Much love to everyone in this video for welcoming me into the Ohana and allowing me to share my love and support for my little bro!!! Mahalo!!! And thank you for your kind words, sir!!!!
Mahalo to you Oliver!! You guys are awesome separately and even more so together. I think Hawaii needs a Iam & Oliver concert.. I'll be looking for pre-sale tickets!!!😍🤗😘
I was hoping you would be sharing that stage with him next week. Your departure was the hardest for me. I am also hoping to see you on the show next week. I love the brotherhood you and Iam have built. It's a beautiful thing.
Mahalo for watching the video we made! I’m the guy in the beginning of the video who got everyone together to make this 🤙🏽 So happy you enjoyed it! A lot of those people are well-known musicians here and that lady with the really amazing voice is Paula Fuga! She’s amazing and actually auditioned for American Idol in the first season and didn’t make it 🤯 the two other American Idol Contestants Jasmine Trias (top 3) and Camile Velasco (top 10) are legends here! So stoked we got to get Oliver for this too. He really loves Iam! Mahalo for supporting our Hawai’i boy! Don’t forget to vote next week 🙌🏽
IN HAWAII, WE ARE ONE BIIIG FAMILY, THAT SUPPORTS, ENCOURAGES, & THANKS EACH OTHER, ESPECIALLY THOSE REPRESENTING OUR LAND OF AL❤HA. APPARENTLY, OLIVER & IAM HAVE A BROTHERLY BOND. OLIVER'S PRONUNCIATION OF TONGAN/SAMOAN WORDS SOUNDS LIKE A LOCAL GUY. HE SOUNDED REALLY TONGAN/SAMOAN ! I WONDERED IF HE LIVED HERE BEFORE CHEEE-HUUUU = YEEEE-HAAAA 2003 AMERICAN IDOL TEEN STARS FROM HAWAII : JASMINE TRIAS (3RD), CAMILE VELASCO (9TH), PAULA FUGA (Funga) WITH HAT U CAN UTUBE EACH
Seeing Oliver Steele on there brought tears to my eyes as well. Just the fact these Hawai’i celebrity Ohana reached out like you said, huge sign of respect. And to see Oliver return the respect and love by learning some of the Tongan language is beautiful. He said “Ofa atu tokoua” which translates to “Much love/I love you my brother”. You can literally feel all the aloha, love, and support for Iam through this video, it’s beautiful. This is what the world needs more of!!
Aloha the talented woman in the hat is Paula Fuga all these singers are amazing Hawaiian talent❤ Oliver is now a hanai(adopted) ohana member in my eyes..he has received, accepted and returned our Aloha spirit that Iam is made of❤❤ RESPECT💯%
Never in history 😢😊of America idol has 1 contestants been soooo popular and soooo loved by almost the whole 🌎 world, that there is a song written for him to cheer for him and show him love n support from his culture and the whole state of Hawaii ❤ ALL NESIAN, PACIFICA ❤ TEAM IAM TONGI 💙 SOOO PROUD OF HIM❤
Chee Hoo is an expression used when someone is happy, excited, and celebratory. It is an exclamation of celebration mostly shouted. Chee Hoo IAM TONGI..Bring the winner home big ❤️
Thank you Dennis for this reaction and your support and I love when Oliver said "'OFA ATU TOKOUA"..its the Tongan word for "LOVE YOU MY BROTHER"...thats shows there love and friendship but anyways ofa atu ..love it
I was crying seeing all these people make a way to vote for Iam! A collaboration of love and support for the next American Idol Iam Tongi!!! Loved this!!!
Mannn I was already expecting the water works, but brother Oliver got me bawling 😭 his love and support for IAM is over the top! All of Hawaii coming thru for Iam and it's too beautiful ❤️. Team #IamTongi... Cheehoo is derived from the Samoan culture, it's called a fa'aumu. It's an expression used for celebration, anger, excitement. Here lately I've seen more and more of Polynesia as a whole using it as a universal agreement to something good, almost like saying heck yeah or we love it. It's especially fitting to show love support and pride for this beautiful young man winning hearts around the globe. Go gettem Iam CHEEEHHOOOO!!!
Hawaii tends to claim anyone who has any ties to Hawaii. Even though many of us have been priced out of paradise, we still consider Hawaii home. Oliver took Iam under his wing and showed him some love and in return gained the love of an entire state.
HE IS a Phenomenon❤🤙🏽 love your reaction. I agree with you, Iam is bringing everyone together, sharing his ❤️. Yessah ❤🤙🏽 I was balling when I saw Oliver too. That was sweet of them to include Oliver🥰🥰🥰. Team Tongi all the way!!!
This is amazing King for all your reactions with our Polynesian brother Iam and everyone my brothers and sisters behind him especially Oliver,thank you Iam for representing us Polynesian. Much Love all the way from the Isand of Fiji🇫🇯 🙌💯
"CHEEEEHUUUUU" lol is our Polynesian way of expressing our happiness or a way we cheer on our fellow poly brothers and sisters! You will often hear it in our Samoan n Tongan community. So feel free to CHEEEEHUUUUU.... and when you do, you say it as loud as you can x Loud and Proud how we do it 🎉 Oliver is saying in Tongan- Ofa Toko ua "Love you brother" (Correct me if im wrong as im Samoan, but pretty sure it is x)
All the other people singing are long time local entertainers. Jasmine Trias was a finalist on American Idol Season 3 I believe, along with Eli-Mac aka Camille Velasco from Maui. They were both finalists on American Idol 3! The Cheehoooo thing is the Polynesian way of simply celebrating like a “YES GO GET EM!” All these people talking after the singing are all Hawaii people that became successful in the entertainment industry ❤ OH! And btw IZ Kamakawiwo’ole did sing a local Hawaii version of “Take me Home Country Roads”.
