It doesn't matter if he's on the American Idol stage or on a football field - he's the same person. Humble, real, and true to who he is as a person and a performer. I hope he wins - but if he doesn't , he has already won the hearts of the entire world ❤️

We LAVA Iam! This is a graduation only possible in Hawai'i! Hawai'i is with you All The Way!

Iam you will be the next American idol. The state of Illinois is voting for you on every tablet, computer, chrome book, cellohine we have.

Congratulations Iam! We love you here in Maine! Stop over anytime for Lobster!!!

I have chills and this grandma 👵 can't stop crying 😢😢please be our next American idol Iman this world needs your loving heart

He is the perfect representation of his culture and people.

Just so everyone can see this is Iam singing live, in the open air. No gadgets, no auto-tune, just a great voice!

Team Iam Tongi here!! We LAVA you all the way from the Philippines!! God Bless your journey! You are the World's IDOL of this generation! ❤❤❤ YESSAAHH!

I love how Hawaii still proforms their traditions with love to their prodigy.

I remember seeing him on his audition saying his family had to leave Hawaii because they were "priced out of Paradise." His voice and heart brought him home....

No other place like Hawai’i 🙏🏾🙏🏾

We Pacific Islanders always do it best! We wear our hearts on our sleeves and draw all our strength from our families. We protect each other. ❤❤❤❤ Sending Bula Blessings all the way from Fiji. All the best for the finals. ❤❤

🔥❤so special that this is his graduating class at this moment in his American Idol journey🔥❤TEAM TONGI FTW💯🎉

😢 😢 😢 He's the best singer with no band. He can sing anytime. Proud to seeing this Polynesian loving culture. Let the world and the haters say Congratulations 🎊 Iam Tongi. We are all proud of you.

This little public school continues to produce amazing kids! Sorry that so many are priced out of paradise but when you go out into the world you make it better!

It gives me chills how they honored this young man. Well deserved, I feel moved as he shared his gift with the world.

I was so moved when they performed the Haka. Then he sang Lava and I teared😢 up. He sings so beautifully! He's got my votes for American Idol.

This blows me away, how much Iam is so loved by his community! His island his people! We love u Iam!!!

I lived in central wisconsin all my life. Vast body of water to the north. Must be isolation way out beyond lends a loveing family atmosphere. A blessing to be sung

Reminds me of IZ so much with his voice and presence. Iam is the next level musician.

I know they're two completely different people, but he reminds me so dang much of Iz Kamakawiwoʻole. He just has such a gentle, kind, beautiful soul and a wonderful voice. I wish him the very best on his musical journey.

Thank you for posting this video so that we could all share in this special moment not only for Iam but all of the graduates of Kahuku High Class of 2023. I lived in Hawaii for over 14 years and can say after visiting 48 States and over 60 countries there is no other place like it on Earth. Once you are accepted by the locals you are ohana (family). I rented a house in Kailua with a huge mango tree in the front yard. One day I noticed a truck stopped by my house with two young men standing by the fence. I walked out to say hello and after exchanging pleasantries they asked if they could have some of my mangos to which I replied "Help yourself whenever you want, you don't have to ask, and that goes for anyone in the neighborhood." Several days later there was a box on my front porch with some tropical fruits that I did not even know existed. As long as I lived there the neighbors shared what they had with me and me with them. They are beautiful people. What America is seeing in Iam is just a local kid with a wonderful voice. Wonderful voices are common in the Islands with Iam's being a bit more special. Aloha to all my Hawaiian friends and congratulations to all of the graduating seniors!!

It’s awesome he made it to his graduation. So proud of you Iam.

Iam sounds so good! I listened to his Spotify music but those songs on Spotify sound bad as in poor studio manipulation. Just give this boy a mic and guitar and it sounds magical!

