Iam Tongi Performs National Anthem for the First Time

Iam Tongi offered a poignant rendition of the national anthem as he performed it for the first time at an MLB event. The American Idol winner took to center field at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, for the 2023 All-Star Week HomeRun Derby to ring in the game by singing the national anthem.

Tongi’s voice was center stage, slow and steady with his delivery as he took his time to let each word sink in. Marking one of the rare occasions where he wasn’t accompanied by his guitar, Tongi’s voice shone through full force, showing off his gentle range. Fireworks burst throughout the performance, ending with the grand finale as he held the final line, And the home of the brave, to cheers from the packed baseball stadium.

“First try at singing the National Anthem,” Tongi wrote in the description box of the YouTube video. “So nervous that it was in front of such a huge crowd. And apologize for being so nervous and forgot to take off the hat.”

Following his American Idol win, Tongi recently scored his first No. 1 song with the original “I’ll Be Seeing You,” which he debuted on the Idol finale. The song made it to the top of the Billboard Rock Digital Songs Sales chart. “It’s almost like a conversation, saying to my dad, ‘I’ll be seeing you wherever I go, I’ll be with you wherever I go,’” Tongi told American Songwriter about the meaning of the song written by Francisco Martin VI. “[It’s like] my dad talking back to me now that he’s gone, no matter what happens, where he goes, he’s going to be with me in my heart and in my mind and through the memories.”

The 18-year-old from Hawaii also said that he hopes to be a voice for his community through his music. “The kind of artist I want to be is to represent for my people and for people that are too afraid or too prideful, they’re scared to embarrass yourself,” he said, encouraging people to follow their dreams. “Do what you love. Don’t let people tell you you can’t do it.” 

Photo Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless