A 12 year old Iam Tongi and his father. Absolutely beautiful.

Rest in love Rodney. You and your wife raised such an amazing young man!!!

Bro this means so much to every son who’s lost their Dad. My soul is touched.

i don’t know why but every time i watch your old videos with your dad i tear up, i’m glad you are doing well iam

He's going places for sure

Who else is here after watching Iam in American Idol? I’m not crying, you are 🥺😭

They are now one Like father like son. Our children will learn more than we will ever know. I Am One. Should be his name.

Just watched his audition on American idol and OMG young man you're an inspiration to us all.... stand strong and stay the course because your going places

LOVE. This is parenting the way it was created to be. Tears watching the connection.

You can subtly here your dads voice, but still here how talented and real it is. Best part is that he clearly is letting you shine…ugh tears here…

This video shows why you bonded with him so well. I wish I had a relationship like this with either of my parents

Rest east Rodney. I don’t know you but I think we all grew to love you and you son Iam. He’s gifted and kind. Genuinely. 🥰 Hawaii love you Iam and We love you on Kauai. I’ve been watching videos of you and your dad for a few years and you’ve always been filled with love and reached my heart. Come home to Hawaii Braddah 🤙🏼💗🌺 Mahaloz for sharing your beautiful gift. 🌺

Haven't watched American Idol in years. My wife decided to watch this season, so I joined her. We saw your audition, and I looked to her and told her that you're my pick to win. You convey emotion so well, and as someone who lost parents at a young age you sing what we all feel. Congrats to you and your family; he saw you through :) Stay humble and share your gift, you'll heal many hearts!

Man I'm balling like a baby rn. I know your dad is smiling from heaven and is so proud of you!!

So glad you have these memories captured of your late father and yourself singing. Keep singing and make your Dad proud. Your AI audition was amazing.

The way Iam looks towards his dad, you can tell he meant a lot for him.

No words can describe how beautiful this moment is.

People all over the world are falling in love with this amazing young man.

Just a kid looking for his dad’s approval. I love it so much man! Now you have the whole world’s support my guy!

IAM I AM CRYING LIKE A BABY! YOUR DADDY LOVES YOU VERY MUCH AND HE IS WITH JESUS!

This kid has brought me to tears more than once. Rip Rodney and I wish Iam all the best on his journey.

His dad has been preparing him for the battles ahead of him. And he's executing it well!!!

Rodney is so subtle here. Definitely hears his son's voice clearly and he's thrilled. Rare is the gift of this young boy. Once in a lifetime talent that is timeless

wow, i just saw your idol audition for the first time and just had to see you and your dad singing together. i lost my dad too and i was almost immediately in tears. your voice is such a beautiful gift. you have found your purpose and reason my friend. i wish nothing but the absolute best for you. good luck in everything you want to accomplish.

^You’re only 12 here I see. Every song I have heard you sing is so emotional. Brings out happy tears. Stay focused and keep that heart pure and safe. Rest In Peace Rodney.

You were so young in this video with your dad, Iam. And yet it is so easy to see and feel God's Love and Light that you carry in you and shine around you. Your dad harmonizes perfectly with you! Rest in pride, Sir Rodney. Peace to you and your family, Iam.

Ahh, sweet young Iam Tongi with his dad, Rodney, singing one of the best songs ever written.🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵❤❤❤❤🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜Blessings from Washington State. I hope Iam, that you can afford a house for your mama and siblings, with your American Idol win, and many years of happiness lay before you. In Hawaii, I know what getting priced out of Paradise feels like. We got priced out of the San Juan Islands, north of Seattle, 6 years ago, Mahalo bra

Seeing him audition on american idol now at 18yrs old & knowing his back story, my goodness my heart is breaking!! To come here & see this video of him as a young boy singing with his dad, i can't stop crying!! Not only is it beautiful vocally, but emotionally & even spiritually as well because it's felt with every word. These are the very moments, the simple little small moments we miss & forever cherish as memories. I'm a caretaker for my elderly dad who is 87 & believe me when i tell u, this goes directly to the heart.

❤ how beautiful a father and son bonding with music. RIP Rodney, you raised a talented man.

THANK YOU KZfaq FOR SHOWING ME THIS PAGE FOR FIRST TIME 😢😔😔 HALLELUJAH 🙏

maybe you can afford to move back and take mam back to paradise now good luck RIP Rodney. love from England

It was story of a boy and his dad…. I love you sweet man and I will support you from this moment till the end of time my sweet angel!! ❤❤❤❤❤

Mr. Tongi if you're reading this I wanted to say I love your voice.i sing Hallelujah almost every day because I love the song. I used to sing at the local bars and the VFW. It's where I found out I have a passion for singing n sounded somewhat decent. You do you Boo. Don't let no one take away how good u r at it n walk with your head held up high and be proud of who you are because you are a beautiful person both inside and out.

No matter the outcome. To me, you’ve already won. Even at an early age you sang this beautifully. Blessing for you always.