Like what I mentioned b4. Oliver n Iam friendship is forever n he will be welcome in Hawaii by the locals. Love his voice. I believe producers are watching him. Oliver said ofa atu tokoua, means I love you brother. Yes LOVE covers everything no matter what. By the way, Iam is a story teller. Thank you so much for your reactions.
Being born&raised in Hawai’i, Oliver Steele and his father are 1000000% invited to the Luau. They could come here with nothing and the people of Hawai’i gone take them in cause thats “Iam’s braddah and unko”
Sia is well known among the Tongan and Hawaii she is one of the main host for many of the Polynesian show here among the Hawaiian Islands, Tonga & New Zealand’s! Her daughters the Tongan Sisters are mighty singers too! Cheeeeeee- Hooooooio is very common among Islanders for cheers but especially for Samoans we used for exciting during good news, celebration and expression of our joy ❤️
You said it all, my friend. This year's American Idol is unique. It's not just a singing competition. This young man has worn his heart on his sleeve, shared his story through music, and showed the world what LOVE can do, bringing everyone together. I hope Oliver has a chance to visit Hawaii during his homecoming. A reunion would be so special❤
I’m sooooo happy you’re reacting to this! This is a collection of some Hawaiis biggest talents. We’re so proud of all of them, and the love shown for Iam! We are a proud people and Iam is so special. Seeing this video made me miss home, and made me so proud to be Polynesian. And the fact that they included Oliver and the way the people have embraced him is so beautiful and made me cry!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
You need to understand that the people of Hawaii will back anyone from Hawaii who remains humble and respectful to others. Anywhere in the world, if you meet someone from Hawaii, there is an instant connection.
All this made me cry. What a difference this talented, loving, passionate, kind kid…. has made in this world. I will keep saying he connects the world, soul to soul. Atlantis Morissette said it best, “ Iam’s gift of empathy and his willingness to perform it in front of everyone, is what this planet needs.” Go Iam!
Watching this brings me so much joy. Love all the support and love for Iam. Go get um, Iam. You got this! Rooting for you from Seattle. Chee Hoo! is an expression used when someone is happy, excited and celebratory. 👏🏽🤙🏽❤️
Thank you brother for reacting to this. This brought tears to my eyes, these are Hawaii musicians/artists: Paula Fuga (she auditioned for American Idol as well, years ago, she is now a recording artist), Kimie Miner, Kelly boy Delima with Kapena, Anuhea, Jake Shimabukuro, Jasmine Trias (top 3 American Idol with Fantaisa season), Eli-Mac (Camille same season as Jasmine on american Idol, she is a recording artist as well)...so many more Hawaii Artists and Hawaii actors/actress, news, content creators, comedians etc. WOW that is amazing and love it! Chee hoo is The Samoan fa'aumu. Samoan in origin. People use it when they are happy, when they are mad, during customs and rituals, as a challenge to fight, dances, and for many other uses.
Good to see the legend Kelly Boy in this video. He’s the lead singer of Kapena. The woman you’re asking about is Paula Fuga, whose popularity grew a couple years ago after an unfortunate incident with the Island 98.5 Wake Up Crew. She was performing live on the air for the Hawaii Food Bank, and mentioned that growing up homeless as a child in Waimanalo, she had to eat out of the trash can. Two of the DJs, Slick Vic and Kreyz Oshiro, started roasting her and brought her to tears.
That was Paula? TBH I could not remember her name from her American Idol audition, I just remember what she looked like and her Voice. I actually do not listen to that station, but heard about what happened. It was disgusting.
In the entertainment community, Paula Fuga was well known long before that incident happened. She’s long been considered Hawaii’s “soul singer.” Now she’s branching out, doing some work in theater and film.
First girl was Paula Funga. She tried out for American Idol the year they were in Hawaii for open auditions but didn't make it. She went on to be mentored by Jack Johnson and recorded a album under his Label🤙🏾🤙🏾 Cheehuuuu
😭😭😭 laying here with Granddaughter watching you and crying 🤦🏽♀️🤣 the Hawaiian Spirit! I flew in from Cali to surprise my Son’s family for Mother’s Day… and flying home tomorrow morning to Cali 😢 for work lol but Saturday at Alamoana Park Magic Island they were blasting Ian’s music! Beauty of Hawaiian Spirit is Ohana for sure ❤️
The night I heard his audition I KNEW he was the one!!!!! I see some haters saying he isn’t American Idol material….For the ones saying Iam isn’t “American Idol,” material…. Let me ask you… what is an American idol? This young man lost his father at a young age, which is a very traumatic experience to lose a parent or loved one at ANY age but to lose someone so young is in my opinion even worse. He was robbed of a lifetime of memories with his father. He could have went down a very bad path but instead he stayed strong and kept living for his father. He wants to make his father and his family proud. He has not changed himself since day one. He is authentic and connects with so many people on another level when he sings. Like Lionel said, he is a master story teller. He doesn’t have to be flashy, loud and over the top. He sings from the heart. He is a genuine soul that loves his family. And THAT is what an American Idol is made of!