Congrats Iam on your graduation. Many blessings on your new joureny

You all just don’t know what happens when I see you all follow your traditions in honoring someone and especially IAM!!! I always cry!! AMERICA NEEDED IAM TONGI more than he needs us. His heart, his soulful singing and just feeling his emotions!!! He is truly an angel!! ❤❤❤❤

It was an honor to be there in person to witness this beautiful celebration for IAM! RR4L!

I've never wanted someone to win so bad but iam is pure talent and an amazing young man and he deserves it. I can relate to him a little because I lost my dad 3 years ago and he was the most important person in my life. He always put his family first and I miss him so much. Iam is already my american idol.

Nothing better than being home for Islanders! Even living on the mainland never come close to being with your loved ones…with Iam Tongi saying he’s family was priced - out …that is one of the saddest expression in the English language! Kahuku must be proud, just like Hawaii and all the Islanders around the world! Much love from Germany! ‘Ofa atu Toko!🌴🤙🏾

When he sang the song about the volcano looking for his soul mate ..... I lava you.... I broke down in tears. Iams voice touched my heart ❤️ . God bless you Iam. You are as real as they come. What a wonderful young man.

Very proud of you I AM good luck I wish you the best your Dad and Mom. Raise you well 🙏🏽❤️🤙bring it home 808 strong 💪🏽 4Life

Left as a virtual nobody, returns as the next American Idol (he aint being beaten), and shown the love of the Island people. And did he look happy & proud or what ? How humbling even for a humble man like he already is. This brings tears to my eyes & shows humanity just wants to share the love. #pricedbackintoparadice

I am a Filipino but ill be praying for IAM success. Win or lose, IAM is my american Idol 2023. Praying for you from afar.

The world loves Iam Tongi & I LOVE the spotlight that he has put on Hawaii❤️❤️❤️

Hail Kahuku Hail our Alma Mater Hail to our colors Red and White..Congratulations Iam Tongi❤

Reason why I love Hawaii and the Hawaiian spirit !!! Aloha and Mahalo for making the world a better place !!

This haka is awesome!.....I just busting with emotions for Iam!....Good job boyz!

Not only he wins American idol , he wins the world and the community ❤️💯🙌🏼 …. How the classmates & football players wants his signature 😍😍 he’s a legend 🤍💯

I love the fact this great kid is getting praise.. i hope they supported him b4 idol. Its like they say once ur doing good then they all wanna support but not b4

He's been doing so well on the Idol stage you forget he's still just an 18 year old kid graduating from High school...

Man, you make us smile your what this world right needs now

What a welcome home! This is what I really wanted to see. So proud of you Iam! Hawaii and pretty the world has your back🤙🏽❤

Just returned from a trip to Oahu. First time to Hawaii. Such a beautiful place and even more beautiful people. So glad that I went so that I can more fully appreciate who Iam is as an artist and ambassador for his people.

Iam, I've never been to Hawaii. Like a lot of other people, I've always wanted to visit. You're being on idol and your videos , including this one, make me wanna pack up and just come live there! Lol. Seriously though...right there where you're from. The love they have and the support they show for you is just unmatched! Seem like such great people. Good luck next week! (Not like ya need it though!) 😉 🏆🤙🌺

Congratulations IAM & Class of 2023! I'll be cheering for you to win American Idol! Lots of luck & ❤ your way!! 😍

So awesome that he is with his classmates. Iam is a wonderful representative of the Beautiful islands with his fabulous, Beautiful voice and spirit. ❤️

This Mormon (hold your judgement please), a Samoan came to my house on the Dine reservation. Gave us lessons but we mostly talked. He could be my son. I loved him from the beginning. Nicest, respectful, hardworking and loving human. He finished his missionary in May. Now, my phone is quiet because he don’t call anymore but I know the reason. Our family sure does him. God bless . My family and I didn’t accepted Mormonism. We did accept these Elders as family.

Recently visited Kahuku who hosted my son's rugby team from Australia. The people there are so welcoming. Shoutout to Makahoa pizza co. for the delicious pizzas and congrats to Iam and his class.

