'American Idol' winner Iam Tongi records 'Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride' for 'Lilo & Stitch'
Share this @internewscast.com

From traditional Hawaiian music to the big hits of Elvis Presley, when it comes to “Lilo & Stitch,” music is integral to the story.

As Disney gets ready to unveil the live-action version of the popular 2002 movie “Lilo & Stitch,” the filmmakers have put a strong focus on examining the music that breathes life into the film.

The creative team behind the 2025 “Lilo & Stitch” wanted to keep their movie as authentic as possible.

Director Dean Fleischer Camp noted, “When narrating a story about Hawaii with its rich, cultural background, it was very important to all of us to include voices closely tied to that culture.”

Iam Tongi smiles during a recording of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride" for "Lilo & Stitch."

Iam Tongi smiles during a recording of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” for “Lilo & Stitch.”

Disney

As a Hawaiian native, “American Idol” winner Iam Tongi was brought onto the project to perform “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.”

Tongi, who grew up with “Lilo & Stitch,” mentioned that the new film “carries a powerful message about ‘ohana, or family. It was truly a dream come true. I hope my rendition of ‘Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride’ can continue to resonate with a new generation of children.”

Bruno Mars, born in Honolulu, HI, even reproduced Elvis’ hit song “Burning Love” for the movie.

“‘Ohana means family, and our family actually got together to make this song,” said Zyah Rhythm, who, alongside his brother Nyjah Music, recorded the vocals for the track. The two are Mars’ nephews.

Sticking to its roots, “Lilo & Stitch” brought back Mark Kealii Hoomalu, a legendary Hawaiian singer-songwriter, whose vocals appear in the original film.

Also returning is the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus. Lynell Bright, the choir director said, “The first time we did it, it’s almost like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Now, we get to be a part of it again. It’s a really full circle moment for us.”

Bright’s son, Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, is even a screenwriter on the upcoming film!

“Lilo & Stitch” arrives in theaters May 23.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Walt Disney Studios and this ABC station.

Copyright © 2025 OnTheRedCarpet.com. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Finley Weldon speaks out as a survivor of abuse at an Olympic gymnast academy

Finley Weldon Shares Her Story of Surviving Abuse at a Gymnastics Olympic Training Camp

Free from the control of Sean Gardner during her gymnastics training, Finley…
Bike-riding youths terrorize Dem-run city as mobs swarm roads, while mayor stays silent on chaos

Youthful cyclists cause chaos on city streets, as authorities remain quiet amid disturbances

Boston motorists captured the moment over 100 bikers filled a local highway,…
Vegan firefighter hoses down burning tractor-trailer carrying 40,000 pounds of rib-eye steaks: 'Total loss'

Plant-Based Firefighter Extinguishes Blaze in Truck Hauling 40,000 Pounds of Rib-Eye Steaks: ‘Complete Loss’

A probationary firefighter at a rural fire department in Missouri had a…
Donald Trump Jr. speaking at a conference.

Donald Trump Jr. Questions Cracker Barrel’s New ‘Woke’ Logo as Share Prices Drop

CRACKER Barrel’s latest rebrand has stirred major controversy as the southern comfort…
Jeanine Pirro says people who carry rifles, shotguns in DC will no longer face felony charges

Jeanine Pirro Claims Possessing Rifles and Shotguns in DC Won’t Be a Felony Anymore

Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have decided to stop pursuing felony charges…
California AG takes stance on Menendez brothers prosecutor staying on case amid resentencing battle

Menendez Brothers Face Parole Board as Gov. Newsom Weighs Release Decision

Erik and Lyle Menendez will soon face California’s parole board, marking a…
BREAKING: CA Supreme Court Rules on GOP Petition to Halt Newsom's Election Rigging Act

BREAKING: California Supreme Court Decides on GOP’s Challenge to Newsom’s Election Act

California Supreme Court Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero delivered a ruling on Wednesday…
Damaged industrial facility in Mukachevo, Ukraine, after a Russian missile strike.

Russian Attack on Ukrainian Factory Injures 23; Trump Advocates for Kyiv to Go on Offensive

THE Russians overnight bombed an American factory as they launched a massive…
Trail grows cold in manhunt for survivalist father as authorities reach breaking point: 'I'm still angry'

Fresh Crime Scene Insights Unveiled in Search for Father Accused of Killing Three Daughters

Authorities have released new details in the manhunt for the Washington father…
Back to Square One. Russia Disavows Every Advance Anyone Thought Was Made in Alaska and DC Meetings

Starting Over: Russia Rejects All Progress Thought to Be Made in Alaska and DC Meetings

Last week, President Trump launched an active campaign to bring an end…
Erik and Lyle Menendez parole hearings begin Thursday

Parole Hearings for Erik and Lyle Menendez to Start on Thursday

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Erik and Lyle Menendez are approaching a significant…
Biotech CEO sues Uber after illegal immigrant driver assault caught on camera in downtown Charleston, SC

Biotech CEO Files Lawsuit Against Uber Following Assault by Driver in Charleston, SC

A biotechnology company CEO has initiated a lawsuit against Uber after an…