This is so awesome!!!!!! Let’s go Hawaii! KingFam I can tell you are loving and appreciating Hawaiian culture… and for that, you earn a follow from this Hawaiian girl. Mahalo for supporting Iam and Oliver!❤🤙🏽
The artist that you’re seeing in the video, our local artist across the state of Hawaii. Jasmine Treas was on American Idol also and made it to the top three. Jake Shimabukuro is a world class ukulele player
Yes! Paula killed it on this song! I think she auditioned the same year as Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco, and the judges/producers were not accepting of her (I believe it was her “look” ), but she has long been a wonderful addition to island music in Hawai’i and I loved that you felt her mana (power/spirit) and vocal power! I believe she will be performing in Ian’s home town concert tomorrow. The Chee-Hu was primarily used in traditional Samoan dance performances (like the sa-sa or when the taupou aka female soloist is performing). It is as an expression of joy and energy think - the equivalent to cheering or clapping at a concert or even being a “hype-man” during the performance. As Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures, it has crossed over into common usage across multiple cultures and beyond traditional performances. You will hear it at graduations, weddings, and other special events as an accepted demonstration of one’s joy and aloha. You will also hear it in everyday conversations if someone is hyped/stoked about what is happening.
“Chee whoo” is our way of cheering each other on out loud and it’s always loud when you say it!!!!!I love your reaction and the love you feel for Hawai’i but this collaboration is amazing, Mahalo 🙏 🤙🏽 Chee whoo!!!!! 🙌 🌺
Mahalo Oliver Steele for being so real! You are a true person with much Aloha in your heart! Keep being awesome Oliver Steele! Cheeeeee hoooooo! Go Iam vote Iam!! The Cheehooo is a way to Celebrate and say Less Goooo Iam.
I love this rendition of all the support. That Hawaii style to come together as one. And then to have Oliver included. He has gained the Polynesian welcome.
YESSIR. I was hoping you found this video and will react. And GUESS WHAT - James Blunt will be at the finale and we get a duet of Monsters. My wish from that auditions was I am making it to finale and James Blunt his celebrity duet and yooo, am so geeked it's happening.
I’ve been following Iam since day 1 and let me tell he’s been nothing but an inspiration to ALL PACIFIC ISLANDERS.🙏🏽🤙🏽 At this point it don’t matter if he doesn’t win in the finale at the end of the day he won all our hearts ❤️. Much love bradda 🙏🏽🤙🏽
What’s with the cheehuuuuu! 😂. It’s a way to shout what you’re feeling inside-joy and jubilation-you maybe currently feeling. It’s definitely a way to live in the moment. It’s definitely an island thing.
Cheeehooo! So much love for Iam, it makes my heart burst! Oliver what a beautiful soul you have! Looking after your little brother, that’s special! I see a forever brother ship! Team Tongi 🌺🌺🌺
Every week I’m looking forward to watching Iam perform and also watching your reaction. It’s amazing and so real to see your emotions show through. Love you Braddah and much Aloha to you and your Ohana, thanks for always making my week!! 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾
I love this video, the love, the energy, the vibrant and the support for Iam is amazing. Everyone in the video were amazing and one especially I was so happy to see on there was Oliver. I'm so so thankful that they included him in the video and that speaks volumes about us Polynesians and all those who remember people like him with true love for a brother or a sister in need. Spread the love!
Yup seen this video and Hawaii has some amazing talent and entertainers! No place like home in Hawaii nei and Iam Tongi is so friggin Ahmaazing! We are soo proud of him in Hawaii and look forward in seeing him this week in Kahuku CHEEE HUUUU! Is a Kahuku thang!! ❤😊
Cheeehuuuu is Hawaii’s version of Yeeeehaaaawwww 🤠🤠and it’s based off of the Samoan expression known as “fa’aumu”. I say it’s Hawaii’s version because a true Samoan fa’aumu doesn’t sound like cheehuu lol but it’s been adapted to that by the locals in Hawaii. (Also side note, Oliver calls Iam “tokoua” which is a Tongan word used to express the relationship between two men or two women (it’s not used between a man and woman) which means “brother” between men and “sister” between women. He also says “Ofa atu” which means I love you in Tongan 😁).
The girl in the hat belting it out is Paula Fuga, she went to my high school. She was on AI in one of the first seasons. She actually grew up homeless, and was a casualty of systemic racism pushed upon Native Hawaiians. If her story was out there, she'd probably had of made it further, but because she didn't showcase her backstory or have the pop star look, American Idol featured her on an episode to poke fun of contestants like her. Anyways, she showed them, and took the broken platform they gave her and built a following with the islanders. All the folks featured here are known local singers, esp the older guy in the red hat, he is legend. I really hope all the AI alum come back for the finale, epic!
The “Cheehuuu!” is an exuberant, exultant expression of excitement, support and positivity. In short, it’s love! Sometimes there are no words, but you’re just bursting with absolute joy, love, happiness, and exuberance. When you feel that way, there’s no other sound that expresses all these things but a loud, from the diaphragm “CHEEEHUUU!” The longer, the louder, the better! ❤ ❤❤ I forget sometimes that it’s a uniquely Polynesian thing. We hear it at parties a lot! 😅🎉
I was so happy to see Oliver on the video. I remember when he was there when Iam's guitar broke. Thats the bond, the "braddahhood" 🤙🏽❤. When Oliver said tokoua, that's "brother" from him. The 'ofa 'atu is "love you" Much love and respect to Oliver. One Love, Ofa atu Aloha, and God bless, KFR. Cheeehuuuu (it's a yell of joy, like when you hear yeeehaaw).
