American Idol Has a New Champion! Abi Carter Wins Season 22

Carter was up against Will Moseley and Jack Blocker, who placed second and third, respectively.

Abi Carter on ‘American Idol’ on Sunday, May 12. PHOTO: ERIC MCCANDLESS/DISNEY

After a nail-biting three-hour finale, Abi Carter is the newest American Idol!

During the season 22 finale on Sunday, May 19, Carter was crowned the winner following a stunning performance of her original song “This Isn’t Over” and a rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”

Carter was up against Will Moseley and Jack Blocker, who placed second and third, respectively.

The singer first wowed the judges during her audition, where she performed Eilish’s tune from the Barbie film.

Carter, who’s from Indio, California, said she always dreamt of going on the show — and “this is just me doing it.”

Jack Blocker, Will Moseley, and Abi Carter on ‘American Idol.’.ERIC MCCANDLESS/DISNEY

“We don’t have to vote,” said Lionel Richie.

“Thank you for being an example of singing from your heart,” added Katy Perry. “What were you made for? You were made for this. 100%.”

“That may be the winner of American Idol,” Luke Bryan stated. “I’ve never heard the crew clap.”

Since then, Carter has continued to impress the Idol audience all over the country. Earlier this month, her performance of Adele’s “Hello” was a judge-favorite.

“That was her best. That was her best in her best. And, of course, I’m sitting there going, is that, ‘Hello’? Is that ‘Hello?’ That’s Adele,” Richie said. “She turned that song into her song. Every whisper. She’s the only lady I know that can make a whisper a note.”

He continued, “It’s not about volume; it’s about expression. She’s got it and might fool around here to win this thing. It depends on how it goes, but I mean, that’s how I feel. She’s that strong and getting stronger.”