“American Idol” season 21 winner Iam Tongi has undergone a huge change.
In an interview with People, Tongi opened up about his 115-pound weight loss, detailing how he has been focusing on “working on myself” and “trying to stay healthy.”
Specifically, Tongi has a very strict fitness routine that he goes through daily with a personal trainer.
“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,” Tongi told the outlet. “And I’ve lost 115 lbs. It feels amazing. I feel great.”
But he is still very focused on his music career as well.
“I moved out to Memphis, so I’ve been working out, writing, recording, and just been busy — but in a different way,” Tongi said. “I’m working on an album, actually, so I’m excited about that, and we’ll see how that goes.”
Iam Tongi Has a New Song Featured In The New Live-Action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Movie
Iam Tongi was born in Hawaii, and that has always been an important part of him. So, getting the opportunity to have his song featured in the new live-action “Lilo & Stitch” movie “has been crazy,” he told PEOPLE.
Tongi’s victory on “American Idol” was historic, as he became the first person from Hawaii and the first Pacific Islander to win the competition.
A Look Back At Iam Tongi’s Victory
In the Season 21 finale, it came down to Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle. And with that, he delivered one performance that left everyone in tears.
Tongi joined forces with James Blunt to perform his song “Monsters,” which is the same song he used for his audition.
“It finally hit me at that moment,” Tongi told Rolling Stone after the win. “My dad always told me that I’m gonna make it one day and that he probably wouldn’t be around to see me be successful.”
It was the perfect tribute to his father, Rodney, who has passed away months before his audition.
“When I was on stage, I was crying because I was thinking about when he said that to me. He was hoping this for me since the beginning,” he added.
After his father passed, Tongi wasn’t even sure he was going to keep pursuing music, as it was something he did “because it made my dad happy.” He even admitted that he “thought there was no reason to do music anymore.” However, his mom encouraged him to keep going and even sign up for “American Idol.”
And he was able to honor his father by sharing his talent with the world and making others very happy through his music.
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‘American Idol’ Alum Iam Tongi Reveals Weight Loss Transformation