A new musical collaboration has brought together two artists separated by generations for a unique holiday recording. Hawaiian singer-songwriter Iam Tongi, the 2023 “American Idol” champion, has joined forces with legendary crooner Bing Crosby for a fresh interpretation of the Christmas song “Mele Kalikimaka,” celebrating 75 years since the original recording.
Crosby’s classic holiday hit is marking its 75th anniversary this year, making this the perfect opportunity for a special tribute project. Tongi’s involvement in the project carries deep personal significance, as the Hawaiian-born artist grew up with the song as part of his family’s Christmas celebrations.
A Personal Connection to Holiday Tradition
For Tongi, recording “Mele Kalikimaka” represents a return to cherished family memories and cultural traditions. “Growing up in Hawaii with my big family, we used to go door-to-door at Christmas, singing ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ and other Christmas carols,” he shared in a press release. “I can’t believe there’s going to be a whole generation of people hearing my voice on it.”
The emotional weight of working with Crosby’s legacy wasn’t lost on the young artist. “Recording on such a legendary song, made famous by the one and only Bing Crosby, has been a surreal experience for me,” Tongi explained.
The collaboration features both a solo cover by Tongi and a duet version that blends his vocals with Crosby’s original recording. The Bing Crosby Estate and Primary Wave Music partnered with King’s Hawaiian to support this special project.
The release on November 21, as part of a two-song EP, coincides with the start of the holiday season. It is also accompanied by a music video that brings the musical collaboration to life.
Tongi’s journey to this moment began in Kahuku, where he developed his musical skills as a child. According to Aloha State Daily, he learned ukulele in fifth grade, starting with songs like “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “Maui: Hawaiian Sup’pa Man,” laying the foundation for his later professional career.
Building on American Idol Success
Since winning Season 21 of “American Idol” in 2023, Tongi has achieved considerable streaming success. He has accumulated more than 100 million streams across all platforms by June and maintains over 2.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
The artist’s recent accomplishments include his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 12. He performed his new song “Unbreak My Heart” to a standing ovation. “That was insane,” he told Aloha State Daily. “I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but they were standing and clapping. I’d never been to Grand Ole Opry, and I thought they did that for everyone.”
His work extends beyond traditional country and pop music. Tongi also contributed to Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” soundtrack. His version of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” was performed with the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus.
Lisa Fruggiero, Vice President of Brand Partnerships at Primary Wave Music, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the “Mele Kalikimaka” project. “Food, family, and music are at the heart of the holiday season. Together with the Bing Crosby Estate and King’s Hawaiian, we’ve created a partnership that perfectly reflects the spirit of ‘Mele Kalikimaka,'” she explained in the press release.
The project includes a creative marketing component featuring a limited edition GingerBREAD House made entirely from King’s Hawaiian rolls. The kit is available for $19.50 and includes a mini record with QR code access to the new recording.
He is such a talent like to hear him sing.Mery Christmas