Who is Abi Carter? 5 facts about the newest ‘American Idol’ winner

The season 22 winner of “American Idol” was crowned Sunday night.

During the live finale, the remaining three contestants − Abi Carter, Will Moseley and Jack Blocker − performed three songs: one by guest mentor Jon Bon Jovi, another in tribute to their hometowns and a duet. Then, host Ryan Seacrest revealed which contestants made the top two, surprising fans nationwide.

Blocker received the fewest viewer votes and was eliminated, leaving Carter and Moseley to battle it out for the first-place title. The two finalists sang original songs released and recorded through “Idol” for the last chance to win over viewers.

Moseley performed his original single “Good Book Bad.” Carter sang her song “This Isn’t Over,” which ultimately won her the coveted $250,000 prize and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings.

Here are five facts about the 2024 “American Idol” winner.

Where is Abi Carter from?

Carter, the “American Idol” season 22 winner, is a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California.

Abi Carter from ‘American Idol’ has a huge family

According to Parade magazine, Carter has six siblings and is the second oldest child in her family. She and her siblings were raised by her single mother, Andrea Carter.

Where did Abi Carter go to college?

Carter graduated summa cum laude in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, San Bernardino. In an interview with the Desert Sun, Carter said she was homeschooled for most of her childhood. The “American Idol” winner said she spent less than one semester at La Quinta High School in Westminster, California, before returning to homeschooling to help care for her siblings.

Carter started singing before she was born

Did you know Carter has been singing since before she was born?

According to the singer’s website, a nurse heard Carter humming through the ultrasound during one of her mother’s doctor visits. Growing up, Carter continued to foster her love for music by singing in church, talent shows and local competitions.

She told the Desert Sun she got her passion for music from her mother, Andrea Carter, who is also a singer. She also told the publication she started playing the piano when she was about 7 or 8.

Carter received the platinum ticket during her ‘American Idol’ audition

Carter received the coveted platinum ticket during her “American Idol” audition after she sang Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” The ticket allowed her to skip the first round of Hollywood Week and automatically advance to round two of the competition.