Oliver called him “toko” or “toko’ua” which means brother or brethren used collectively as well. He and Aunty Sia say at the end of their message say “Ofa atu” which literally means love to you 🥰♥️🤍
For those of you who don’t understand what Oliver said to Iam: “‘OFA ATU TOKOUA” means, “I LOVE YOU BROTHER.” Much Love to you all for all the love and support for Iam.❤
Love this video... You feel the ohana and aloha to Iam. I so happy to see Oliver a part of this video and the people welcoming Oliver to be part of the Ohana
The one u keep commenting on is Paula Fuga. She has amazing songs as well. Jasmine Trias and Eli Mac are both former Hawai’i American Idol contestants from way back in season 1
Cheehoooo is a Polynesian expression of happiness, celebration, and joy. Iam probably taught Oliver some Tongan words....'Ofa atu tokoua...means...love you my brother. This clip is so cool.
CHEEHOO WAS A SAMOAN WAR CRY LONG AGO BEFORE GOING INTO A BATTLE , BUT AS TIME WENT ON IT BECAME A WAR CRY OF HAPPINESS TO SHOW GRATITUDE TO OUR LOVED ONES . HOPE THIS HELPS A LITTLE. CHEEHOO ALOFA ATU❤
Dennis, there's a video of Iam and his reaction to this video. It's beautiful and priceless. You will love it. Just watching Iam's reaction when he saw Oliver in it, it was beautiful. Mahalo and faafetai on your reaction to the Aloha spirit of our Polynesian people.🥰
I truly believe and know that Iam n Oliver were meant to be together and they both have amazing chemistry for each other but the music brought them together as truest brothers. Much love and respect for both of them……❤❤❤❤
We can’t take anything for granted. Do time frames prevent votes from being included? If so, we on the mainland need to give all of our votes to Iam. Colin and Zach are from the same town, Mississippi will be voting for Colin. Georgia will be voting for Megan but what will the country fans do? Iam has all of my votes!
The girl in purple, her name is Paula Fuga. (Foo-nga) She auditioned for AI a few years ago but ddnt make it. But SHEs a BAD MAMA JAMMA with her awesome voice.
All these people are our celebrity local singers. 😊 You should look into them all. In fact, 2 ladies in there were American Idol contestants as well. 🤙
Mahalo for showcasing Hawaiian talent. This video made me so proud💗 Paula Fuga is a very popular female artist here. Chee Hoo is like Yessssah and hooray!!
Cheehuuu is like a cowboy saying yeehaw! It's something yelled by Polynesians out of excitement! We say it everywhere, weddings,graduations,parties. And it's used by us Hawaiians,the samoans,Tongans! All of Polynesia! So cheeehuuuu iam! Hawaii is so proud of you! 🤙🏽
o sweetheart your not the only one that brought tears to your eyes when you saw Oliver me to those two are gonna be Brothers for life VOTE VOTE VOTE FOR OUR Tongi. hugs be safe🥰😍🤩
Much love to everyone in this video for welcoming me into the Ohana and allowing me to share my love and support for my little bro!!! Mahalo!!!
And thank you for your kind words, sir!!!!
Mahalo to you Oliver!! You guys are awesome separately and even more so together. I think Hawaii needs a Iam & Oliver concert.. I'll be looking for pre-sale tickets!!!😍🤗😘
Oliver you are an amazing person. You will do great things.
Oliver, you are a great singer and a great person.
I was hoping you would be sharing that stage with him next week. Your departure was the hardest for me. I am also hoping to see you on the show next week. I love the brotherhood you and Iam have built. It's a beautiful thing.
Mahalo for watching the video we made! I’m the guy in the beginning of the video who got everyone together to make this 🤙🏽
So happy you enjoyed it! A lot of those people are well-known musicians here and that lady with the really amazing voice is Paula Fuga! She’s amazing and actually auditioned for American Idol in the first season and didn’t make it 🤯 the two other American Idol Contestants Jasmine Trias (top 3) and Camile Velasco (top 10) are legends here! So stoked we got to get Oliver for this too. He really loves Iam!
Mahalo for supporting our Hawai’i boy! Don’t forget to vote next week 🙌🏽
Man Oliver made me cry with his support to his little brother😭what a support for our Polynesian boy💪🏻🇼🇸🇹🇴
🤙🏻 🇼🇸 ❤
IN HAWAII, WE ARE ONE BIIIG FAMILY, THAT SUPPORTS, ENCOURAGES, & THANKS EACH OTHER,
ESPECIALLY THOSE REPRESENTING OUR
LAND OF AL❤HA.
APPARENTLY, OLIVER & IAM HAVE A BROTHERLY BOND. OLIVER'S PRONUNCIATION OF
TONGAN/SAMOAN WORDS SOUNDS LIKE A LOCAL GUY.
HE SOUNDED REALLY TONGAN/SAMOAN !
I WONDERED IF HE LIVED HERE BEFORE
CHEEE-HUUUU =
YEEEE-HAAAA
2003 AMERICAN IDOL
TEEN STARS FROM HAWAII : JASMINE TRIAS
(3RD), CAMILE VELASCO (9TH),
PAULA FUGA (Funga)
WITH HAT
U CAN UTUBE EACH
Seeing Oliver Steele on there brought tears to my eyes as well. Just the fact these Hawai’i celebrity Ohana reached out like you said, huge sign of respect. And to see Oliver return the respect and love by learning some of the Tongan language is beautiful. He said “Ofa atu tokoua” which translates to “Much love/I love you my brother”. You can literally feel all the aloha, love, and support for Iam through this video, it’s beautiful. This is what the world needs more of!!
