Introduction
Few stories in Hollywood remakes capture the heart quite like Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, set to release in 2025. Among the film’s talented contributors, Iam Tanji, the winner of American Idol Season 21, emerged as a standout, lending his voice to a reimagined version of the beloved song Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride. Yet despite his rising fame and comfort in the spotlight, Tanji openly admitted to feeling immense anxiety when approached for the project.
Tanji’s connection to Lilo & Stitch is deeply personal. Growing up in Kyuku, Hawaii, he was profoundly influenced by the original 2002 animated film. In a viral TikTok post, he shared, “When I listen to the song… I’m simply a little boy at home, watching my favorite movie.” The opportunity to contribute to a remake of a story that shaped his childhood was both a dream and a source of pressure.
The film’s central theme of ohana, the Hawaiian concept of family, resonates with Tanji on a personal level. The loss of his father, who inspired his musical journey, made him especially attuned to the story’s message. His heartfelt American Idol audition, where he performed James Blunt’s Monsters in tribute to his late father, showcased his ability to transform personal experience into art. Participating in a project celebrating ohana was a natural fit, but it also carried the weight of honoring his family’s legacy while respecting Hawaiian culture on a global platform.
Tanji faced the added challenge of contributing to a Disney remake of a beloved classic. The original film is cherished for its animation, heartfelt story, and authentic representation of Hawaiian culture. His assignment—to record Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride with the Kamehameha School Children’s Chorus—placed him in a high-stakes position, tasked with reinterpreting a song that had defined a generation. The pressure was evident: even before the film’s theatrical release, the re-recording topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.
His role was also culturally significant. As a Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Tanji was representing his heritage on a worldwide stage. Collaborating with other Hawaiian artists like Bruno Mars and performing alongside native actresses ensured cultural authenticity. The responsibility of balancing artistic performance with cultural representation intensified his anxiety, particularly amid public discussions around changes to the film’s story.
Ultimately, with the support of Disney’s creative team, Tanji transformed his nerves into a performance that resonated with audiences. His American Idol appearance alongside the Kamehameha School Children’s Chorus demonstrated his skill and emotional connection to the material. The making-of video for the song has since garnered over 19 million views on YouTube, highlighting the impact of his contribution.
Iam Tanji’s journey exemplifies the essence of ohana: facing challenges with courage, leaning on community support, and honoring what matters most. His performance not only pays tribute to the original Lilo & Stitch but also brings its joy and cultural significance to a new generation, solidifying his place as both an artist and a cultural ambassador.