Hi, I am really sorry for my pronunciation of…pretty much everything. I did a lot of research, and it turns out there are people on the internet just making up pronunciations 😅 Next time I do a video like this I will be sure to find someone local to help me do it right. Thank you for watching and please be sure to go support the hero of today’s essay - Iam Tongi 🎉 @officialiamtongi

Being part Hawaiian myself, I can honestly say you did a remarkable job here with this mini documentary! Thank you so much for embracing our culture, SUBSCRIBED 🤙🏽❤️💯

I'm 54, for the first time in my life I balled like a baby listening to someone sing. He pretty much made me human once again, I'm raising two boys alone, and I couldnt Imagine leaving them . Iam is so young , He was meant to be up there changing the world. with that kind of power he could help us all and make the world an equal place of living and striving for everyone. We need Iam today, We need Iam to help us all become human . To start caring for each-other as Iam was cared for from all the world on that very first audition.

WOW, well done!!! I am Hawaiian 🌸born & raised and appreciate your video :) Tasteful, informational, factual & respectful ~ mahalo 🙏🏼 Iam Tongi is truly a LIGHT✨in this broken world 🌎 Mahalo Iam, Mahalo Ke Akua 💗

Mahalo for the production of this video! The fact that you sought to find the WHY alone is amazing. The way that you explained ALOHA was phenomenal. We say in Hawaii, “LIVE ALOHA”. Iam Tongi embodies every bit of ALOHA. Mahalo MAHALO Mahalo!!!! 🤙🏽🌺🌴

Great research! Impactful content🫶🏽🌺Mahalo from Hawaii🌋

I loved your video , being from makaha Hawaii, and left for the military I didn’t know what I had until I left the island. I loved your video ❤❤❤❤❤ we need more aloha in times like this… aloha sistah ❤❤❤❤

WOW. This was excellent. Im Tongan and a community organizer in Pacific Islander community in the U.S., you didn't tremendous research in covering so many important aspects providing context on our experiences reflected through Iam. Thank you for taking the time to learn and share here.

Grace, big mahalos for this beautiful piece!! You did a phoenominal job 🤙🏾 You shed light not only on the great Iam, but the history of Hawaii and the struggles us locals have gone through and continue to go through, and you did it so eloquently and respectfully. Mahalo again for this. You've made me a forever fan of yours!!

Perfect content !! Keep it up

Great video and beautiful presentation. This video has done a amazing job of opening eyes and giving knowledge. Thank you.

This is awesome! Thank you for helping the rest of the world and the mainland (continental US) learn about Hawaii’s history as we know it is only taught here in Hawaii and not on the mainland. Which then most from the mainland only think of Hawaii as only a tourist destination and are not sensitive to the culture.

Oh wow, I really love your video. Mahalo and Faafetai.❤

Amazing and well done this video . Aloha to you keep spreading the love

Wow I just watched your video for the second time. You’ve hammered the nail on the head with the fights and struggles of the Hawaiian people. I don’t know anything about you, where your from or your background, all I know is that your much more then a video producer and a artist, YOU ARE A GENIUS AND A SCOLAR!!!…

Great video!!! Mahalo for sharing the expression of the people of Hawaii!!

Thank you for sharing this! You did an amazing job! Sending love and hugs!

For a non polynesian, Hawaiian specifically, you did an astounding job. As a proud Samoan/Tongan here, I am loving your content and accurate mini bio you delivered in this video for Iam. Aloha and blessings up 🤙🏾🔥💯🙏🏾🇼🇸🇦🇸🇹🇴

As a part Hawaiian thank you for show casing the diversity of Hawaii you have nailed many wrongs that went on in our humble island, but many of us who are still here have made adjustments in our daily lives just to live here and I wouldn’t change it. Music has always been part of lives of our people of all cultural background if you get invited to kamainas homes you would undoubtedly be mesmerized by seeing a ukulele or guitar ready to be played and serenaded by music and that is life.

I love Iam. I think he’s the Bob Marley of Hawaii. He makes me cry every time I hear him. I hope he doesn’t change. Love his heart and his music.

Ho’oponopono is also the Hawaiian way in which we solve conflict between each other. This should be a technique the world practices when looking for peace between each other ❤

Wow! Loved this! Just awesome. Loved that you did the research that most won't take the time to do. Appreciate you showing a brief history of our people and what they endured. Aloha will always win in the end. The world and most especially this country, needs this right now. Great job!

