Abi Carter has officially taken the cake as the winner of American Idol 2024.
After a three-hour finale on Sunday night, Carter, 21 from Indio, California, was announced the winner following a beautiful performance. She sang both an original song called “This Isn’t Over” and a rendition of “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish, which stunned the audience.
In second and third place came Will Moseley and Jack Blocker, respectively.
During her original audition, Carter performed Eilish’s Barbie track and immediately wowed the judges. “We don’t have to vote,” said Lionel Richie.
“What were you made for?” Katy Perry asked at the time. “You were made for this. 100%.”
“That may be the winner of American Idol,” Luke Bryan added. “I’ve never heard the crew clap.”
It turns out Bryan was right — Carter, who always dreamt of going on the show, did end up as the winner of American Idol.
Not only did she win American Idol, but she also won the support of Eilish. “I wish you nothing but the best,” Eilish shared in a pre-recorded video. “I’m here to support you, and I love ya.”
Katy Perry Says Goodbye to ‘American Idol’ as Season 22 Winner Is Announced
Perry, who has been a judge on American Idol for the past seven years, celebrated her last ever episode with the show during last night’s finale.
While wearing a massive dress featuring contestants from her past seasons, she and Blocker performed a beautiful rendition of “What Makes a Woman.”
Kaibrienne Richins, Emmy Russell and Abi Carter kicked off the segment with a cover of “Teenage Dream” before McKenna Breinholt and Jayna Elise took over with “Dark Horse.” Mia Matthews and Julia Gagnon then joined in, and the contestants sang a group rendition of “California Gurls.”
After their performance, Perry climbed on top of the judge’s stand to display her gratitude for the stars.
Once Carter was announced as the winner, Perry also began sobbing while hugging her fellow judges during Carter’s final performance. The entire ordeal was both emotional and heartwarming.