Iam Tongi returned to the stage that launched him to stardom during a recent episode of American Idol to perform a heartfelt rendition of “Good For My Soul.”
The 21-year-old Hawaii native, who captured America’s hearts when he won Season 21 of the popular singing competition, came back to Idol to perform the emotional track during the show’s Hawaii episodes, filmed at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
Of the track, co-written by Tongi alongside Johnny Reid and Tyler Gain, Tongi previously shared, “My dad taught me that when you sing and write music, it’s gotta come from the soul. Otherwise you’re just making noise. That’s why I wrote this song and made it the title of my debut album.”
“Good For My Soul” is the title track to Iam Tongi’s debut album of the same name, which arrived on Friday, March 13. The 13-track project features three of Tongi’s personal favorite cuts, including “I Do” and “What I’m Gonna Do” as well as “Love In Paradise,” a duet that features his good friend Ava Reid and that he says “honestly hits me every time” in the feels.
For Tongi, the performance marked a meaningful full-circle moment. Returning to the Idol stage in his home state allowed the singer-songwriter to reflect on how far he has come since his emotional audition in 2023.
“I used to think if I won American Idol, that would be it. I’ll have made it,” Tongi admitted. “But honestly that was just the beginning. I’ve learned since then that you still gotta keep putting in the work, keep practicing, keep learning. Making this album took waaay more work than I ever expected. A lot of writing, a lot of studio time, a lot of learning, and then more writing. And then re-writing 😂 But I loved every minute of it.”
“I’m really proud of this album and I really hope listening to it feels good for your soul,” Tongi shared of the project. “I might be biased, but i’m really proud of this album… Mostly because it really sounds like me — not what people think I am, but actually me.”
Later in the show, Iam Tongi welcomed fellow Idol alum Thunderstorm Artis for a performance of “Island Style.”
American Idol airs every Monday at 8/7c on ABC, and is available to stream the next day on Hulu.
