Iam Tongi Parents Rodney and Lillie Tongi Inspired His Musical Aspirations

William Tongi father Rodney Guy inspired his musical dreams. Rodney and Lillie N Rodney Tongi raised him on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, in Kahuku.

According to his Facebook bio, the musician is of Tongan, Samoan, and Irish descent born and raised in Kahuku.

He is a senior at Decatur High School in Washington State and plays guitar and ukulele.

He regularly shares his song covers on social platforms, such as Instagram and Tiktok, and says his father had a significant influence on his musical taste. Tongi is the youngest of five kids.

Rodney Guy Tongi Was Also A Singer

Rodney was also a singer. Sadly, his father passed away in December 2021 at 50.

He was the one who inspired his musical aspirations. The audition also featured a clip of Tongi and his dad singing.

The young artist further said his dad is the main reason he likes music. His auditions left the judges and the audience heartbroken as he threw his heart and soul while performing his cover of the song.

As Tongi wiped his teary eyes after the audition, Lionel Ritchie said, "I can tell he meant a lot to you."

Blunt penned the song "Monsters" in honor of his own father, who was diagnosed with stage four kidney disease.

Mother Lillie N Rodney Tongi

Iam Tongi mother Lillie is originally from Mu'A, Tongatapu. She grew up in a household of 12 siblings.

Nau, Pule, William, Vakameilalo, Eni, KJ, Verona, Manatau, Alopa, and Tevita are among the 12 siblings of Tongi.

She studied at Liahona High School in Tonga and later attended Brigham Young University in Hawaii.

She married the love of her life, Rodney, in 1977. The family was initially settled in Hawaii but later moved to Seattle, Washington.

Lillie is pretty active on Instagram under the username @lillietongi. Her Instagram posts showcase her life with her family and loved ones.

Iam Tongi has three siblings. He has a brother Lerod Tongi and sisters Cassandra Alvino and Leilei Tongi.

Eldest Brother Lerod Tongi

Iam Tongi brother Lerod Tongi is the first child of Lillie and Rodney. He and his younger siblings attended Kahuku High & International School.

Growing up, Lerod was an aspiring athlete and played Boys' Varsity Football. The 5 feet 8 inches competed for the Kahuku High School as a defensive lineman and full backer.

He is active on Twitter under the username @lerod43. Tongi joined the service in December 2015 and has shared his senior career highlights.

He is also available on Instagram under the nametag @dnoyc43.

Tongi is married to Cristina Tongi. The beautiful couple recently welcomed their little one. Cristina is active on IG under the username @cristinatongi08.

Sisiter Cassandra Alvino

Tongi's sister Cassandra married Gunnar in April 2020. Lillie shared in one of her IG posts that her husband willingly gave their daughter's hand to Gunnar.

She shared a loving dance clip of her daughter and son-in-law to mark their second marriage anniversary. 

Due to Covid, the couple had to change their plans and had an intimate wedding ceremony with just a handful of family members.

Cassandra's big brother Lerod came home from Brazil a few days earlier for her big day.

The youngest one also released a single entitled Dreams in 2020, specifically for his sister's wedding.

The lovely song was about his sister and her husband's love tale.

Alvino and Gunnar now share a child. She occasionally posts pictures of her hubby and kid on her Facebook account.

Sister Jennifer Tongi

Jennifer is one of two sisters of the young artist. She is often featured in cheerful family pictures that her mother shares on her Instagram.

Most recently, on the special occasion of Valentine's Day, Lillie shared an adorable photo of her husband and two daughters, Cassandra and Jennifer.

Tongi showed his distinct musical talent as he sang Blunt's "Monsters" for his audition for American Idol. It was a special tribute to his dear father.

He even earned a standing ovation from all the judges for his outstanding performance. Katy Perry praised the singer saying he hit a nerve and "that's what great storytellers do, that's what great artists do."

Moreover, his performance struck a personal chord with judge Luke Bryan, as it caused him to recall the loss of his dear sister and her husband. Following their demise, their children live with Luke and his wife.

The singer/songwriter was overwhelmed after getting three resounding yeses. "You're going to Hollywood," all the judges cheered at once.

Tongi also shared the happy news on his Instagram and wrote, "I got that golden ticket dad wish you were here."