Iam Tongi's Hawaiian Homecoming: "Don't Let Go" Hype Reaction!! - American Idol 2023

We definitely feel the island vibes in this video. Join us as we sway along to the music and react to Iam Tongi's homecoming performance of "Don't Let Go"

[@DaDUKES7]

Big mahalo for an excellent review. My gf and I decided that this cover, specifically Iam’s is gonna be our wedding/first dance song. Now if we could get Iam to perform it, shoot even a cameo would work 😂, it would be a dream come true 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@arrarejay]

Mahalo for the excellent reaction & commentary! Appreciate you both for having some insight with Polynesian culture particularly with Hawaii as it pertains to Iam Tongi and where he grew up. Iam was very much in his element! Nothing like being back home in front of friends and family!

[@ivanabremond-gu5tn]

Merci à tous les.deux, si jeune et talentueux c est merveilleux belle énergie et on adore ça ❤🎉.

[@alejakhobuntin9565]

mahalo everybody ❤❤❤❤❤ for loving iam

[@flipgardensjourney2585]

Our very own Iam Tongi ❤️❤️❤️ Love that kid so much! and thank you for sharing your reactions. God bless 🙏🏼

[@steveama8368]

❤❤❤the reaction. You guys r the best. Mahalo team IAM.

[@ellenmatagi6040]

❤❤❤TEAM IAM TONGI ALLL THE WAYYYYY CHHHEEE WWWHHHHOOOOO ❤❤❤

[@puananispencer7219]

Thank you so much or the reaction.

[@dianeritthaler7792]

Love this young man ❤🎉

[@nancy9891]

Such a happy song. I love it 🌺🌈🌺

[@angelawilhoit7474]

❤

[@drthomason7043]

He was known in Kahuku before going to Washington.. The kids in that area are performers. They take lessons by watching and listening family and friends. alot of Polynesians know music without reading ut, it's natural. He got given his cap and gown at the high school he would have gone to. But not money. Its the women who are given money, when they dance. It is a matriarchal society. Aunties can come and take that money from them. So his Mum will be managing him no doubt.

[@carinalindberg7377]

There is at least one video out there of Iam playing his guitar and singing, accompanying a female dancer, and both her and Iam are given money offerings during their performances.

[@drthomason7043]

@@carinalindberg7377Must look out for it. I have seen dancers be given money and one of the Aunties come and take the money and give it to someonelse

[@Leinomaaea]

You had it right… Hawaiians reject statehood! Hawai’i will always be an Island nation/country in the eyes and hearts of the indigenous people of Hawai’i nei.

[@alelokaoseumu]

no real power comes with that attitude. Smart kanaka works within the framework that exists now to give their people voice and power. Pretending like US doesn't govern Hawaii is a lose-lose scenario

[@furstnaymelassnaim9206]

Hahaha I’m surprised you know about the money offerings. It’s just a Polynesian thing. Doesn’t matter where or who, we will walk on that stage and give our offerings! 😂

[@ChaseAndRemmingtonMusic]

Yeah. I was really hoping to see that. And hear a few more chee-hoos.

[@furstnaymelassnaim9206]

@@ChaseAndRemmingtonMusic cheeeeeehoooooooooo 🤙

[@ChaseAndRemmingtonMusic]

That’s better.