Iam Tongi moved many people to tears while singing James Blunt’s “Monster” on American Idol, in tribute to his late father. On May 21, the teenager was voted to the number one spot on Season 21 of American Idol.

Now, the Hawaii-born and -raised star is coming back to his home state to headline three concerts. Rick Bartalini Presents is arranging the concerts, titled “Yessah: Iam Tongi Returns to Hawaii,” according to a news release. 

Tongi will perform on Oahu on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena. Tickets for the 7,000-seat venue will start at $27.50 plus service fees and taxes. The shows at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena will be the first since it closed for renovations in May 2023. 

He will also perform on Maui on Dec. 12 and 13 at  8 p.m. at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Tickets for the 1,250-seat venue will start at $64.75 plus service fees and taxes. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to those affected by the Maui wildfires.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.