Can't help but cry for happiness... Iam, you always make us feel that we all are as ONE in color, race...you yourself unites all races in the world! Love you extremely! You are the world's new IDOL of this new generation! God Bless you brother!

He has the Holy Spirit in him. That’s why he’s so captivating.

I feel happiness,joy and love here.There is no bully and violence.The world need this and we all need this.❤

Wow what passion they have for their heritage, As an American I am way jealous of all the love they are sharing. In the rest of the un-united states the psycho's continue their quest to divide conquer

I absolutely ADORE IAM! He brings joy to my soul and his heart is pure! Thank you God for his needed love in this world! God Bless you Iam ❤️

We just happened to come through Kahuku an hour after Iam won and let me tell you it was an honor to have experienced the outpouring of love, support and celebration this community had for their Ohana. That special feeling Tongi gives when witnessing his performances was in the air and it was electric. I am a huge fan of Iam Tongi and now of Kahuku too. Lets support Iam and bring him home. ❤

Something about him that’s special.. makes me emotional every time I hear him sing.

His an Angel 😇 he is so blessed ! He’s voice is so soothing like a angel singing to all of us ! Praying so hard for him he’s my American Idol i don’t vote for anyone but Iam ! That was so beautiful ❤!

Wow! What a wonderful way to graduate high school, start your careers life dream right out of high school! No question to what he wants to be, a great Hawaiian Musician!! May you go far up the charts, see you at the top! 🤘😝🎸🎶🎶🎶

I'm crying and laughing at the same time over here 😂😊 I'm so happy for the island's and the locals. This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen ❤️ Get to graduate with his class where he and his family were born and raised 🙌 Thank you Jesus 🙏🎉

I love Iam and hope he is the next American Idol! No matter what he will be successful…Congrats Iam Tongi!

Well, that was quite the graduation ceremony, I don't think it would be easy to top! 🌴 Making it even more special with the success of Iam's standing in American Idol. Beautiful voice love that show so much talent!!! Best wishes Sunday the 21st of May Iam! We've got Lei Overload going on there, and I love it! 🌺🏵🌺

I love the Hawaiian culture! There are strong and loving people who want to save their heritage ! Iam will win for his father in heaven 🙏 bless you 💋👏sweet boy.

Awww... this is just beautiful ❤ This kid is awesome Love from Australia 🇦🇺

Everyone can feel the LOVE💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

He’s now Written amongst the stars! Long live Iam *Bowing

Awwww. I LIVE IN OHIO..and I am crying while I am watching this...❤❤❤❤❤❤ Tears of JOY‼️‼️‼️‼️

That was beautiful. The Haka had me tearing up. So happy to see Iam back in his element. ❤

This is amazing - especially since Iam has been away from his class for the past few years in Seattle. What a way to welcome Iam back home and for both sides to share their everlasting love for each other. ❤

Wow what a rare, raw, unique sound and voice this Guy has! And the judges knew it the first seconds the lyrics started coming out of his mouth! He will go big no Matter what the outcome of American 🇺🇸 Idol is! The world 🌎 knows him now!

Iam definitely deserves to win American Idol. Best voice in the competition!!!

He is the Real Deal and should be the next American Idol

Kahuku always goes big with their graduation ceremony. This too will go down as the most memorable graduations in history

very special guy indeed. let this man win and protect him at all cost. he has that charm and power to bring people together through his music. such a breath of fresh air, just all good and positive vibes. exactly what the world needs

It doesnt matter where Iam is when he sings...his voice and talent is beautiful everywhere he is heard and seen...Much Love! ❤

Watching this from Kona, I am speechless and tearful and so unbelievably proud of this great state we live in, that can show this beautiful young talent the Aloha and Love we are feeling for him. I wish him the very best in his life, stay humble, and show the world the incandescent spirit of Aloha that is Iam and Hawaii.

So beautiful- I love the unity of the people of Hawaii. ❤

Congratulations Iam on graduating. You are already a superstar!!

