Following a whirlwind year of landmark achievements, heartfelt performances and rapidly growing fan support, “American Idol” Season 21 winner Iam Tongi is back with a new track, “Sugar.” Available today via 19 Recordings, listen to “Sugar” Below.
Co-written by Tongi, “Sugar” captures the sweetness of true island flavor. Mixed with ska and reggae, the upbeat track embodies everything fans have come to love from the Pacific Islander. A smooth vibe with bold blasts of brass horns accompany Tongi’s smooth vocals as he describes the beloved ‘Sugar.’
From the island of Pohnpei
That’s where she was born and raised
Like a flower wild and free
She chased the wind to Hawaii
“I was in the middle of writing another song when ‘Sugar' just kind of snuck up on me. It kept popping into my head. I had a melody that didn’t fit with the other song I was writing at the time so I had to stop what I was doing,” shared Tongi. “Next thing I know – boom – ‘Sugar' was born. What makes it even cooler is I’ve always wanted a song with this exact kind of vibe, so it feels like it was meant to be. It’s actually inspired by a family friend. Can’t wait for you all to hear it."
Tongi is set to hit the road this fall for a headlining run. The Iam Tongi Fall Tour will bring his signature blend of emotional storytelling, island soul and acoustic warmth to fans across the east coast and midwest this October and November. A second leg with west coast dates will be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now at iamtongiofficial.com.
The tour comes on the heels of several major career milestones for the 20-year-old Hawaiian singer-songwriter, including being featured on Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch soundtrack, delivering a fan-favorite version of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride;” a performance of his powerful song, “Unbreak My Heart,” on The Kelly Clarkson Show; a surprise plaque presentation for over 100 million career streams during CMA Fest week, where he made his debut; as well as a debut on the famous Grand Ole Opry.
Tongi also recently released “Unbreak My Heart,” a tribute to his late father, whom he emotionally honored with his unforgettable “Monsters” audition on American Idol – a performance that brought all three judges to tears and has since become the most-viewed audition in the show’s YouTube history with over 40 million views. The new music continues Tongi’s tradition of vulnerable, soul-deep storytelling and was praised for its “vocals tinged with pain and perseverance.”
Whether fans have been with him since Idol or are just discovering the music, the Iam Tongi Fall Tour promises a live experience filled with heart, harmony and healing.
He is currently on the road as support for Niko Moon’s American Palm Tour with shows in Chesterfield, MO (Oct. 3) and Kansas City, MO (Oct. 4).
For fall tour dates and to purchase tickets, visit iamtongiofficial.com and follow along @wtongi on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.
