Latest news with #IamTongi
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Lilo & Stitch' Charted A No. 1 Hit In America Before The Movie Was Rleeased
Iam Tongi's 'Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride' re-recording hits No. 1 on the World Digital Song Sales ... More chart ahead of the Lilo & Stitch remake release. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 17: Iam Tongi attends the world premiere of Disney's Lilo & Stitch at El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) The live action/animated remake of Lilo & Stitch hit theaters in the United States on Friday, May 23. The picture reimagines the 2002 Disney classic, hopefully introducing it to a younger audience, and making them fall in love with the weird, blue creature, just as millennials did before — and a new film means new music. Even before the movie arrived in cinemas, Lilo & Stitch already managed to make an impact on the charts. A new recording tied to the project becomes a No. 1 hit on a Billboard tally this week. As excitement around the movie surged, a single was issued ahead of the soundtrack's release. A re-recording of the classic "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" was covered by Iam Tongi and the Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus. The singer is best known as the winner of the twenty-first season of American Idol. The new cut instantly debuts at No. 1 on the World Digital Song Sales chart, giving the family franchise another Billboard win. As the updated version of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" arrives on the World Digital Song Sales chart, another take on the same tune also reappears. The version originally featured in the 2002 film — credited to Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu and, again, the Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus — returns at No. 4. That position marks the tune's all-time peak on the list. That placement comes after a remarkable 382 weeks somewhere on the world genre ranking. The Lilo & Stitch soundtrack dropped several days after "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" in full. It includes a score by Dan Romer, a brand new tune titled "He Lei Pāpahi No Lilo a me Stitch" written specifically for the film, and a cover of Elvis Presley's "Burning Love," performed by Nyjah Music & Zyah Rhythm. The updated performance of the legendary tune – which was also featured in the original movie – was produced by Bruno Mars, who also happens to be the uncle of the two young talents lending their voices to the track.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
American Idol winner Iam Tongi reveals the daily routine that helped him lose 115 pounds
Credit: Instagram/@wtongi Iam Tongi, the soulful singer who captivated audiences as the Season 21 winner of American Idol, has recently shared insights into his transformative health journey. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the Lilo & Stitch world premiere in Los Angeles on May 17, Tongi revealed that he's been diligently working on his health. 'We have a workout session maybe around 11, come back [home], and we go to an ice bath or sauna … or whatever it is,' he explained. 'And then we come back, shower and go on a walk.' The result? 'I've lost 115 lbs. It feels amazing. I feel great.' Losing 115 lbs is no small feat — yet what stands out about Iam Tongi's journey is its lack of flash or fad. In an age where social media is flooded with fitness influencers selling complex regimens, restrictive diets, or high-intensity hacks, Tongi's approach is refreshingly grounded. While Tongi's weight transformation journey must not be as simple as he made it sound, his admission has brought attention to the three pillars in any weight transformation journey. Let us look at how effective each one is- Morning workout While Tongi didn't specify his exact workouts, incorporating regular exercise, be it strength training or cardio, is pivotal for weight loss and overall health. Engaging in such activities boosts metabolism, aids in fat loss, and enhances cardiovascular health. For instance, strength training not only burns calories during the workout but also increases muscle mass, which in turn elevates resting metabolic rate. Cardiovascular exercises like brisk walking or cycling improve heart health and endurance. Ice baths and saunas Neither ice baths or saunas are very effective when it comes to weight loss, but they help in recovery post-workout. Cold exposure, such as ice baths, can activate brown adipose tissue (BAT), which burns calories to generate heat, potentially aiding in weight loss. A study highlighted that cold water immersion might help convert white fat to brown fat, enhancing calorie burning. When it comes to the sauna, while you might notice a small drop in weight after a session, that's mostly just water weight lost through sweating. As soon as you rehydrate, that weight comes right back. The heat can slightly raise your heart rate, similar to what happens during light exercise, but the number of calories burned is minimal. So, while saunas can support relaxation and recovery, they're not a reliable method for true, lasting weight loss. Sweating it out won't replace actual movement or long-term lifestyle changes. Daily walks Incorporating daily walks is a simple yet effective strategy for weight management. Walking not only burns calories but also improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances cardiovascular health. As per experts, weight loss happens when you burn more calories than you consume. According to Harvard Health Publishing, someone weighing 70 kg burns roughly 140–150 calories by walking 5 kilometers at a moderate pace (around 5 km/h). Since it takes burning about 3,500 calories to lose half a kilo of body fat, walking 5 kilometers a day, five to six days a week, can lead to visible results over time. However, it's important to remember that meaningful weight transformation isn't just about physical activity. While exercise like walking or working out plays a key role, true progress comes from a combination of factors. Balanced nutrition, consistent sleep, stress management, and mental discipline all contribute to lasting change. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
American Idol vet Iam Tongi reveals how he lost 115lbs
Iam Tongi looked healthy as he showed off his new physique in Los Angeles over the weekend. The American Idol winner, 20, revealed he had lost more than 100 pounds since walking away with the crown in May 2023, while talking to People at the premiere of Lilo And Stitch on Saturday. When asked about his much fitter form, the Over the Rainbow singer replied he had been 'working on myself' and 'trying to stay healthy.' He also enlisted the aid of a personal trainer to help him navigate his journey. 'We have a workout session maybe around 11, come back [home], and we go to an ice bath or sauna … or whatever it is. And then we come back, shower and go on a walk,' the Hawaiian native explained. 'I've lost 115 lbs. It feels amazing. I feel great.' Tongi has shared some of his health journey with his fans on social media, posting videos of his strenuous routine that includes lots of strength training, including weight lifting and ropes and cardio via the long walks he described. The 20-year-old has lost 115 since his day on American Idol. He told People he been 'working on myself' and 'trying to stay healthy' 'Grateful for this journey I'm on,' he wrote on social media next to a video in March. 'Music fuels my soul, but staying active keeps me grounded and energized.' 'It's all about putting in the work and staying positive. Let's keep pushing, stay strong, get outside and spread those good vibes,' he said. Fans and friends have offered words of encouragement. 'Get that my brotha I proud of you,' and 'You got this Iam!! So proud of you!! Your hard work is already showing!! Blessings.' are some of the motivating comments he has received. The crooner has been working on new music as well. 'I moved out to Memphis, so I've been working out, writing, recording, and just been busy — but in a different way,' he said. 'I'm working on an album, actually, so I'm excited about that, and we'll see how that goes.' 'I'm inspired by a lot of soul. I love Al Green. Al Green is one of my favorite singers, so I'm excited for that [single].' he explained. Tongi's latest song, Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, is on the Lilo and Stitch soundtrack. The live action film starring Hannah Waddingham, Maia Kealoha and Tia Carrere opens in theaters Friday.
