American Idol winner Iam Tongi drops Christmas EP, performs “White Christmas” on Disney special
American Idol season 21 winner Iam Tongi, recently released (Nov 24) his debut Christmas EP, An Iam Tongi Christmas, featuring covers of beloved holiday classics.
“The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, and I’m thrilled to share these special moments with my fans through the magic of music,” Iam shared in a press statement about the new set.
The EP features three well-loved tracks close to the singer’s heart: “‘Mele Kalikimaki,” “The Christmas Song,” and “White Christmas.”
Making history as the first Pacific Islander to win American Idol, Iam’s audition video, featuring an emotional cover of James Blunt’s “Monster,” amassed over 200 million views. Although stating that he and his family had been “priced out of paradise,” Iam is set to return to his roots in Hawaii.
Listen to all three Christmas songs from Iam Tongi’s new EP below
Iam goes home for the holidays
Iam will headline three homecoming concerts, headlined as “Yessah: Iam Tongi Returns to Hawaii,” organized by Rick Bartalini Presents. The first show will be held on December 9 at the grand reopening of the 7,000-seat Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu. Iam will continue with two more shows on December 12 and 13 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui.
“These homecoming performances are very special to me,” Iam shared. “It feels incredible to return to Hawaii to perform for the people who have shown me so much love and support.”
Additionally, on Nov 25, Iam appeared on the ABC TV special, The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration, featuring hosts Derek Hough and Julianne Hough, to sing “White Christmas.” Iam filmed the song at the Disney Aulani Resort, where the American Idol semi-final round takes place (according to spoilers, American Idol will head to the resort in February to film a round). The episode will also be available for streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+ (USA).
Watch Iam Tongi perform “White Christmas on The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration
Iam will also appear on the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade on Dec 25 to sing “Mele Kalikimaka.” The show airs on ABC, on Demand and Hulu.
