"American Idol" has crowned a new winner. Abi Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, secured the popular vote to become the champion of Season 22 of "American Idol" during Sunday night's finale.

 

Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazelhurst, Georgia, and Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, Texas, were the finalists.

 

Industry musical stars gathered to heighten the excitement throughout the three-hour finale, which featured special performances by Jon Bon Jovi, the 2004 "Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino, Jason Mraz, Wynonna Judd, Seal, New Kids on the Block, and more.

 

 

there it is… 7 years 🥺 #idol pic.twitter.com/wWMcx1Zp1k

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) May 20, 2024

 

Of course, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan were present, along with host Ryan Seacrest, who lamented Perry's final episode on the musical competition show after six years and seven seasons.

 

The truth is, Abi had the victory secured from the moment the audience gave her a standing ovation after her first performance, with applause so prolonged that she broke into tears and Bryan could barely intervene. What sealed her triumph was the approval of none other than Billie Eilish.

"I wish you all the best," said the Grammy winner in a prerecorded video that left Abi in a state of shock on the floor. "I'm here to support you, and I love you."

 

Congrats to our 2024 #AmericanIdol @AbiCarterMusic! You blew us away this year. Season 7, that’s a wrap! pic.twitter.com/gPHvPZFyK6

— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) May 20, 2024

Abi had captivated judges and viewers since auditioning with the emotional song "What Was I Made For?" by Eilish, earning her one of the three platinum tickets. The moving piano performance even prompted Bryan to declare, "That might be the winner of 'American Idol.'" When Abi was announced as the winner, she wasn't the only one in tears – Perry, whose favorite adjective for Abi this season was "angelic," was also crying as Abi performed the Eilish song that launched her career on "Idol."