American Idol winner Iam Tongi drops beautiful acoustic version of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’
American Idol winner Iam Tongi is dropping acoustic covers of some of his favorite songs. The latest is the Israel Kamakawiwo?ole version of the classic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”
The 1939 original, written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, is from the musical film of the same year, The Wizard of Oz. The Kamakawiwo?ole version, performed with acoustic accompaniment, puts an Hawaiian island spin on the beloved classic. and is appreciated in its own right.
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Kamakawiwo?ole’s version reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot Digital Tracks chart during the week of January 31, 2004 (for the survey week ending January 18, 2004). In the United States, it was certified Platinum for million downloads sold.
Back on American Idol season 7 in 2008, Top 4 finalist Jason Castro had a viral moment with the Kamakawiwo?ole version of the song, on which he accompanied himself on ukulele.
Iam nods to the Kamakawiwo?ole rendition, but he also puts his own spin on the tune. He sings the plaintive lyrics, accompanying himself on an electric guitar, backed up by a sweet steele guitar. It’s simple and affecting.
Iam also covered Morgan Wallen’s ‘Sand in My Boots”
In addition to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Iam posted a cover of Morgan Wallen’s “Sand in My Boots.” It’s not a cover a fan might expect from Iam. But once again, Iam puts his own unique spin on a familiar song.
The singer has kept busy since winning American Idol in May. He recently released an original single, “Why Kiki?” and has been literally travelling the world on tour. Recently he played concerts in Australia and New Zealand.
Currently, Iam is playing shows in the East Coast and Midwest. He’ll be back in Hawaii for the “YESSAH: IAM TONGI RETURNS TO HAWAI”I concert set for December 9 and 10th at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. He recently announced he’ll be playing the Gwen Stefani headlining “Cali Vibes” festival in Long Beach that is taking place February 16-18.