💯
Aloha the talented woman in the hat is Paula Fuga all these singers are amazing Hawaiian talent❤ Oliver is now a hanai(adopted) ohana member in my eyes..he has received, accepted and returned our Aloha spirit that Iam is made of❤❤ RESPECT💯%
Never in history 😢😊of America idol has 1 contestants been soooo popular and soooo loved by almost the whole 🌎 world, that there is a song written for him to cheer for him and show him love n support from his culture and the whole state of Hawaii ❤ ALL NESIAN, PACIFICA ❤ TEAM IAM TONGI 💙 SOOO PROUD OF HIM❤
1 trillion true👍
Chee Hoo is an expression used when someone is happy, excited, and celebratory. It is an exclamation of celebration mostly shouted.
Chee Hoo IAM TONGI..Bring the winner home big ❤️
Thank you Dennis for this reaction and your support and I love when Oliver said "'OFA ATU TOKOUA"..its the Tongan word for "LOVE YOU MY BROTHER"...thats shows there love and friendship but anyways ofa atu
..love it
Great way to honor Iam and I LOVE that Oliver participated in this. Their friendship is so beautiful!
I was crying seeing all these people make a way to vote for Iam! A collaboration of love and support for the next American Idol Iam Tongi!!! Loved this!!!
Mannn I was already expecting the water works, but brother Oliver got me bawling 😭 his love and support for IAM is over the top! All of Hawaii coming thru for Iam and it's too beautiful ❤️. Team #IamTongi... Cheehoo is derived from the Samoan culture, it's called a fa'aumu. It's an expression used for celebration, anger, excitement. Here lately I've seen more and more of Polynesia as a whole using it as a universal agreement to something good, almost like saying heck yeah or we love it. It's especially fitting to show love support and pride for this beautiful young man winning hearts around the globe. Go gettem Iam CHEEEHHOOOO!!!
Hawaii tends to claim anyone who has any ties to Hawaii. Even though many of us have been priced out of paradise, we still consider Hawaii home. Oliver took Iam under his wing and showed him some love and in return gained the love of an entire state.
Love conquers all. He’s spreading the Aloha spirit. A time when we as a nation need to come together. Enough with the hate.
HE IS a Phenomenon❤🤙🏽 love your reaction. I agree with you, Iam is bringing everyone together, sharing his ❤️. Yessah ❤🤙🏽 I was balling when I saw Oliver too. That was sweet of them to include Oliver🥰🥰🥰. Team Tongi all the way!!!
This is amazing King for all your reactions with our Polynesian brother Iam and everyone my brothers and sisters behind him especially Oliver,thank you Iam for representing us Polynesian. Much Love all the way from the Isand of Fiji🇫🇯 🙌💯
MAHALO KING for all the Love and Support for IAM! I love your reaction is so genuine! Less go!
"CHEEEEHUUUUU" lol is our Polynesian way of expressing our happiness or a way we cheer on our fellow poly brothers and sisters! You will often hear it in our Samoan n Tongan community.
So feel free to CHEEEEHUUUUU.... and when you do, you say it as loud as you can x Loud and Proud how we do it 🎉
Oliver is saying in Tongan- Ofa Toko ua "Love you brother"
(Correct me if im wrong as im Samoan, but pretty sure it is x)
All the other people singing are long time local entertainers. Jasmine Trias was a finalist on American Idol Season 3 I believe, along with Eli-Mac aka Camille Velasco from Maui. They were both finalists on American Idol 3! The Cheehoooo thing is the Polynesian way of simply celebrating like a “YES GO GET EM!” All these people talking after the singing are all Hawaii people that became successful in the entertainment industry ❤
OH! And btw IZ Kamakawiwo’ole did sing a local Hawaii version of “Take me Home Country Roads”.
Those are all our island stars singing for Iam. Love them for their support.
They basically rewrote the song for all those from the island that have left.
The lady is Paula Fuga
Like what I mentioned b4. Oliver n Iam friendship is forever n he will be welcome in Hawaii by the locals. Love his voice. I believe producers are watching him. Oliver said ofa atu tokoua, means I love you brother. Yes LOVE covers everything no matter what. By the way, Iam is a story teller. Thank you so much for your reactions.
Being born&raised in Hawai’i, Oliver Steele and his father are 1000000% invited to the Luau. They could come here with nothing and the people of Hawai’i gone take them in cause thats “Iam’s braddah and unko”
The Wahine (female) “Sangin’l is Paula Fuga…local entertainer
Cheeee Hoooo is like a “Yee Haw!”
Sia is well known among the Tongan and Hawaii she is one of the main host for many of the Polynesian show here among the Hawaiian Islands, Tonga & New Zealand’s! Her daughters the Tongan Sisters are mighty singers too! Cheeeeeee- Hooooooio is very common among Islanders for cheers but especially for Samoans we used for exciting during good news, celebration and expression of our joy ❤️
You said it all, my friend. This year's American Idol is unique. It's not just a singing competition. This young man has worn his heart on his sleeve, shared his story through music, and showed the world what LOVE can do, bringing everyone together. I hope Oliver has a chance to visit Hawaii during his homecoming. A reunion would be so special❤
I’m sooooo happy you’re reacting to this! This is a collection of some Hawaiis biggest talents. We’re so proud of all of them, and the love shown for Iam! We are a proud people and Iam is so special. Seeing this video made me miss home, and made me so proud to be Polynesian. And the fact that they included Oliver and the way the people have embraced him is so beautiful and made me cry!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Cheeeeehooooo for putting the state of Hawaii up there. Thank you for putting our Polynesian cultures for the world to see big ALOFAS!!