Ohhhh @gracespace you have done this essay with lots of care, Aloha & well thought out research. Mahalo nui for sharing this with all of us! The Iam effect is just so wonderful! God bless & malama pono!

Iam Tongi you are truly The Ambassador of Aloha !!! Hold your head up high ! You will touch the hearts of so many and make us proud !!!

Very very impressed with your video which I found on the World Upside Right channel. Hawaii has a population of only 1.4 million and we are so very proud of any Hawaii-born person who achieves national celebrity--and I believe that we have more Hawaii-born talent per capita than any other state, from singers, actors, and athletes to even a President! The three Hawaii news channels will always mention anyone newsworthy who has a "Hawaii connection" and support or promote those who are deserving. Cheering on "one of our own" has been ingrained in us. Possibly it's because we're such a small population, but also due to our culture of aloha. Thank you for recognizing Iam and our state. P.S. I'm of Japanese ancestry and my father fought in WW2 in the 442nd regiment, another pride of Hawaii. 2:37

Mahalo for taking the time to research, and make this wonderful video!!! Everything you shared about Hawaii, Aloha, the people, the struggles and the triumphs were so spot on. Mahalo for helping the world have a better understanding of who we are, where we come from and what ALOHA truly means. Iam is for sure a true Ambassador of Aloha❤ ❤

Aloha, wow after just watching this video, like Iam Tongi, you’ve also touched my heart. The research you’ve done to create the art of this video’s story is the meaning of ALOHA. Thank you for show casing the culture and straggles of Hawaii. Your pronunciations of our Hawaiian word’s meant more and sank in even deeper then the meaning in itself, it was heart warming, all because you took the time to learn and do it correctly. You are a artist and a great story teller. Polynesians didn’t only use voice language to communicate, it also included body language such as Hula to express the emotions of the journey whatever it maybe. Again, thank you for this heart touching video!!!

Wow Grace! Tell it like it really is! You pronounced with no problem. You were clear as well as provided insight, and the backstory to the truth Hawaiians deal with. Iam has certainly opened the door that will bring interest to mainlanders to visit Hawai'i. While I don't think that was Iam's goal was to increase population of the Hawaiian Islands, but to share his music and the love of family, the Polynesian people and Hawai'i. We are in gratitude for this education video, and our love for Iam Tongi. Mahalo nui loa!

The world will turn to Hawai'i as they search for world peace because Hawai'i has the key . . . And that key is Aloha!” ALOHA, a poem written by Hawai'i's treasured kupuna, Auntie Pilahi Paki

Mahalo Grace for such an excellent piece covering Iam and Hawaii. You touched most if not all the challenges and struggles we Hawaiians face. You nailed it to the T.

Beautiful piece connecting Cultures, history and the mordern Aloha man, Congratulations!

❤❤❤TEAM IAM TONGI ALWAYS ❤❤❤CHHHEEE WWWHHHHOOOO. HE CERTAINLY MADE AN IMPACT IN OUR HEARTS

I was born and raised in Hawaii. Your video does a fantastic job of relating Iam Tongi's American Idol journey within the Hawaii/Hawaiian frame of reference. It is highly educational. And it concludes on a hopeful note. Well done! 🤙 P.S. I don't subscribe to many YT channels. However, I think your effort warrants my subscription. Subscribed!

Idk there’s a soothing tone to his voice. Like it’s hertz has to be 432 or something because I am transported when I hear him sing. He literally resurrected American Idol single-handedly. I ate up every episode. Recorded the season and listen to his songs still. I bought his new single on iTunes. I bawled every time I saw his audition because I’m a daddy’s girl and I miss my dad. It’s that Iam factor that drew me in and to this day I’m still arguing with anyone who is negative towards him or his music. Makes me so protective and I never want to see him cry again.

U are so right we need more iams there would be more love and respect and honer his only eighteen but he could show people how family’s and people Can love each other we love him so much

I hit the loke button only because there was no love button. I agree we need Iam and we need to embrace the Hawaii culture as a way of healing

Iam Tongi most definitely impacted the world exactly what the world needs right now so much love absolutely amazing ❤❤❤❤

This was awesome tita 👍🏼 loved it 🙌🏼

I agree God has a purpose for iam and magen bringing togetherness of the nation and the world keep prayers up for them both they have a journey ahead of them both.

