Introduction:
Iam Tongi Reflects on His Love for Country Music and His Late Father’s Influence
Iam Tongi, the American Idol Season 21 winner, continues to honor his roots while bridging the sounds of Hawaii and Nashville. In a recent feature, the 19-year-old singer opened up about his deep connection to country music, a love passed down from his late father, Rodney Tongi.
“Country music means a lot to me because that’s what I grew up on,” Tongi shared from his home state of Hawaii. “My dad’s favorite singer was George Strait. He’s the one who really got me into it.”
Tragically, Rodney Tongi passed away on December 28, 2021, from stage 4 kidney disease at just 50 years old. The loss came only months before Iam’s American Idol audition, which went viral and touched millions. In an emotional tribute, Iam performed using his late father’s guitar — a symbol of the bond they shared through music.
“My dad kept pushing me every day to learn a lot of country songs,” he recalled. “I learned Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks… most of the songs I knew were country.”
Despite his grief, Iam’s mother encouraged him to audition for American Idol in honor of his dad. His heartfelt performances, including his viral rendition of James Blunt’s “Monsters”, resonated across the world, ultimately earning him the historic win as the first Hawaiian and first Pacific Islander to claim the title.
For Tongi, returning to country music now feels like a natural step. “A lot of Island songs are just roots of country music,” he explained. “You’ve got artists like Moeʻuhane and The Kaʻau Crater Boys — they do songs that are basically country but with a Hawaiian twist.”
While Tongi has been spending more time in Nashville to record new music, he remains inspired by one of the genre’s biggest stars: Morgan Wallen. “He’s fire,” Tongi said. “All his songs and his songwriting skills — they’re just really good. I’ve never met him, but hopefully one day. And hopefully, my dad will see that too.”
With his latest single “Waikiki” already hinting at his country influences, Tongi continues to honor both his heritage and his father’s lasting impact. “My dad was a tough love kind of guy,” he reflected softly. “But in the moments you needed someone to lean on, he was always there. That’s why I really appreciate him. I love him and I miss him.”