You need to understand that the people of Hawaii will back anyone from Hawaii who remains humble and respectful to others. Anywhere in the world, if you meet someone from Hawaii, there is an instant connection.
All of the artists are local Hawaii artists. Jasmine and Camille are ex American Idol contestants.
All this made me cry. What a difference this talented, loving, passionate, kind kid…. has made in this world. I will keep saying he connects the world, soul to soul. Atlantis Morissette said it best, “ Iam’s gift of empathy and his willingness to perform it in front of everyone, is what this planet needs.” Go Iam!
amen!!
This is so cool. So nice to see all the love and support. He's had this since day 1. GO IAM!!!
Watching this brings me so much joy. Love all the support and love for Iam. Go get um, Iam. You got this! Rooting for you from Seattle. Chee Hoo! is an expression used when someone is happy, excited and celebratory. 👏🏽🤙🏽❤️
These beautiful people in the video are hawaiis own beautiful musicians!! Proud of our Hawaii
Thank you brother for reacting to this. This brought tears to my eyes, these are Hawaii musicians/artists: Paula Fuga (she auditioned for American Idol as well, years ago, she is now a recording artist), Kimie Miner, Kelly boy Delima with Kapena, Anuhea, Jake Shimabukuro, Jasmine Trias (top 3 American Idol with Fantaisa season), Eli-Mac (Camille same season as Jasmine on american Idol, she is a recording artist as well)...so many more Hawaii Artists and Hawaii actors/actress, news, content creators, comedians etc. WOW that is amazing and love it!
Chee hoo is The Samoan fa'aumu. Samoan in origin.
People use it when they are happy, when they are mad, during customs and rituals, as a challenge to fight, dances, and for many other uses.
I think it's so awesome that Iam did a spawnbreezie song another talented Jawaiian (Hawaii/Reggae) group. Iam's roots run deep. REPRESENT 808 ROOTS
@@lorasilva6125 100% agree 🤙🤙🤙making all of us Polynesians so proud
Mahalo Oliver! Your kindness and love for Iam and his family is real and is PONO. Much Aloha to you Oliver and your family...especially you DAD❤🌈🌈
Good to see the legend Kelly Boy in this video. He’s the lead singer of Kapena. The woman you’re asking about is Paula Fuga, whose popularity grew a couple years ago after an unfortunate incident with the Island 98.5 Wake Up Crew. She was performing live on the air for the Hawaii Food Bank, and mentioned that growing up homeless as a child in Waimanalo, she had to eat out of the trash can. Two of the DJs, Slick Vic and Kreyz Oshiro, started roasting her and brought her to tears.
That was Paula? TBH I could not remember her name from her American Idol audition, I just remember what she looked like and her Voice. I actually do not listen to that station, but heard about what happened. It was disgusting.
Those scrubs had no respect. They got fired from what I remember
In the entertainment community, Paula Fuga was well known long before that incident happened. She’s long been considered Hawaii’s “soul singer.” Now she’s branching out, doing some work in theater and film.
This was beautiful! Seeing Oliver on there made me cry. If you looked under where Oliver’s name was it said “Iams Best Friend On Idol”
Thank you
So do I 😢❤🌺🤙🏽
Good to see Kapena's lead vocalist also showing love and support for Iam
Chee-hooo is the same as country folk yelling Yee-Haa!
Cheehoo..!!! Go Iam we loves you..Yessah..!!! ♥️ 🌺🤙🏽
He said I love you brother in Tongan language. Go IAM 👏👏
Paula Fuga sings with Jack Johnson a lot. You are correct she damn sure can sing
He was pushed outta paradise...lovely gift
Iam makes ALL of us Polynesians cried and proud, we ALL LOVE you Iam! You got my vote 😢😊❤
I hope Oliver gets to come to Iams homecoming. That would be so awesome 💕
Rightly so!!! Emotional reaction making us emotional too!!!! Oliver is the best!
First girl was Paula Funga. She tried out for American Idol the year they were in Hawaii for open auditions but didn't make it. She went on to be mentored by Jack Johnson and recorded a album under his Label🤙🏾🤙🏾 Cheehuuuu
😭😭😭 laying here with Granddaughter watching you and crying 🤦🏽♀️🤣 the Hawaiian Spirit! I flew in from Cali to surprise my Son’s family for Mother’s Day… and flying home tomorrow morning to Cali 😢 for work lol but Saturday at Alamoana Park Magic Island they were blasting Ian’s music! Beauty of Hawaiian Spirit is Ohana for sure ❤️
The night I heard his audition I KNEW he was the one!!!!! I see some haters saying he isn’t American Idol material….For the ones saying Iam isn’t “American Idol,” material…. Let me ask you… what is an American idol? This young man lost his father at a young age, which is a very traumatic experience to lose a parent or loved one at ANY age but to lose someone so young is in my opinion even worse. He was robbed of a lifetime of memories with his father. He could have went down a very bad path but instead he stayed strong and kept living for his father. He wants to make his father and his family proud. He has not changed himself since day one. He is authentic and connects with so many people on another level when he sings. Like Lionel said, he is a master story teller. He doesn’t have to be flashy, loud and over the top. He sings from the heart. He is a genuine soul that loves his family. And THAT is what an American Idol is made of!
