Iam Tongi, American Idol winner and viral sensation, pays homage to his late father with a soul-stirring acoustic cover of Garth Brooks’ timeless hit, “The Dance.” Released December 1, this rendition not only showcases Tongi’s love for country music but also commemorates a cherished connection with his father. Stream it HERE.

The decision to cover “The Dance” holds a deep personal significance for Tongi. Explaining the choice, Tongi shares, “I chose to do a cover of ‘The Dance’ because my dad really wanted me to learn this song. He was a true country music fan, and so am I. This song holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the first songs I learned to play on the guitar, with my father by my side. We would harmonize together, creating beautiful memories through music that I treasure so much now that he has passed.”

Reflecting on the sentimental value of the song, Tongi recalls, “I remember posting a video of this song with my dad, and it means a lot to me because of the connection I have with it. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the shared moments, the harmonies, and the bond we formed while playing it together.”

Tongi’s rendition of “The Dance” is not merely an acoustic cover but a heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of fatherhood and the emotional resonance embedded within the fabric of country music. His soulful interpretation of the timeless classic will surely strike an emotional chord with fans of both Garth Brooks and Iam Tongi. View the acoustic cover video HERE and stream HERE.

For more information Iam Tongi, visit HERE or follow @wtongi.

ABOUT IAM TONGI:
Hailing from Kahuku, Hawaii, Iam Tongi etched his name in history as the first person from Hawaii and the first Pacific Islander to win the star-finding tv show, American Idol. With a voice that effortlessly tugs at heartstrings and a mastery of instruments including the ukulele, piano, and guitar, Iam Tongi captivated audiences and judges from the very first note of his profoundly moving audition where he dedicated a touching rendition of James Blunt’s “Monsters” to his late father. The heartfelt performance garnered a standing ovation from the judges, catapulting him into the realm of viral stardom. His audition quickly surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, securing his place as the most viral artist in Idol history.

Iam Tongi’s roots run deep in the Hawaiian, Samoan, and Tongan cultures, where he was immersed in a world of music from a young age. As his natural-born gifts became known, his father, recognizing his innate talent, spent his holiday paycheck on a guitar when Tongi was thirteen. Tongi spent years performing for his family and at local events, carefully crafting his skills and vocal prowess. His father, a constant source of encouragement, had long urged Tongi to audition for American Idol. However, it was the profound loss of his father to kidney failure that ultimately drove Tongi to fulfill this dream, paying a heartfelt tribute to the man who had been the most influential figure in his life.

Since his historic American Idol victory, Iam Tongi’s artistic journey has been extraordinary. His music has flourished, and he has connected with audiences with exciting releases to amass over 23.2 million global streams and 14.7 million domestic streams across all platforms. His releases include “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Monsters” with James Blunt, “Why Kiki?,” as well as his inspiring acoustic version of “Starting All Over Again” with the proceeds dedicated to supporting Maui charities. His remarkable talents have drawn crowds from coast to coast, with sold-out shows illuminating his path as he continues to captivate hearts around the globe. Follow him on all social platforms @wtongi.

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Iam Tongi, American Idol winner and viral sensation, pays homage to his late father with a soul-stirring acoustic cover of Garth Brooks' timeless hit, 'The Dance.' Released December 1, this rendition not only showcases Tongi's love for country music but also commemorates a cherished connection with his father. Stream...