When American Idol winner Iam Tongi returned to the stage for Disney Night, he didn’t come alone. Backed by a choir of talented keiki and the guiding hands of Pasifika creatives, his performance of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” became more than just a song it became a celebration of heritage, unity, and the power of passing the mic to the next generation. Here’s how this unforgettable moment came together behind the scenes…
For Disney Night on American Idol, the waves brought someone special back to the stage: none other than Iam Tongi, Season 21 winner and the soulful voice that stole hearts across the nation. This time, he returned not just as a champion, but as a cultural ambassador, performing the fan-favorite “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” alongside a spirited children’s choir that gave the performance a whole new heartbeat.
What made the moment even more iconic? Iam Tongi isn’t just performing the track, he’s featured in the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch movie, lending his voice to the reimagined version of the beloved tune. The film is set to hit theaters on May 23, 2025, but if you caught the performance, you already felt that wave of nostalgia and pride washing over the screen.
But like any great ride, this one didn’t happen without the ohana behind the scenes.
Helping bring this performance to life were cultural leaders and creatives who understood the importance of doing it right and doing it with heart. Tiana N. Liufau and Kayla Fa’amaligi played pivotal roles in organizing the children’s choir, made up mostly of talented keiki from Nonosina, with a few from other corners of the Pacific community. Tiana led the charge in ensuring the Hawaiian language was sung with care and accuracy, guiding the kids through each lyric, slow and steady, until it became second nature. It was more than rehearsal, it was storytelling, it was honoring kupuna, and it was preparing the next generation to take the stage with confidence and pride.
Honorable mentions also go to Steve, Valerie, and choir director Baraka, who brought the musical vision to life. Baraka’s leadership held space for every child to shine, their voices rising not just in harmony, but in identity.
After the performance, Tiana shared sincere words: “Indigenous representation is key for all of us, and what better way to do it than with the next generation! Our kids choir was a representation of what many reference as AAPI. Kayla & I were able to contribute towards the PI element. Our kids represented Hawai’i, Sāmoa, Tonga, Tahití & Aotearoa. Being on set all day & working with Baraka, choir director, was amazing for our kids to get a taste of the industry. Iam Tongi & Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson came backstage to spend time with the kids and seeing their faces light up was a personal highlight for me & I loved that the kids were seeing Pacific Excellence! I had the pleasure of teaching dance to the kids & even the parents got in the fun too! This drove home family, community, language, history, music and dance. The experience was great & I hope to see more faces and mana like ours in the industry more. We are voyagers, warriors, storytellers and culture keepers, there’s nothing we can’t do!”
Kayla Fa’amaligi also reflected on the experience with deep pride: “Bringing the keiki together for this meant everything. During AAPI Month, performing ‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,’ and having my daughter be part of it, felt like something I’ll carry forever. Watching them learn from Aunty Tiana was powerful. She doesn’t just teach; she passes down legacy through every detail. And Baraka held space with so much care, her leadership gave room for every voice and every movement to shine. The energy, the pride, the mana, you could feel all of it. I’m grateful for moments like this and proud to be a Polynesian woman walking alongside our next generation.”
Much like the message at the heart of Lilo & Stitch, “ʻOhana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten,” this moment was a powerful reminder that our stories, our songs, and our cultures deserve the main stage.
To everyone who helped bring this dream to life, mahalo. You’ve given our keiki a memory they’ll carry like a lei around their hearts. Catch the performance above if you haven’t already, just don’t be surprised if you start dancing in your seat. The nostalgia hits different when it’s done with aloha.
