Soulful Hawaiian Singer and Winner of American Idol Season 21
Iam Tongi to perform at Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino
Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets on sale January 17, 2025, at 10 a.m.
American Idol Season 21 Winner Iam Tongi is set to bring his soul-infused lyrics and voice to the Star of the Desert Arena out at Primm Valley Resorts on Saturday, March 22 with doors at 5 p.m. Tickets start at $20 (plus applicable fees) and go on sale Friday, January 17 at 10 a.m.
Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter Iam Tongi grew up in a community filled with music, first picking up the ukulele in fifth grade and soon singing to join the likes of his father and grandfather. It became a bonding moment for the three of them, specifically for Iam and his father who infused in him the love of music – from island reggae to country, classic rock and R&B. By 13 Tongi had played his first show. With his fluid style, warm vocal rasp and beaming optimism, Tongi easily cut through the din of the inattentive crowd, earning his first taste of the rush live performance offered. But when the family moved to Seattle, music truly became a lifeline.
Dropped into a culture he’d only seen on TV, the tender-hearted Tongi was slow to make friends, and found solace in music instead. In a devastating blow, Tongi’s father passed away in December 2021 – but not before encouraging his son to keep singing, one last time. Instead, the younger Tongi put his guitar away and tried to forget the music that brought back painful memories. This time, it was his mother who knew better. Secretly signing her son up for American Idol – a dream her late husband had long pushed for – she surprised Tongi with the news just two days before his audition. In one of Idol‘s all-time emotional highlights, Tongi’s moving performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters” immediately went viral, and by the end of Season 21, Tongi had made history as the first Pacific Islander to ever win the show.
In 2024 Tongi connected with acclaimed songwriter/producer Johnny Reid and the pair’s instant connection rekindled Tongi’s creative drive. He now enters his next chapter with new songs, including his latest single “Road to Hana”. A bouncing, windows-down mix of upbeat island reggae and country heart, the track is a tribute to Hawaii with a clever romantic twist. Co-written by Tongi, Reid and Roy Morgan, it marks the first taste of a trove of new material. Leaning into his cultural heritage and musical roots, Tongi is celebrating the ever-changing magic of music – and of life itself.
Tickets for Iam Tongi are $20, $25, $40 and $75 plus applicable fees. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 17, 2025 at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online by logging onto primmvalleyresorts.com or ticketmaster.com. Guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.
About Primm Valley Casino Resorts
Primm Valley Casino Resorts is owned and operated by Affinity Interactive, an omni-channel gaming industry leader with an expanded suite of casino and online gaming offerings. Located at the border of Southern Nevada and Southern California, Primm Valley Casino Resorts is home to Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino, along with Primm Valley Resort. Buffalo Bill’s underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2022 and reopened with redesigned hotel rooms; a refreshed casino floor; a new lineup of restaurants including the BB Chophouse and its acclaimed Buffalo Bill’s Buffet; as well as the Star of the Desert Arena which also underwent renovations, including the addition of a half-million-dollar video wall that provides attendees with an immersive concert experience. Buffalo Bill’s Hotel & Casino is the destination for all the Mint 400 race action and home to The Official Mint 400 Primm Valley Start/Finish Line! For more information or to make reservations, visit PrimmValleyResorts.com or connect socially on Facebook and X @primmvalley.