Take a bow, Abi Carter.
The 21-year-old Indio, CA native wins the 2024 edition of American Idol, joining a list of previous Idol champs that includes Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and Carrie Underwood.
Carter held her nerve during Sunday night’s (May 19) three-hour finale, winning ahead of Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old from Dallas, TX, in third place, and runner-up Will Moseley, a 23-year-old from Hazelhurst, GA.
The budding musicians performed “Bed of Roses” by Bon Jovi, “Somewhere” from West Side Story, “River” (with Bishop Briggs) and the original song “This Isn’t Over”.
It sure wasn’t over. When America voted, Carter came out on top.
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Carter reigned over a season 22 finale that saw Rock And Roll Hall of Famer Jon Bon Jovi participate as guest mentor to the three finalists, plus special performances from Nick Fradiani, New Kids On The Block, Jason Mraz, Hootie And The Blowfish, Cece Winans, James Bay, Wynonna Judd, Seal, Bishop Briggs and Cody Johnson. Also, The CMA Foundation and ABC agreed to donate $20,000 to each of the finalists’ local music programs.
Speaking to Billboard when the top 10 was announced, Carter said, “I want to be an artist. I’ve never felt so passionately about something. I went to school and got a psychology degree because I figured if I can’t express my emotions through something artistically, maybe I can just help other people express their emotions. I was going to be a family therapist.”
As one Idol is crowned, one queen of the reality TV show departs — Katy Perry. The U.S. pop superstar completes her stint on the panel, and has announced that her future plans include new music.