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'American Idol' winner Iam Tongi comes home for the Holo Holo Festival in Tacoma

When he misses his late father, Federal Way's Iam Tongi watches the music videos they made. #k5evening

TACOMA, Wash — With his bigger sound, bigger band and big success, "American Idol" winner Iam Tongi could have a much bigger head. 

But deep down he's still the same humble guy who made videos with his father singing songs like "Islands in the Stream" in their Federal Way home. 

Rodney Tongi died just months before the "American Idol" audition that made Iam a fan favorite. Reporter Saint Bryan spoke with Iam Tongi ahead of his appearance Saturday at the Holo Holo Festival at the Tacoma Dome.

Bryan: Do you ever go back and watch those music videos that you made on the couch with your dad?

Tongi: Yeah, I watch them. I have a playlist on YouTube and I play every night when I really miss him. I'm glad I have those videos.

Bryan:  His harmony vocals with you are amazing.  It's very touching to see that.

Tongi: Oh, thank you so much.

Bryan: You have this gift of making every song you play sound like it's coming form your soul. How do you approach a new song you know you're going to perform?

Tongi: The way my dad taught me. My dad always told me to never sing the songs like how the artists sing them. Sing them different. Make it your own. That's what I always try to do.

Bryan: Most of us associate you with Hawaii where you spent the first 15 years of your life, but I hear you're in Memphis these days recording new music. What else are you doing these days?

Tongi: I'm going to be working on myself, getting healthier and you know get fit.

Bryan: How are you keeping fit? What are they making you do, Iam?

Tongi: We go to my trainers out here in Memphis. Five days a week. Walking every night and trying to get a new lifestyle, you know?

Bryan: How do you stay grounded after all the success that you've had?

Tongi: My family. My family really keeps me humble. If they feel like I'm getting a little big-headed, they'll stop it, you know? They remind me to read my scriptures, go to church or something and I'm like oh, yeah sorry.

Bryan: Sounds like you're excited to be playing the Holo Holo Festival at the Tacoma Dome this weekend.

Tongi: I am, brother! I'm going to be bringing a big band out there. It's gonna be great! We're having rehearsals and I can't wait It's gonna be a good show!

The Holo Holo Music Festival runs Saturday and Sunday at the Tacoma Dome.

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