Nostalgia Meets New Era: ‘American Idol’ Winner Iam Tongi Brings Classic Disney Charm to Life Get ready to ride the nostalgia train, as Disney fans of all ages are about to experience a blast from the past like never before. Iam Tongi, the talented winner of the 20th season of “American Idol,” has taken on a major challenge that will transport you back to a bygone era of animation magic. In a move that’s sure to delight both old and young, Tongi has lent his powerful vocals to the iconic theme song “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” for Disney’s beloved film “Lilo & Stitch.” This enchanting news has left fans of the beloved classic scratching their heads in wonder, asking: how will this fresh take on a timeless Disney classic sound? Dive into our exclusive report to discover the fascinating story behind Iam Tongi’s magical collaboration and find out what this means for Disney enthusiasts everywhere.
The Power of Music in Shaping Cultural Identity

Music has long been a powerful tool in shaping cultural identity. From traditional Hawaiian music to the big hits of Elvis Presley, music is integral to the story of “Lilo & Stitch.” The creative team behind the 2025 “Lilo & Stitch” wanted to keep their movie as authentic as possible, and music played a crucial role in achieving this goal.
As Director Dean Fleischer Camp explained, “When you’re telling a story about Hawaii with this rich, cultural history, it was really important to all of us that we had voices with a close connection to the culture.” This is why “American Idol” winner Iam Tongi was brought onto the project to perform “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.” Tongi, who grew up watching “Lilo & Stitch,” noted that the new film “has such a strong message about ‘ohana, family. It was honestly a dream come true. I can only hope my version of ‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride’ can live on in the hearts of a new generation of kids.”

The Influence of Industry Giants: A Look at the Big Four Companies
The music industry is dominated by four major companies: Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and BMG Rights Management. These companies have a significant impact on the music we listen to and the artists we hear. They control the production, distribution, and marketing of music, giving them immense power over the industry.
In the case of “Lilo & Stitch,” the involvement of industry giants like Disney, which is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, played a crucial role in bringing the film to life. The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Walt Disney Studios and this ABC station.
The Impact of Media on Our Perception of Reality
The media has a profound impact on our perception of reality. The way news is presented, the stories that are told, and the information that is shared all shape our understanding of the world around us. In the case of “Lilo & Stitch,” the film’s music played a significant role in shaping our perception of Hawaiian culture.
The film’s use of traditional Hawaiian music, as well as the involvement of Hawaiian artists like Iam Tongi, helped to promote cultural understanding and appreciation. The film’s music also played a role in shaping our perception of the importance of family and community, as highlighted in the song “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.”
Practical Aspects: Bringing the Music to Life
Bringing the music of “Lilo & Stitch” to life required a collaborative effort from a team of talented artists and technicians. From the recording process to the final product, every step was crucial in creating a soundtrack that would do justice to the film’s story and characters.
The Recording Process: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Iam Tongi’s Performance
Iam Tongi’s performance of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” was a highlight of the film’s soundtrack. The recording process involved Tongi working closely with the film’s music team to ensure that his performance captured the essence of the film’s story and characters.
The recording process also involved the use of traditional Hawaiian instruments, such as the ukulele and steel guitar, to give the song a distinctly Hawaiian flavor. The use of these instruments helped to create a soundtrack that was authentic and true to the film’s cultural roots.
Adapting Classic Music for a New Generation
Adapting classic music for a new generation is a challenging task. It requires a deep understanding of the original material, as well as the ability to make it relevant to a new audience. In the case of “Lilo & Stitch,” the film’s music team had to adapt traditional Hawaiian music to make it appealing to a modern audience.
This involved updating the arrangements and instrumentation to make the music more contemporary and engaging. The film’s music team worked closely with Hawaiian artists like Iam Tongi to ensure that the adapted music remained true to its cultural roots.
The Role of Technology in Preserving Cultural Heritage
Technology has played a significant role in preserving cultural heritage. From digital archiving to online platforms, technology has made it possible to share and preserve cultural artifacts for future generations.
In the case of “Lilo & Stitch,” technology played a crucial role in preserving Hawaiian cultural heritage. The film’s music, which was recorded using traditional Hawaiian instruments, was digitally archived to ensure its preservation for future generations.
The film’s online platforms also made it possible for the music to be shared with a global audience, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. The use of technology in this way helped to ensure that Hawaiian cultural heritage was preserved and shared with the world.
Conclusion
Conclusion: A Harmonious Blend of Music and Nostalgia
In our article, we explored the exciting news of Iam Tongi, the young and talented ‘American Idol’ winner, recording the iconic song ‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride’ for the beloved Disney classic ‘Lilo & Stitch’. As we delved into the story, we discovered that Tongi’s rendition of the catchy tune has brought a fresh wave of nostalgia to fans of all ages. The article highlighted the significance of this collaboration, not only for Tongi’s burgeoning music career but also for the enduring appeal of ‘Lilo & Stitch’, a film that continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor, heart, and Hawaiian culture.
The implications of this news story extend beyond the realm of entertainment, offering a glimpse into the power of music to transcend generations and bring people together. As the article demonstrated, Tongi’s recording of ‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride’ serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of ‘Lilo & Stitch’, a film that has become an integral part of pop culture. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how this collaboration will inspire new fans to discover the world of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and how Tongi’s music career will continue to evolve.
As we conclude, one thing is clear: the legacy of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and the magic of ‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride’ will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. Iam Tongi’s recording of this iconic song is a harmonious blend of music and nostalgia, reminding us that the power of storytelling and the joy of music can bring people together in ways that transcend time and space.