The Contestants

Anitai Lavaka is a fresh-faced 13-year-old student (currently soaking up every last second of summer break before high school hits like a rogue wave) who was born and raised in Portland but carries the full-blooded Tongan spirit of his parents: mother Kalesita Falepapalangi Lavaka from Matahau and father Timote Lavaka from Houma.

When folks ask, “Where is Tonga?” Anitai just smiles and says, “It’s that tiny dot in the Pacific where the coconuts are sweeter, the families are louder than a village fiafia, and the only thing bigger than the waves is the love.”

His Tongan speaking level? A humble 1 out of 10. He understands plenty, but speaking it fluently is still a work in progress—like trying to catch a slippery ʻika with bare hands. That’s exactly why he’s here: to turn that 1 into a 10 while doing what he loves most—singing his heart out.

Anitai’s favorite part of being a child of the Kingdom? The family, the culture, the unbreakable loyalty, and that electric Tongan energy that can turn any room into a party. He’s single (obviously—high school freshman life is busy enough), loves karaoke nights, blasting music with friends and family, and dreaming about the day he can belt out Tongan songs like he was born under the coconut palms.

Why Tongan Idol? Because music is his language, and Tongan Idol is the perfect stage to sharpen his skills, honor his heritage, and prove that even a Portland-born kid with a 1/10 Tongan score can bring the island heat.

Anitai is ready to learn, laugh, and sing his way into everyone’s hearts. Watch out, Tonga—Anitai’s coming for that crown… and maybe a few extra helpings of lu sipi while he’s at it!

Hometown Roots: Houma, Tongatapu Current Location: Portland, Oregon, USA

Anaise Eteaki Fusituʻa is a powerhouse 36-year-old stay-at-home mom and full-time housekeeper who runs her household like a well-oiled Tongan village fiafia — loud, loving, and always one step ahead of the chaos. Born in Tonga and now raising her family in Portland, she is the proud daughter of Lomekina and Solomone Eteaki.

When people ask about her Tongan roots, Anaise just laughs and says, "Tonga? Itʼs that magical place where the taro is sweeter than American pie and the only thing louder than the waves is a mother calling her four kids for dinner!"

Her Tongan language skills? A solid 10/10 — fluent, fierce, and ready to drop proverbs like coconuts from a palm tree. No language barrier here; she grew up soaking in every melody, proverb, and harmony straight from the Kingdom.

Anaise is married and the proud mama of four beautiful children. Right now her biggest (and most important) job is keeping those babies fed, loved, and out of trouble — because as every Tongan mom knows, "the kids come first, even if the stage is calling." Sheʼs got a treasure chest of talent sheʼs dying to share with the next generation, but for now sheʼs happily focused on her own little crew. The future? Wide open for teaching, performing, and passing the culture forward.

Why Tongan Idol? Because she simply loves singing. Itʼs in her blood, her kitchen, and her heart. This is her chance to shine while honoring the Kingdom that raised her.

Anaise brings the full Tongan package: real island talent, fluent language, and that warm, no-nonsense mama energy that can turn any performance into a family reunion. Sheʼs here to sing, celebrate, and remind everyone that even busy moms can still bring the heat.

Motto: "Ke Tauhiʼi Mo Fakatolonga Hotau Tonga" — To Encourages The Preservation of The Tongan Identity.

Watch out, Portland — Anaise is stepping on stage with the spirit of Tonga and four little reasons to make it count! 🇹🇴