Six months after “American Idol” season 21 winner Iam Tongi wowed fans by revealing his 115-pound weight loss, it’s clear the Hawaii native has continued to focus on his health.
On November 18, 2025, Tongi was in New York for a joint party to celebrate the 75th anniversaries of King’s Hawaiian and the Bing Crosby Estate, which collaborated with the singer on his new single — a duet with the late, legendary crooner on his holiday classic “Mele Kalikimaka.” Tongi looked happy and healthy as he posed for photos at the event.
Fans Continually Urged Iam Tongi to Lose Weight After His ‘American Idol’ Win
DisneyTongi was 18 when he won “American Idol,” signed up to audition by his mom just months after his dad died from kidney disease. The way Tongi channeled his grief into his songs, including his heart-wrenching version of James Blake’s “Monsters,” made him a fan-favorite.
The teen had little hope he’d make it far on the show, telling People, “I had a bad attitude in the beginning because I felt like there was no reason for me to come on. They were just going to say that I was not good enough. And then I won the thing, and that was crazy.”
In the two-and-a-half years since becoming the first Pacific Islander to win “American Idol,” Tongi has moved to Nashville, found love with his girlfriend Leah, toured the world, and released new music, including his hit remake of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” for the “Lilo & Stitch” movie released in May 2025.
But fans frequently commented on Tongi’s social media posts about how worried they were about his weight, urging him to prioritize his health. In March 2025, Tongi revealed on social media that he had been working hard behind the scenes with a trainer to do just that.
Iam Tongi Looked Confident at NYC Event After Many Months of Working With His Trainer
Jason Crowley/BFA.comLooking happy and healthy, Tongi posed for photos at King’s Hawaiian and the Bing Crosby Estate’s celebration on November 18. It’s clear Tongi’s commitment to working out with his trainer, Robert, has continued to pay off.
In May, he told People, “We have a workout session maybe around 11, come back [home], and we go to an ice bath or sauna … or whatever it is. And then we come back, shower and go on a walk. And I’ve lost 115 lbs. It feels amazing. I feel great.”
Even “American Idol” mentor Jelly Roll, who has shed over 200 pounds, commented on one of Tongi’s workout posts in May, “So inspired by you”
In August, Tongi shared a video of himself on a bike ride, and wrote, “When I walked in the gym about 10 months ago, this wasn’t even a possibility and I didn’t think I’d ever ride a bike again so when Robert pulled out the bikes today I simply said I don’t think I can. And that’s why he’s the trainer, he knows me better than me 🤣 and after about 10 miles and falling twice 😂 I can say today I struggled but I had so much fun hitting this milestone of riding a bike again after almost 8 years. Love you all and Yessah 🤙🏽
New Music Video for ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ Shows Iam Tongi at Event
Footage from the November 18 event of Tongi singing and of guests making “gingerbread” houses out of King’s Hawaiian rolls is now featured in a music video for his cover of “Mele Kalikimaka,” released on November 21.
In a social media post about the song collaboration on November 22, Tongi wrote, “I’m super humbled and so grateful to share my new 2-song EP, created in partnership with the Bing Crosby Estate to celebrate 75 years of Bing’s classic ‘Mele Kalikimaka.'”
He continued, “It means a lot to bring this song home with my own cover of “Mele Kalikimaka” (Bing Crosby 75th Anniversary Edition), and even more to get to sing a special duet version with @bingcrosby’s original vocals.”
Way to go so very proud of you Iam you have done amazing at losing the weight as continuing your singing career as well. Congratulations keep up the amazing work and I look forward to seeing and hearing what you accomplish