Abi Carter is the winner of American Idol 2024 in the Season 22 Finale. She won over the other top two finalists, Will Moseley and Jack Blocker, who finished second and third place, respectively.
American Idol 2024 Season 22 premiered on February 18 with the host Ryan Seacrest, who has been on the show since season 1, and judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. However, Katy had already announced that season 22 was her last appearance on the show.
From the audition to the finale, American Idol has aired 18 episodes. Based on the format, it was scheduled with the Hollywood Week, and the Hawaii Round, filmed at Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa.
Tori Kelly and Jelly Roll were there to mentor the Hawaii Round music superstars. And the reality show assigned the contestants several themes and internal competition in singing.
Based on their performance, the panel of judges offered the best judgments and remarks that could lead the participants to the next phase of the show. They also advised the contestants to improve their performance and create a chance to avoid elimination.
This way, the judges passed their judgment ensuring the deserving singing talents made into top 24. And after the semi-final, audience voting started, leading the contentest get into top 15, top 10 and the finalists.
American Idol 2024 Finalists
Season 22 has witnessed three singing talents as the finalists: Abi Carter, Jack Blocker, and Will Moseley. The finalists have shared the stage for four months and audition round, making it into the finale, each having an appealing journey.
21-year-old Abi Carter started singing from childhood and would sing at church. She auditioned for American Idol Season 22 with What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish. And she released her original song This Isn’t Over before the finale.
Another finalist, Jack Blocker, is a 25-year-old graphic designer by profession from Dallas, Texas. But due to his passion, he made his journey to American Idol with his own song, I Was Wrong, accompanied by his guitar skill in the audition. Jack is also a songwriter and stellar stage presenter.
With his original country song Gone For Good, Will Moseley had impressed Katy Perry in the audition. Also, Whiskey and You” by Chris Stapleton and “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers helped Will ascend to the top 24 list.
Winner of American Idol 2024
The American Idol Season 22 finale was scheduled to air on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 8 p.m. EST.
All three finalists kick-started the evening finale with the Livin’ on a Prayer, making a tribute to their mentor Jon Bon Jovi, who later joined them on stage for “Legendary.”
After two performances, I’ll Be There for You and “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait, the host Ryan Seacres announced Jack Blocker finishing the Top 3.
Then, the show witnessed a bunch of performances by season 22 contestants and judges. Finally, host Ryan made a winner announcement, and each eye and head froze on the stage with a cross finger.
The winner of American Idol 2024 Season 22 was announced, and it was no surprise: Abi Carter.
What does the Winner of American Idol Get?
The winner of American Idol receives $125000 for securing the winning spot on the show by the audience vote. Then, the winner is granted a recording deal for a future career.
When the winner completes his/her first album, the singer receives an additional $100,000, accumulating a total prize of $225,000. Also, recording takes labor and resources, so the show offers a budget of $300,000 as a debt that needs to be paid back.
However, the first season winner, Kelly Clarkson, earned $1 million deals. And Iam Tongi, winner of American Idol Season 21, won $250,000 as prize money and a recording deal.