This is so awesome!!!!!! Let’s go Hawaii! KingFam I can tell you are loving and appreciating Hawaiian culture… and for that, you earn a follow from this Hawaiian girl. Mahalo for supporting Iam and Oliver!❤🤙🏽
The artist that you’re seeing in the video, our local artist across the state of Hawaii. Jasmine Treas was on American Idol also and made it to the top three. Jake Shimabukuro is a world class ukulele player
Yes! Paula killed it on this song! I think she auditioned the same year as Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco, and the judges/producers were not accepting of her (I believe it was her “look” ), but she has long been a wonderful addition to island music in Hawai’i and I loved that you felt her mana (power/spirit) and vocal power! I believe she will be performing in Ian’s home town concert tomorrow.
The Chee-Hu was primarily used in traditional Samoan dance performances (like the sa-sa or when the taupou aka female soloist is performing). It is as an expression of joy and energy think - the equivalent to cheering or clapping at a concert or even being a “hype-man” during the performance. As Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures, it has crossed over into common usage across multiple cultures and beyond traditional performances. You will hear it at graduations, weddings, and other special events as an accepted demonstration of one’s joy and aloha. You will also hear it in everyday conversations if someone is hyped/stoked about what is happening.
just beautiful...thank you for sharing...you are an honest man and I respect you for what you said!!!
“Chee whoo” is our way of cheering each other on out loud and it’s always loud when you say it!!!!!I love your reaction and the love you feel for Hawai’i but this collaboration is amazing, Mahalo 🙏 🤙🏽 Chee whoo!!!!! 🙌 🌺
Tell the truth lol it's a Samoan War Cry....Cheeehooo!!!!
Mahalo Oliver Steele for being so real! You are a true person with much Aloha in your heart! Keep being awesome Oliver Steele! Cheeeeee hoooooo! Go Iam vote Iam!! The Cheehooo is a way to Celebrate and say Less Goooo Iam.
I love this rendition of all the support. That Hawaii style to come together as one. And then to have Oliver included. He has gained the Polynesian welcome.
❤❤It's a great video!! It was an honor to see oliver included!! Thanks to everybody who put it together. Much Love to you guys!!❤❤❤
YESSIR. I was hoping you found this video and will react. And GUESS WHAT - James Blunt will be at the finale and we get a duet of Monsters. My wish from that auditions was I am making it to finale and James Blunt his celebrity duet and yooo, am so geeked it's happening.
Aloha and much love to you for. all your support with our brother Iam! Iam is just LOVE and he is bringing masses together. Nuf said
I’ve been following Iam since day 1 and let me tell he’s been nothing but an inspiration to ALL PACIFIC ISLANDERS.🙏🏽🤙🏽 At this point it don’t matter if he doesn’t win in the finale at the end of the day he won all our hearts ❤️. Much love bradda 🙏🏽🤙🏽
We are in the same boat tokouso ❤🌺🤙🏽
Paula Fuga is Awesome! One of Hawaii’s best artists…they all are actually 😊
What’s with the cheehuuuuu! 😂. It’s a way to shout what you’re feeling inside-joy and jubilation-you maybe currently feeling. It’s definitely a way to live in the moment. It’s definitely an island thing.
Mahalo for your reaction and taking time to give Iam the love he deserves! ALOHA Always!!
Cheeehooo! So much love for Iam, it makes my heart burst! Oliver what a beautiful soul you have! Looking after your little brother, that’s special! I see a forever brother ship! Team Tongi 🌺🌺🌺
Every week I’m looking forward to watching Iam perform and also watching your reaction. It’s amazing and so real to see your emotions show through. Love you Braddah and much Aloha to you and your Ohana, thanks for always making my week!! 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾
I love this video, the love, the energy, the vibrant and the support for Iam is amazing. Everyone in the video were amazing and one especially I was so happy to see on there was Oliver. I'm so so thankful that they included him in the video and that speaks volumes about us Polynesians and all those who remember people like him with true love for a brother or a sister in need. Spread the love!
Oliver Steel said, "ofa atu " .."LOVE YOU"...."Tokoua"..."BROTHER"
"LOVE YOU BROTHER"
Yup seen this video and Hawaii has some amazing talent and entertainers! No place like home in Hawaii nei and Iam Tongi is so friggin Ahmaazing! We are soo proud of him in Hawaii and look forward in seeing him this week in Kahuku CHEEE HUUUU! Is a Kahuku thang!! ❤😊
Cheeehuuuu is Hawaii’s version of Yeeeehaaaawwww 🤠🤠and it’s based off of the Samoan expression known as “fa’aumu”. I say it’s Hawaii’s version because a true Samoan fa’aumu doesn’t sound like cheehuu lol but it’s been adapted to that by the locals in Hawaii. (Also side note, Oliver calls Iam “tokoua” which is a Tongan word used to express the relationship between two men or two women (it’s not used between a man and woman) which means “brother” between men and “sister” between women. He also says “Ofa atu” which means I love you in Tongan 😁).
i teared up for free when I see Oliver on this too love it
💛 IAM 💛 T'ONGI 💛
Is Already a Star❗️
Big Shout Out to All on this Video & the Whole Hawaiian Population 💛🇬🇧
The girl in the hat belting it out is Paula Fuga, she went to my high school. She was on AI in one of the first seasons. She actually grew up homeless, and was a casualty of systemic racism pushed upon Native Hawaiians. If her story was out there, she'd probably had of made it further, but because she didn't showcase her backstory or have the pop star look, American Idol featured her on an episode to poke fun of contestants like her. Anyways, she showed them, and took the broken platform they gave her and built a following with the islanders. All the folks featured here are known local singers, esp the older guy in the red hat, he is legend. I really hope all the AI alum come back for the finale, epic!