Thank you for sharing this with us. It means so much to see Iam's classmates celebrate his success with such pride and joy! I love his humility and sweet shyness. Yessah! JC in TN

Iam, what a way to celebrate your home coming! Great to see everyone joining in on your success and celebrating your graduation. Hawaii should be proud of their Boy!

Love this! This is good for all the young people to have and watch, finally something positive for them. Great job Iam! May God continue to lead and guide you through your journey.

That was really nice. There is no such thing as nice as Haka in Germany! The appreciation you have shown Iam has been remarkable. And now everyone, keep an eye out for Iam, so he can become the next and new American Idol 2023 on Sunday! I and my German friends who are big fans of Iam wish him all the luck in the world! So that his dream can come true! Aloha e o'u mau hoa ma Kahuku, Hawaii, Sunday, Celebrating all Iams, 🥇big dream! ❤

This is soooo beautiful. Brings tears to your eyes. So jealous of the people getting his autograph. Laminate and save !!

IAM Tongi is so blessed to have his family his Proud Polynesian People n the whole world love him n God loves him too with his God's Given Miracle Magical Wonderful Amazing Incredible Beautiful Talents He's an Angel Superstar thank you Hawaii n Kahuku for Welcoming one of your own IAM Tongi back to his Homeland Proud Island of Hawaii Kahuku Families and Friends thank you for your love and support the greatest Honor for IAM Tongi n his Mother and his Father Rodney watching from Heaven love you IAM Tongi n just be yourself and enjoy every moment of it God bless you with all your success.

The Haka is one of the most beautiful pieces of culture left in this world. Incredibly passionate and full of culture from the depths of its history. Big ups Hawaii!

The support and love shown here says it all !!! GO IAM !!! I'm voting for you with love 🌼You are a breath of fresh air 💕 This guy can sing straight from his heart !!! WE LOVE YOU IAM !!!!!! LOVE FROM GEORGIA ❤

Love the coming together of this great community!!❤ Iam has not just won the AI contest, but he has won the hearts of the world....including mine!!❤

So happy for this kid, I just discovered him a couple of days ago. Seems so lovable and sweet, with a tragic yet beautiful story between him and his father. I wish him all the success, I'll be following him as a fan from now on. Such an amazing voice and personality. 🙏

I'm rooting for him to be the next american idol.Although Tyron is my favorite, the way lam sang I can feel the song

This was so powerful and beautifully emotional ❤

Everyone looks so beautiful and happy 🙏🏾🇬🇧

What a beautiful thing to see...brought tears to my eyes.

Powerful, sooo powerful 🤙🤙

This was soooo beautiful. To see young people coming together to honor and celebrate one of their own and the beauty of their culture just shining through. Ugh. I loved this!! Rooting so hard for Iam!

Iam, I know this is all so overwhelming for you. But just know you are worthy. This is your 6:17 journey for life. God bless you and your family.❤❤❤

Our Love from Canada Iam.

Wow!!!! That Haka was so bada$$!!!! Of course Iam singing was amazingly awesome. The icing on the cake was all of the singing their Alma Mater. It's so cool to see that all this fame and attention hasn't seem to change who Iam is. It's nice to see him acting like the silly teenager that he is. Stay Blessed and Stay Humble Iam. Best of Luck and Lots of Love and Aloha from Southern California. 🥰😘😍🤩🙏🏽❤🌺🤙🏽

This is so AWESOME so so sweet... he truly gives me Glory Bumps everytime he sings...Love you Iam... so does America and all over the world... what a blessing to your family and friends...❤

I just hope he wins! He so real, modest and sincere! What an awesome job his parents have done. So sad his father was not here to witness this! I am sure he is watching over him!

He is awesome, I am a fan. I Have been following him i pray that he will win it all. God bless everyone

Amazing !!!! I love to see all the love and support. You deserve it !! We love you Iam !!!!!

There is nothing like the power of love from community steeped in culture and tradition. We all NEED this.