When 2022 “American Idol” winner Iam Tongi decided to get healthier by working with a trainer and changing his diet, he never imagined that he’d be riding a bike less than a year later. But on August 8, the 20-year-old singer shared a joyful video of himself riding a bicycle for the first time in seven years.
“When I walked in the gym about 10 months ago,” Tongi captioned the video, “this wasn’t even a possibility and I didn’t think I’d ever ride a bike again so when Robert pulled out the bikes today I simply said I don’t think I can.”
Tongi, who revealed in May that he’d already shed 115 pounds, continued, “And that’s why he’s the trainer, he knows me better than me 🤣 and after about 10 miles and falling twice 😂 I can say today I struggled but I had so much fun hitting this milestone of riding a bike again after almost 8 years. Love you all and Yessah 🤙🏽”
Tongi, who was just 18 when he won season 21 of “American Idol,” first shared his health journey with fans in March, posting a video of one of his workouts and noting that he was “hitting the reset button” for spring with his trainer.
The Hawaii native, who now lives in Memphis, told People in May, “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. And I’ve lost 115 lbs. It feels amazing. I feel great.”
In his August 8 video, Tongi can be seen pedaling away with his song “Road to Hana” playing in the background. At one point, the season 21 winner looks at the camera and says, “Hit a milestone — first time riding a bike (in) seven years!”
Fans and friends flooded the post with encouragement and support, including season 21 platinum ticket winner Cameron Osterloh, who wrote, “Let’s gooo bro!! So proud of everything you’ve accomplished!!!! ❤️”
Tongi’s girlfriend Leah wrote, “Yeah youuuu baby 😍” and he replied, “thank you babe ❤️❤️”
Among the more than 1,600 comments Tongi received, one fan wrote, “Love seeing this for you, and also for everyone you inspire and motivate ✨🔥”
Iam Tongi’s Also Been on a Roll Professionally in 2025
Tongi has periodically posted videos of his workouts, including one from the July 4th weekend of him pulling a giant tire behind him for strength training and conditioning.
In addition to achieving his health goals, Tongi has been riding a giant wave of success. In May, he contributed a track to the “Lilo & Stitch” soundtrack and a TikTok video about the making of his version of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” went viral, racking up over 5 million views.
In June, Tongi made his Grand Ole Opry debut, and he’s been on the road a lot, performing for packed festivals and concert halls. In just the last week, he performed for huge crowds in Salt Lake City and Denver.
Tongi is also working on new music, telling People he hopes to have a new album ready by October.
