Hawaiian ‘American Idol’ Contestant Leaves Audience Enthralled After Disney Performance

The Disney magic might not always seem like it is alive and well these days — but one Hawaiian singer has just brought back the Disney (and Marvel) magic for audiences on the popular American Idol competition show! 

On the show’s “Disney Night,” which has become an American Idol tradition, the contestant named Iam Tongi sang a stunning rendition of a highly-underappreciated song that originally prefaced the popular animated Disney movie Moana when it premiered in theaters back in 2016.

The American Idol contestants visited Disneyland before their performances to get in the Disney spirit, and Iam Tongi was able to try out Disneyland attractions for the very first time!

“This is my first time at Disneyland and I love it. It’s so fun. We’re just having the time of our lives out here,” the new household name declared. “Attractions are amazing and brilliant…Disneyland is the happiest place on earth!”

Iam Tongi met with Disney Channel actress Sofia Carson in Disneyland (as did other contestants) to discuss his song choices for Disney Night. Sofia Carson herself is, of course, a Disney fan; the young actress starred in the Descendants movies about Disney villains, as well as the show Austin & Ally, and she is one of the few people who have spent the night in the exclusive Cinderella suite in Disney World!

“I have to tell you I’m a fan. You sing and it’s like you lived a million lifetimes,” Carson said as she praised Tongi.

When talking about the song “Lava” from the Disney short Lava about two lovestruck volcanoes, Tongi explained that the song “takes [him] to Hawaii.”

“To me it’s really important for me to represent where I’m from and make people proud,” Tongi added.

With a Hawaiian shirt, lei, ukelele, and his signature vocal style, Iam Tongi thoroughly charmed both American Idol voters and Disney fans!

Tongi also followed up his Lava performance with a Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 soundtrack feature, which was “Father and Son” by Cat Stevens.

Iam Tongi made it into the final three contestants after these two performances, joining Megan Danielle and Colin Stough for the last episode before the finale episode of the show’s singing competition!

Are you still watching American Idol after all these years and seeing what becomes of the contestants who step onstage in front of Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie? Is Disney Night your favorite American Idol event (and if so, are Katy Perry’s outlandish Disney outfits a factor)?