Abi Carter wins Season 22 of ‘American Idol’

The “American Idol” finale took place on Sunday, May 19th. The winner for Season 22 was Abi Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California. Will Moseley was named runner-up. Jack Blocker took third place.

Carter first impressed the judges since she auditioned to Billie Eilish’s Oscar winning song “What Was I Made For?” from the “Barbie” movie soundtrack. Carter earned her one of the three platinum tickets. Carter stated at her audition that she has watched the show since she was younger and said that she told herself that when she got older she would try out for the show. She performed the song at the piano with the judges standing up. Perry said it was an example of singing from your heart and she was definitely Top 1o.

Idol judge Luke Bryan said after her audition, that they might have just seen the winner of “American Idol.” Lionel Richie agreed. During the finale, a video message from Billie Eilish was shown giving her approval of her rendition of the song. Carter was so touched that she fell to her knees.

Jon Bon Jovi performed and mentored the Top 3 contestants. The Top 12 returned for special performances with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, plus guest performers 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.

“American Idol” Season 3 winner Fantasia returned to the show in celebration of the 2o year anniversary of her winning the show.

The CMA Foundation and ABC also agreed to donate $20,000 to each of the finalists’ local music programs.

The show also gave a farewell to judge Katy Perry who is leaving the show after six years and seven seasons of the show. The show showed a video montage of Katy Perry’s time on the show with her fellow judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan and host Ryan Seacrest cheering her on. The girls from the Top 12 performed a medley of her hits.

Perry also performed a revised version of her song “What Makes a Woman” as a duet with finalist Jack Blocker. Blocker wrote a verse for this performance.

“American Idol” returns in the Spring of 2o25 on ABC. Audition submissions are open now.

Watch Abi Carter’s performance of her original single “This Isn’t Over.”