'American Idol' winner Iam Tongi reveals dramatic 115-pound weight loss

Iam Tongi revealed a staggering weight loss while walking the red carpet at the Lilo Stitch world premiere in Los Angeles The American Idol winner admitted he feels amazing now that he's down pounds Tongi credited his personal trainer with helping him stay on track with his physical condition and weight-loss goals AMERICAN IDOL WINNER APOLOGIZES AFTER KEEPING HAT ON WHILE PERFORMING NATIONAL ANTHEM We have a workout session maybe around come back home and we go to an ice bath or sauna he informed People magazine And then we come back shower and go on a walk And I've lost pounds It feels amazing I feel great FORMER AMERICAN IDOL JUDGE PAULA ABDUL JOKES THAT SIMON COWELL LEFT HER PERMANENTLY DAMAGED Tongi reported he's been committed to working on myself and trying to stay healthy He's leaning into change this season and is feeling inspired to create now that he's living in Tennessee I moved out to Memphis so I've been working out writing recording and just been busy but in a different way he explained LIKE WHAT YOU RE READING CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS I'm working on an album really so I'm excited about that and we'll see how that goes I m inspired by a lot of soul I love Al Green Al Green is one of my favorite singers so I'm excited for that single Despite the move to a land-locked state Tongi will consistently appreciate visiting his home in Hawaii It s a great feeling to go home and just see the people and see them be excited when they see me It's such a good feeling It's a cool feeling he revealed CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERFor the finals on American Idol Tongi was up against Megan Danielle and Colin Stough Despite the competition Tongi built a friendship with both of his fellow competitors Honestly if it wasn't for these guys and all my family and our friends I would I don't know if I would stay humble because these guys taught me every day that I'm useless I'm just kidding Tongi previously recounted People magazine Honestly we laugh a lot After his win Tongi received backlash from viewers who thought the competition was rigged Multiple claimed the musician had only won because of his sob story The contestant's father passed away in and Tongi often referenced his father and used his guitar during performances