Was just coming on here to say who Paula was. Love her! Cheeeeeeeeehuuuuu #IamComingHome
Eli Mac, Jasmine Trias, and Paula Fuga all were on American Idol. The rest are popular local artist
Dennis, JAMES BLUNT WILL BE IN THE FINALE! You know what's going to happen right? I'm sure "Monsters" Duet is coming with the man himself 🙏🏽💯🤙🏽❤
Tears will be streaming over here.....OMGoodness
Can't wait for this duet, EPIC!!
Cheehoo is Samoan Polynesian yell that expresses sheer joy and love!
The “Cheehuuu!” is an exuberant, exultant expression of excitement, support and positivity. In short, it’s love! Sometimes there are no words, but you’re just bursting with absolute joy, love, happiness, and exuberance. When you feel that way, there’s no other sound that expresses all these things but a loud, from the diaphragm “CHEEEHUUU!” The longer, the louder, the better! ❤ ❤❤
I forget sometimes that it’s a uniquely Polynesian thing. We hear it at parties a lot! 😅🎉
I was so happy to see Oliver on the video. I remember when he was there when Iam's guitar broke. Thats the bond, the "braddahhood" 🤙🏽❤. When Oliver said tokoua, that's "brother" from him. The 'ofa 'atu is "love you" Much love and respect to Oliver. One Love, Ofa atu Aloha, and God bless, KFR. Cheeehuuuu (it's a yell of joy, like when you hear yeeehaaw).
I love your reaction to this video🥰 …Oliver saying, “ofa atu tokoua”…means, “I love you brother”! 🥹
Oliver called him “toko” or “toko’ua” which means brother or brethren used collectively as well. He and Aunty Sia say at the end of their message say “Ofa atu” which literally means love to you 🥰♥️🤍
For those of you who don’t understand what Oliver said to Iam: “‘OFA ATU TOKOUA” means, “I LOVE YOU BROTHER.” Much Love to you all for all the love and support for Iam.❤
Love this video... You feel the ohana and aloha to Iam. I so happy to see Oliver a part of this video and the people welcoming Oliver to be part of the Ohana
The one u keep commenting on is Paula Fuga. She has amazing songs as well. Jasmine Trias and Eli Mac are both former Hawai’i American Idol contestants from way back in season 1
I cried when Oliver came on😢
Cheehoooo is a Polynesian expression of happiness, celebration, and joy. Iam probably taught Oliver some Tongan words....'Ofa atu tokoua...means...love you my brother. This clip is so cool.
CHEEHOO WAS A SAMOAN WAR CRY LONG AGO BEFORE GOING INTO A BATTLE , BUT AS TIME WENT ON IT BECAME A WAR CRY OF HAPPINESS TO SHOW GRATITUDE TO OUR LOVED ONES . HOPE THIS HELPS A LITTLE. CHEEHOO ALOFA ATU❤
This brought tears to my eyes, the lava they share and support Iam Tongi, beautiful people beautiful family
Dennis, there's a video of Iam and his reaction to this video. It's beautiful and priceless. You will love it. Just watching Iam's reaction when he saw Oliver in it, it was beautiful. Mahalo and faafetai on your reaction to the Aloha spirit of our Polynesian people.🥰
Jasmin Trias is a Filipino-Hawaiian who made it 3rd place in the American Idol third season. She sang after Oliver in the video.
I truly believe and know that Iam n Oliver were meant to be together and they both have amazing chemistry for each other but the music brought them together as truest brothers. Much love and respect for both of them……❤❤❤❤
We Pacific Islanders love you Oliver Steele🤗... Much alohas🤙🌺
Love it!
Such support!
WE LOVE YOU IAM TONGI ❤️
The lady you asked about was a contestant on American Idol a few years back. I believe she was the runnerup. #TokoUso
By the way, the Hawaiian band Kapena was founded by Kelly Boy, along with Tiva Tatofi who is the father of Josh Tatofi.
Oliver “Ofa atu tokoua” “Love you brother” 🇹🇴
Hawaii has officially adopted Oliver❤So much aloha🌺
We can’t take anything for granted. Do time frames prevent votes from being included? If so, we on the mainland need to give all of our votes to Iam. Colin and Zach are from the same town, Mississippi will be voting for Colin. Georgia will be voting for Megan but what will the country fans do? Iam has all of my votes!
Love everything you commented...so true!
Love you Iam, Oliver & all you do Dennis!❤
Aloha!❤
As soon as I saw Oliver I started crying 😢❤
The girl in purple, her name is Paula Fuga. (Foo-nga) She auditioned for AI a few years ago but ddnt make it. But SHEs a BAD MAMA JAMMA with her awesome voice.
All these people are our celebrity local singers. 😊 You should look into them all.
In fact, 2 ladies in there were American Idol contestants as well. 🤙
That girl Pala Fuga was a contestant on American Idol awhile back.
Wow, respect Oliver😢he can say “I love you Bro” in Tongan👏🥰🇳🇿🇹🇴
Mahalo for showcasing Hawaiian talent. This video made me so proud💗
Paula Fuga is a very popular female artist here.
Chee Hoo is like Yessssah and hooray!!
Cheehuuu is like a cowboy saying yeehaw! It's something yelled by Polynesians out of excitement! We say it everywhere, weddings,graduations,parties. And it's used by us Hawaiians,the samoans,Tongans! All of Polynesia! So cheeehuuuu iam! Hawaii is so proud of you! 🤙🏽
o sweetheart your not the only one that brought tears to your eyes when you saw Oliver me to those two are gonna be Brothers for life VOTE VOTE VOTE FOR OUR Tongi. hugs be safe🥰😍🤩