Iam, you are my favorite " by far " i know you will become #1 AGT WINNER.❤❤❤ YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. YOU CHASED THE MONSTERS AWAY.❤❤❤❤

Mahalo nui loa for doing your homework and putting the truth out there regarding Hawaiʻiʻs past. Awesome!!!!!

Awesome content. Really appreciate the video.

Very well done! Thank you!

this is so beautiful and having feelings and emotions and being relate to others is a beautiful things, we all need to love one another.

You nailed it on this. Just reach out for help with olelo Hawaii. I knew you were mainlander with the pronunciation of Kamakawiwoole. Otherwise this is a beautiful testament for the Spirit of Aloha. Mahalo nui.

Mahalo for taking the time to research and sharing the history of Hawai'i. Your pronunciation of Iam's name is beautiful. Keep up the great content...Mahalo Nui Loa!!!

Iam journey just starting mahalos for dis. God,Rodney and "IZ " are upstairs looking down and smiling. This World needs this. Love n Aloha spirit pride will spread all over this earth and no matter where we all come from black,white,pink,purple, yellow,red,green we all are one big Ohana Family. Amen Aloha 🙏 ke akua

I love being part of his biggest fans IAM IS SO AMAZING❤❤❤❤❤

Excellently done. Even I from Hi. have learned a lot from this. Mahalo

❤ Wow! I'm impressed with the knowledge of Hawaii culture and the Tongi Family (Ohana). Great Job. SUBSCRIBE !

I cried so much watching Ian Tongi tonight...and I haven't cried in YEARS. Not sure what's going on.

Grace, this is such a wonderful video essay. We are from Hawaii but now live in Washington state. We've been talking a lot about how much the world could use some of that aloha spirit and love what you said about it and the Hawaiian values. You may enjoy a book by a friend of ours. It's called "Aloha State of Mind" by Leialoha Humpherys. In it, she shares several Hawaiian values and how to adopt them in our lives and carry and share aloha wherever we are. We had her on our podcast where she talked about some of her favorite values and it aligns so well with what you shared here. Mahalo again for your wonderful video.

🤙 🤙 🤙

Isnt Seattle almost as expensive as living in Hawaii? I was born and raised in Hawaii myself, but moved to the 9th island, Las Vegas lol.

I feel your sentiments...

❤❤❤❤

You know tongi I'm from the Philippine you made me cry when I here your song monster..

You'd be an EXCELLENT Teacher 🌌🙏✨

❤❤

May I suggest a first step, All new applications to do business in Hawaii must be joint owned by a Hawaii Native. All existing Business must apply for a License to operate or take on a 33/13 Hawaii Native partner. All proceeds to go toward a "Housing First Intervention Project. Start there.

❤️🔥🔥❤️💯🌹🌹

Its the talent , not that territory or what so ever .

Ka maka veevo olay

Foreign born? He's 100 percent American.

Heiswondfulsinger 5:21

IAM TONGI Cannot "SAVE" The World. # IAM can/& Will BE Used BY GOD to REACH Broken & Lost People Through His GOD-GIVEN Talents .....FOR GOD'S GLORY & PURPOSES. # The LORD JESUS Alone IS The SAVIOR Of The WORLD. READ/STUDY The HOLY SCRIPTURES For TRUTH & To LEARN About GOD'S PLAN For HIS CREATION.

Hawaii was saved by the US. I’d love to hear from people today if Hawaii was taken control of by Japan instead. Not sure they would have the same stories to tell. I get why people are upset about martial law. I feel like we were close to that while Trump was in office. I think we are all still in jeopardy as long as anyone uses their feelings instead of rules or laws to rule a civilization. To many people have feelings that judge and criticize instead of evenly rule and help everyone.