I'm in love and I'm a grandma... He has the cutest smile and awesome personality. Can't wait for his concerts. They will all be sold out.

Your dad gets you ready before his time is coming bro. Now you are man now ❤

Aloha Iam, I knew you would be the next American 🇺🇸 idol…..Because you have an amazing and beautiful voice…..I’m so excited for you and yours…….💗🙏🏻🤘🏻I 💗Hawaii 💗👋🏻🤟🏻💗 This Video is so touching and what a great way to remembering your Dad, you can see how he 🥰 you so much……..very lucky to have that from a wonderful father and family…………😌

Some people were born into transcendence. Iam was and is a prodigy. I'm glad his immense talent lives amongst us in the mainstream. Beautiful soul and voice.

I told my girl you were going to win it all you are something special and I know your dad is so damn proud of you!

Rest in Paradise!! Your baby boy is the American Idol champion, just like you wanted !!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

I am watching this most moving video ever and I am crying for the love from this father and son that was taken away far far too soon. I am will feel the love and strength of his father for the rest of his life. What a powerful, wonderful thing to have. God bless you sweetheart. Phyliss

Wow you were young here. I only came to know you after American idol. And your rendition of chase the monsters away. It hit me directly to my heart. I lost my father to cancer. The sond said everything my heart wanted to say. Thank you for sharing your father with us all. What a talent you both are.

Sleep well until Jesus returns Rodney. Its gonna be a great day when you're reunited with your family again. To have children is easy. To be a father is a whole different story. Applause Mr Tongi.

Tongi , I am so sorry for the loss of your father, you know he's proud of you. Congratulations on your American Idol win ! 🙏✌️🌍

How lucky we all are to be around to share in the experience of this generational talent. Your music has touched my soul in ways that I thought weren’t possible anymore. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Iam.

He sings with his son, always. My heart knows only a few moments of peace. This is one.

He was 12 when he did this song with his dad. That’s amazing such a special boy and now the whole world knows who he is because of American Idol how blessed are we. God bless you Iam and your beautiful dad and family

Astonishing!! Lord, bless him as he travels through life. How great being with your dad must have been! Just remember, your memories are yours to keep Obviously, he is alive in your heart

Harmonizing is a gift. Dad's got it. Iam's voice, even at this young age, is amazing!❤,

I love how your dad always allowed you to shine. He supported you in every note from here to eternity.

Look at him. Very genuine dude right here. He's going to kill it for years to come. Congrats on all the success my friend

Rest in peace Mr Rodney.... Tongi your a beast love your voice........ 🙏🌍✌️

Crying watching all these videos of their bond.

Listening to you is like a religious experience for me. You have the voice of an angel and I see you got it from your Dad. 💕

So lovely. This is what a father son relationship should look like. God Bless...🥰

Amazing how children pick up an incredible talent before they even face the challenges that the world brings them. It shows how a loving environment that a family can create and patience can breed beauty felt in every sense. Thanks for the inspiration.

His Dad was a good singer too.. he inherit his talent to his Dad God gift ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Love you Iam! Your Dad had a great voice and he kept it soft so you could stand out. He's smiling from Heaven

I sing karoke with my dad in the garage all the time with my guitar so this really touched my heart. Rest in peace to a beautiful soul that shall be with you for life & eternity Iam

God damn. Rest in peace Rodney. Your an inspiration to your son. Your memory and journey with your son will live on. Your boy did good Rodney. 😢god bless you!

Listening to him takes my breath- I have to remind myself to breath- not many can do that!!

Congratulations on winning AI! We are so proud of you. Your dad is rejoicing in heaven, he was with you all this time and will always be. You have a gift!!!!

Wear that smile everytime you watch this video! Everytime you miss him watch this video and smile with Tears of Joy .

Aloha Rodney and Iam - you have so much freedom in your soul - thank you :-)

I cannot be the only one SOBBING! Iam - now we know where your talent came from! Mahalo to your dad for giving you this gift…he’s watching over you ❤

Absolutely love this . All the songs you sing touch my heart . I know you’re father is very proud . 🥺🥹❤.

I wish the people around him would worry for his health because being so young with all the weight is gonna cause many struggles for this great singer and we want him around for a long time hoping the team he has is focusing on his nutrition

Keep singing Iam. Sing you and your family's way back home.

Oh Iam you completely wrecked me last night! I've been going from your audition, to last nights duet with James and now this with your Dad Rodney this morning. Don't ever doubt that God formed you in your Mother's womb for such a time as this! Under your Dad's loving tutelage you have become such a beautiful message to the world. I absolutely love your voice and your gentle ❤. Tina

I’m watching American Idol again because of you💕your voice is so beautiful and it touches my heart every time I hear you sing. God bless you and your beautiful family 😀😘

Wow, not only does Rodney get a front row seat from Heaven to watch his son become a star....he gets to see his 'physical self' become a star as well. What a ride that must be!

