Abi Carter Reveals Plans After American Idol Win and Reflects on the ‘Most Emotional Day of My Life’

On Sunday night, Carter was named the season 22 ‘American Idol’ champion

RYAN SEACREST, ABI CARTER

Ryan Seacrest and Abi Carter on May 19, 2024. PHOTO: DISNEY/ERIC MCCANDLESS

Abi Carter is relishing the moment.

On Sunday, May 19, Carter was named the season 22 American Idol. After the show, PEOPLE caught up with Carter in a group interview to reflect on her emotions and discuss what’s next for the singer-songwriter.

“I can’t even express how amazing that was,” 21-year-old Carter, who dropped to the ground in tears after her name was announced, says.

Reflecting on what prompted the genuine reaction, Carter says she’s never more “in tune” with her emotions than being on the singing competition show.

“To be honest, they wouldn’t have gotten a better reaction,” Carter says. “My default is just to cry, but I hope that people know that it really is genuine. I think this was the most emotional day of my life, and yet I feel so numb. It’s so interesting.”

Abi Carter wins american idol 2024 05 19 24 Ryan seacrest

Ryan Seacrest and Abi Carter on American Idol on May 19, 2024.DISNEY/ERIC MCCANDLESS

ABI CARTER, LIONEL RICHIE

Abi Carter and Lionel Richie on May 19, 2024.DISNEY/ERIC MCCANDLESS

After the whirlwind season, Carter looks forward to some R&R.

“I’m thinking about going home, taking a shower, maybe watching Friends. That’s going to help me sleep, and then get ready to fly to New York in the morning,” says Carter, who will appear on LIVE with Kelly and Mark on Tuesday.

Who will become the next American Idol? The Top 3 finalists give their all for the last chance to earn America's vote. Jon Bon Jovi serves as guest mentor and performer, plus special performances from other music legends and today's top stars. SUNDAY, MAY 19 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Abi Carter and Katy Perry on American Idol on May 19, 2024.DISNEY/ERIC MCCANDLESS

During the show, Carter took the stage for a myriad of solo and group performances, one of which was to sing her newly released single “This Isn’t Over.”

A highlight of the night, however, was when host Ryan Seacrest surprised Carter with a special message from Billie Eilish. (Carter auditioned on the show with a cover of Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”)

RYAN SEACREST, WILL MOSELEY, ABI CARTER

Ryan Seacrest, Will Moseley and Abi Carter on May 19, 2024.DISNEY/ERIC MCCANDLESS

“I should have been eliminated right then and there. I was like, ‘I win. I win in life. I win.’ That was my favorite,” she says.

Up next, Carter is eager to get back in the studio to work toward her music career.

Who will become the next American Idol? The Top 3 finalists give their all for the last chance to earn America's vote. Jon Bon Jovi serves as guest mentor and performer, plus special performances from other music legends and today's top stars. SUNDAY, MAY 19 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Abi Carter and Lionel Richie on American Idol on May 19, 2024.DISNEY/ERIC MCCANDLESS

“I want to start releasing songs ASAP. I’ve been writing for so long now and I can’t wait to put something out in the world that I so fully believe in,” she says.

Carter adds, “Not that the other ones that I’ve put out have not because they do, but I think it’ll be just a little bit different and I’m really excited for it.”