American Idol crowned Abi Carter its Season 22 champion for 2024 during the special three-hour live finale episode that aired Sunday night on ABC.

ADVERTISEMENT

Abi, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, CA, defeated the season's runner-up, Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazlehurst, GA, as well as the third-place finisher, Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, TX.

"It was a very tight race. I have to tell you that," American Idol host Ryan Seacrest teased before he read the night's live results.

"After the nationwide live coast-to-coast vote, the winner of American Idol 2024 is Abi Carter."

When Abi was declared the new American Idol, she fell to the floor and cried tears of joy. Abi received a standing ovation from Idol judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

In addition to receiving a recording contract, Abi also walked away with a Disney cruise to The Bahamas. For finishing in second place, Will also won the Disney cruise.

Both Abi and Will were able to debut their first singles, "This Isn't Over" and "Good Book Bad," respectively, during the live finale.

Jack, however, was eliminated from the competition in third place following the first two rounds of competition in which each of the Top 3 finalists had to perform a song by Jon Bon Jovi followed by a hometown dedication.

Bon Jovi actually served as the mentor for the first round.

Abi took the stage with "Bed of Roses" by Bon Jovi, and Luke said it was a "tremendous" performance as the audience loudly chanted Abi's name.

For Round 2, Abi performed "Somewhere" from West Side Story.

"That was a showstopping moment," Lionel declared. "It doesn't get any better than that -- when you can take it down to silence and kill the show. It was unbelievable."

Will sang "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi for the first round.

"That thing had some teeth on it. You were making it count!" Luke praised Will.

Will then followed that up with "My Town" by Montgomery Gentry, paying tribute to his hometown.

"You got me crying on a song that Will Moseley is singing. What's going on?!" Lionel quipped.

And Luke called Will a "wonderful talent" who has the ability to sing a wide range of songs.

And Jack initially performed "I'll Be There For You" by Bon Jovi.

"Pretty surreal that we're here and the complicated relationship that we started with and you're Top 3... You look good, you sound good, and nobody is blocking Jack Blocker -- not even me!" Katy gushed.

Jack then belted out "All My Ex's Live in Texas" by George Strait.

Katy called that song Jack's "bread and butter," and Luke noted how he looked like a star on the stage.

"That might've been my favorite thing I've seen you do all season now," Luke noted.

American Idol's finale also featured many of the Top 10 finalists performing with famous artists including Bishop Briggs, Cece Winans, Cody Johnson, Hootie & The Blowfish, James Bay, Jason Mraz, New Kids on the Block, Nick Fradiani, Seal, and Wynonna Judd.

This American Idol season marked Katy's last season as a judge after sitting on the panel next to Lionel and Luke for seven years.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON GOOGLE NEWS