Hallelujah!!!!! You will always have the beautiful memories that become treasure of your Daddy ❤

This has me in Tears. Not only is your dad in your video, but this was my dad’s favorite song, and was sung at his funeral in 2018. Blessings to you and your family. 💜😭

The beauty, purity, & innocence of this is like witnessing a rare bit of Heaven that for just the briefest of moments was lucky enough to be captured on camera. A treasure beyond all the wealth of Kings! BEAUTIFUL!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

May your father in the arms of our lord Jesus Christ Amen

Oh my, you were so young here. Your dad was on the right path with you even at a young age. He helped create your future. What a blessing!

RIP Rodney.... our prayers our with you and your success Iam. Great to see a Kahuku boy Represent our side of da island so well. May Heavenly Father comfort and bless you and your ohana. Aloha

This family story is so moving, his dad and mom was his support, they knew their son had a special talent, his glorious angelic voice 🎶 💙 Thank you dad and mom, he is now America's new 🌟 STAR 🌟 American Idol 2023 🏆 We will cast all our votes for IAM !

On my soul, We just witnessed 2 legends.. LLR

I have watched your audition twice . I understand how hard it is to lose a dad a friend, but just any friend. Your audition brought to tears, for I lost my dad on 12/24/20. It was hard. I was this close to seeing him again. I asked God to allow me to give him one last hug. 2 nights later, I dreamed with him. There, he was smiling and gave that last hug that I needed from him.

Iam! Your american idol auditions popped up on my youtube. You have an amazing voice and heart. I admire the love you have for your father and i am very sorry you lost him at such a young age. Im glad you found the courage to sing. There is something special about you. You have a big heart! Something this world needs today. I really hope you continue to play regardless of the American Idol outcome. And if i ever get the chance to see you play live i promise you i wouldnt miss it for the world brother. God bless you and good luck on your journey 🤘🏼🤙🍀👍🏼

I’m voting for you all the way young man! You stole my whole family’s heart the day we seen you on American idol!!! You deserve this!!! Your amazing!!

I didn’t realize this was the America idol winner..I listened to this when it came out 😢

Iam thank you so much for sharing these beautiful memories of your father with all of us. You made every man, young or old go to a place of deep thoughts and memories about their fathers. You young man are a prime example of God gives gifts to those whom deserve it most. God bless you and your family. Aloha!

Awww... you were still sooo young on this video! Such great memories with your dad!! Amazing voices!

Talent was so obvious even here when he was a little child- I’m so delighted we got to vote for him and help him to gain the title of American Idol- as a retired teacher that taught band- I can hardly wait to see what this young man achieves🎉

Your father was a great pillar for you Just there creating time for his son You could just tell he loves spending time with his child

Here after the announcement that you won, your dad is right there with you Iam and he is so proud. ❤❤❤

Baby Iam! 💓His voice channels something so pure and healing.

Iam, I feel your pain.....I lost my Pop in 2001 and it still feels like yesterday! He taught my 3 brothers and I guitar when I was 14 and he could play and sing ANYTHING! I can't hear an older Country or Gospel song that he used to sing, without breaking down, as I am now just writing about him! I would love to see you do a tribute to Israel IZZY and sing White Sandy Beach, but put your upbeat Island spin on it?? Maybe even do an intro telling the audience you are doing a Tribute to IZZY, as a lot of people don't have a clue who he is? Hawaii needs another HERO young Man and God has blessed you with that ability!! Stay Strong, Healthy and ride this giant wave of SUCCESS your on 🤙😎🤙

God bless your soul man and your father's you made me cry all day you have a beautiful voice

watched your audition and your win and hear you say you could hear your dad harmonizing witb you...watched a few of your duets and get why you hear him. he's always there...he's like the wind beneath your wings ❤

When I hear this young man sing it touches my and tears just comes out of my tears ...I hope America will make you the next American idols winner 🏆

GOOD JOB IAM TONGI...you have May souvenir with your dad..all this quality moment will B source of strenght through yo Journey in American Idol, and the rest of yo future in music...

Hallelujah 🙌🏽❤️ rest in love to your daddy. He is so proud

You grieve with America and America grieves with you. What's important is not what we take with us, it's about what we leave behind when we go. You've brought people together and touched hearts in an amazing way. I can hear the love for your dad in your voice and guitar. it's through you that he shares his love with the world. What a wonderful gift he left for you and your family to carry on with. Thank you for sharing your heart and your dad with us, both of you are amazing. EDIT: that smile at about 14:10 / 14:11 says it all. I love that smile

Really amaze how your father always harmonized the song. Keep singing for him, Iam..

Missed you on American Idol and I see why you would win, so beautiful, such a wonderful voice. God has blessed you.

Absolutely love him. What a beautiful family. He carries himself with such humility and I don't think he will ever see what a talent he is. Big love.

you're lucky to have videos of your father singing. i can only see my father now in my mind and everything that he taught me. he's the very first person who taught me to sing at 3 years old and it's something i think about everyday until i grow up that's why i still see it clearly in my mind. your father must be very very happy and proud for you. keep it up.