KIA ORA (PRONOUNCED) KEY OR RAH/HELLO👋 😘 FROM DOWN HERE IN AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND (PRONOUNCED OW TEAR A RAW HA) I AM A PROUD POLYNESIAN BORN & BRED MAORI FROM HERE (PRONOUNCED MA OR REE) 😊 WE HAVE MANY SIMILAR WORDS 2 OUR POLYNESIAN HAWAIIAN FAMILY/WHANAU (PRONOUNCED, FAR NO) THEY SAY "AL💙HA" WE SAY "AR❤️HA" ALOHA/ R LOW HA AROHA/ R ROAR HA THIS WORD ALONE DOESN'T JUST MEAN "LO🩵E" 2 US, IT'S "HOLISTIC, HAS MEANING, IT'S SPIRITUAL, HEALING, SOULFUL, TRUTH, HONOUR, PRIDE & IS FELT WITHIN. I WOULD LO💚E 2 THANK U PERSONALLY 4 SHARING THE TRUE ESSENCE OF WHAT AR🧡HA/AL💛HA IS AS SHOWN & FELT ALL THE WAY THRU UR VID😢😘 (SO HEARTFELT😢) I AM (IAM😅) SO PROUD OF U THAT U HAVE TAUGHT NOT ONLY "ME" BUT "ALL THAT HAS STUMBLED ACROSS UR VID, SOMETHING THAT IN MY LIFETIME I'M (IAM😂) 53YRS) I WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN ABOUT OUR BROTHERLAND HAWAII & THE PAIN & SUFFERING THAT HAPPENED 2 "NGA TÃNGATA WHENUA O HAWAII/NATIVES OF HAWAII/NA TONGUE A TA OR HAWAII. I WAS TAUGHT ABOUT SOME WHITE MAN SIR EDMUND HILLARY WHO CLIMBED MOUNT EVEREST (DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHERE MT EVEREST WAS OR WHO HE WAS 😅) SIR GREY (WHO BROUGHT HIS MEN & SLAUGHTERED OUR PEOPLE & STOLE OUR LAND) & HEAPS MORE WHITES BUT NOTHING ABOUT MY OWN COUNTRY, & OUR PEOPLE & THE SUFFERING😢 I GOT ALOT OF AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION BECAUSE I PLAYED UP😅 REFUSING 2 LEARN ABOUT THESE FOREIGNERS 😅🤦‍♀️ (I WAS 13) OUR COUNTRY OF 5000 PEOPLE (1900 NATIVE & 3100 NON NATIVE) HAVE BEEN GOING THRU OUR OWN SIMILARITIES/PAIN (2 THIS VERY DAY) 2 RECLAIM OUR LAND THAT WAS STOLEN FROM US OVER 200+ YRS AGO IT'S HARD😢 LIKE WITH MOST NATIVES AROUND THE WORLD.. (SO THANK U 😘) IAM IS A BEAUTIFUL LOVING YOUNG MAN THAT WORE HIS HE💜RT ON HIS SLEEVE THRU EVERY PERFORMANCE HE DID. HE TRULY IS AN AMBASSADOR FOR HIS PEOPLE, HIS HOMELAND & ALL THOSE 20+ MILLION PEOPLE WHOSE HE💞RTS HE TOUCHED ALL OVA THIS WORLD THRU HIS AL🫶HA 1 THING I LO🧡ED ABOUT IAM? APART FROM SINGING EVERY SONG WITH EMOTIONS? IS THAT HE DIDN'T TRY COPY ANY PAST OR PRESENT ARTISTS LIKE ALOT OF CONTESTANTS PAST & PRESENT DID/DO (COUNTRY, REGGAE, R&B, OPERA ETC) HE HAD HIS "OWN" ORIGINALITY, HIS OWN STYLE & MADE IT A GENRE THAT WE CAN ALL RELATE TO ( 🫶 U IAM & SO PROUD OF U😘🤙) TH😘A😘NK U😘 SO HEAVENLY MUCH SISTA GRACE 4 THE AL❤HA/AR🖤HA & 4 EVERYTHING I'VE LEARNED FROM U. ❤️*🧡*💛*💚*💙*🩵*💜 I AM/IAM😅 NOW AN AVID SUBSCRIBER & FOLLOWER OF U & UR CHANNEL & HAVE SHARED THIS WITH MY FB WHANAU/FAMILY & NGA HOA/ & FRIENDS 🤙YESSAH!!🤙 AR🤍HA NUI KOE O TÕ NGAKAU ATAAHUA 🌬 🫴💋😘 (U HAVE SUCH A BIG BEAUTIFUL LOVING HEART😘) THANK U

Beautifully done! I took zero offense (you did well on the pronunciation) and I appreciate you so much for researching and *sharing. Aloha🤍

right on gracespace..............................ano ai kealoha