mom and everybody back, too?

I want to move my mom and everyone back. One day. Not yet, because I’m just focusing on music. I do want to get back home one day. I will one day.

American Idol airs Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams next day on Hulu.

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