‘American Idol’ finalist Abi Carter sings of resilience in new single ‘This Isn’t Over’
Abi Carter, the “American Idol” contestant whose audition went viral, released her single “This Isn’t Over,” a stirring anthem of resilience and coming-of-age, on May 17.
“This isn’t over,” the refrain of the piece, gains meaning as the track unfolds — a multifarious narrative of hardship. The song’s subject is a girl weathering turmoil. Carter’s poignant soprano voice rings inside the verse, assuring the girl that there is much more life yet to come.
“‘This Isn’t Over’ means so much to me because it’s about growing and becoming a stronger person,” Carter said in a statement. “It’s about finally being able to fight for the kid in me that couldn’t.”
The 21-year-old has been making headlines for months on her ascending journey on season 22 of “American Idol.” Carter is now a top-three finalist.
Hailing from Indio, California, Carter has been playing music much of her life. Most of the nation met her for the first time on Feb. 25 after her moving rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” for her “American Idol” audition.
The performance earned her a platinum ticket, a rare prize for contestants that allowed her to go straight to the second round in Hollywood, skipping the first round altogether. According to the show, only three people were awarded platinum tickets this season.
Since then, Carter has quickly gained a massive following and reputation for being a gifted performer, singer and instrumentalist beyond her years, with an impressive vocal range to boot. In the wee hours of May 17, she announced the single release to over 155,000 Instagram followers.
The sound of “This Isn’t Over” is like a cocktail of Florence + The Machine, Taylor Swift and Ariel the mermaid. The blend of sweetness and vigor reverberates in every line.
The single’s driving instrumentals only seem to intensify the piece beneath Carter’s voice and lyrics as the track builds.
The song ends in one final utterance of the title mantra, its echo wafting into silence.
“Look out Taylor Swift, this girl is coming for you!!” a fan wrote under Carter’s announcement of the single.
“I keep replaying this,” another one said.
The “American Idol” finale airs Sunday, May 19, at 8 p.m. ET.
Indio is about a 130-mile drive southeast from Los Angeles.
