Introduction:
Iam Tongi’s “Sugar” Brings Hawaiian Warmth to the World
Iam Tongi, the gifted singer who captured America’s heart as the Season 21 winner of American Idol, is stepping confidently into a new chapter with his single “Sugar,” released September 19, 2025. The breezy track blends Tongi’s signature ukulele strums with pop-country textures, carrying the gentle glow of a Hawaiian sunset across every note.
At just 20, the Kahuku, Hawaii native is proving he’s far more than a one-hit wonder. Drawing on his Polynesian heritage and personal loss, Tongi channels both joy and resilience into a song already climbing the charts. His historic 2023 Idol victory—where he became the first Pacific Islander to win—showcased his soulful voice and moving storytelling, particularly his unforgettable cover of James Blunt’s “Monsters,” dedicated to his late father, Rodney.
“Sugar” continues that heartfelt tradition. Co-written in Nashville with Kacey Musgraves and Shane McAnally, the three-minute track opens with a lilting ukulele riff before swelling into a sing-along country-pop groove accented by steel guitar. Backing vocals from his fiancée, Male Montalbo, add an intimate touch, while a Hawaiian-language bridge honors his roots. Tongi describes the song as “a hug in musical form,” and early listeners agree: it racked up over two million Spotify streams within 48 hours.
The accompanying music video, filmed on Oʻahu’s North Shore, is a love letter to the islands. Lush shots of sugarcane fields and ocean vistas frame playful moments of Tongi and Male sharing shave ice, with a cameo by his Idol mentor James Blunt. Fans quickly dubbed it “a tropical hug,” helping the video reach five million YouTube views in three days.
Beyond music, Tongi remains grounded in community. He donates a portion of “Sugar” profits to provide music scholarships for Native Hawaiian students and serves as an ambassador for environmentally sustainable Hawaiian tourism. Even with growing fame, he still volunteers at his former high school, coaching football and grilling burgers for the team.
“Sugar” is the lead single from Tongi’s forthcoming debut album High Tide Heart, slated for February 2026 on Republic Records. With Grammy buzz already swirling and a 20-city Sweetheart Tour kicking off October 10 in Honolulu, Tongi’s blend of authenticity, cultural pride, and pure musical warmth suggests his star is only beginning to rise.