Fox News
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
'American Idol' winner Iam Tongi reveals dramatic 115-pound weight loss
Iam Tongi revealed a staggering weight loss while walking the red carpet at the "Lilo & Stitch" world premiere in Los Angeles. The "American Idol" winner admitted he "feels amazing" now that he's down 115 pounds. Tongi, 20, credited his personal trainer with helping him stay on track with his health and weight-loss goals. "We have a workout session maybe around 11, come back [home], and we go to an ice bath or sauna," he told People magazine. "And then we come back, shower and go on a walk. And I've lost 115 pounds. It feels amazing. I feel great." Tongi said he's been committed to "working on myself" and "trying to stay healthy." "We have a workout session maybe around 11, come back [home], and we go to an ice bath or sauna. And then we come back, shower and go on a walk. And I've lost 115 lbs. It feels amazing. I feel great." He's leaning into change this season, and is feeling inspired to create, now that he's living in Tennessee. "I moved out to Memphis, so I've been working out, writing, recording, and just been busy — but in a different way," he said. "I'm working on an album, actually, so I'm excited about that, and we'll see how that goes. I'm inspired by a lot of soul. I love Al Green. Al Green is one of my favorite singers, so I'm excited for that [single]." Despite the move to a land-locked state, Tongi will always appreciate visiting his home in Hawaii. "It's a great feeling to go home and just see the people and see them be excited when they see me. It's such a good feeling. It's a cool feeling," he said. For the finals on "American Idol," Tongi was up against Megan Danielle and Colin Stough. Despite the competition, Tongi built a friendship with both of his fellow competitors. "Honestly, if it wasn't for these guys and all my family and our friends, I would … I don't know if I would stay humble, because these guys taught me every day that I'm useless — I'm just kidding," Tongi previously told People magazine. "Honestly, we laugh a lot." After his win, Tongi received backlash from viewers who thought the competition was "rigged." Many claimed the musician had only won because of his "sob story." The contestant's father passed away in 2021, and Tongi often referenced his father and used his guitar during performances.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Idol Watch: Haleiwa native looks to move to Top 5 on ‘American Idol'
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii's Thunderstorm Artis has made it to the Top Seven on 'American Idol.' On May 11, viewers will be able to vote for the Top Five before the live finale next weekend. 'Bows drop 3 straight sets in NCAA Men's Volleyball Championship Semifinals The 29-year-old Haleiwa native said he feels extremely blessed and grateful to be on this journey. 'It's crazy because you never really imagine you'll get to this place and I'm in it,' Artis said. 'To see the love and support I'm getting from Hawaii to make this all possible is crazy, I'm filled with so much gratitude.' Thunderstorm comes from a large, talented and humble family. His mom and dad were both artists and had 11 children. In 2020, Thunderstorm moved to Nashville to kick start his musical career but came home often to perform.'We miss Hawaii, my family misses Hawaii, every time we get to come back to Hawaii is always a blessing and to celebrate with my family and friends, and my mom and sisters that live there still is a blessing,' he said. 'I really want to take this thing to a national tour then a world tour and to move back to Hawaii sometime in the future, it would be an absolute blessing to come back.' For now, he's busy trying to bring another American Idol win to Oahu's North Shore. In May 2023, Kahuku's Iam Tongi won and the island celebrated with a big concert. 'I really want those things to happen, so we have to get to the finale to make that a reality,' Artis said. He said the biggest highlight on the journey has been sitting down with singer James Taylor and being able to sing one of his songs to him and have the long-time musician sing it back to Artis. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'But also having someone like Jelly Roll to be a part of this thing from the get go, he has been so intentional about all his advice on-stage and off-stage, on camera and off camera,' Artis said. Along with Artis' aloha for his home state, he has a message to send to kamaʻaina. 'I would say please go out and vote if you have the chance, there's three ways of doing that so please make that happens, but more important than any of that, just having your support and love has really made it possible for me to make it this far in this competition and I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart,' he said. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi also echoed Artis' call for support, praising the singer's talent in a statement. Quadruple cancer survivor killed after bullets fly through her home 'Thunderstorm Artis represents the very best of who we are as a community. His extraordinary talent, humility and heart are inspiring not just for Hawaiʻi, but for audiences across the country,' Blangiardi said. 'This is a proud moment for the North Shore and all of Honolulu, and we have a real chance to help one of our own achieve his dreams on a national stage.' Voting opens during the 'American Idol' live broadcast on Sunday at 2 p.m. HST and remains open for a limited time. Fans can vote here, via the American Idol app or by texting the contestant number shown during the show. 'Let's come together, Hawaiʻi, and make our voices heard—just like Thunderstorm does every time he steps on that stage,' the Mayor added. 'Let's help bring this victory home!' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
