Abi Carter Emerges as the Champion of ‘American Idol’ Season 22 in Epic Finale

TK Wins Season 22 of American Idol During Finale

Abi Carter, Will Moseley, and Jack Blocker. Disney/Frank Micelotta (3)

During the season 22 finale of American Idol on Sunday, May 19, a new champion was crowned. The final contestants competing for the title were Abi Carter, Will Moseley, and Jack Blocker.

The winner was announced to be Carter after she gave a moving performance of her original song "This Isn't Over." Following her victory, she sang Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" with tears in her eyes.

The finale not only crowned a new winner but also marked Katy Perry's departure as a judge after seven seasons on the show. The 39-year-old singer had announced in February that she would be leaving the ABC reality competition series to focus on creating new music. She released her latest album, Smile, in 2020.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Katy Perry shared that she believed this season of Idol would be her last. Despite her love for the show and its connection to the heart of America, she expressed the need to march to the beat of her own drum and pursue her own musical path.

Perry then suggested that her fellow judges, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, were not aware of her decision to leave. She mentioned, "Well, they'll find out tonight," referring to how they would react to the news. Perry also mentioned that they knew she had plans for the year.

Despite her decision to leave, Perry emphasized that American Idol would always have a special place in her heart. She expressed her love for the show, saying, "I love the show so much." However, she also expressed her desire to explore the world and possibly create new music. Perry hinted at the possibility of returning to the show in the future if they would have her back.

Later that month, Richie, 74, shared his thoughts on Perry's departure from the show during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. "I'm not upset about it," he mentioned. "It just caught me by surprise when I first found out. My phone was blowing up."

Richie went on to explain, "We didn't have prior knowledge of it, but it does make sense. Essentially, the reason I enjoy being on the show and participating in American Idol is because I have a wealth of experience and stories from my 400 years in the music industry. I have a lot to share."

Richie understood Perry’s desire to explore new opportunities. He emphasized that Katy is still young and it’s important to take the time to truly embrace being an artist.

As American Idol searches for Perry’s replacement, Richie acknowledged that the new judge will have a tough act to follow. He highlighted the importance of the successor being not only funny like Katy but also well-informed about the music industry.

Bryan, who is 47 years old, shared with Taste of Country in April that he had heard rumors about Perry considering leaving the show. So, when the news broke, it didn't come as a big surprise to him. He mentioned that judging alongside Perry and Richie was a great experience, and he highlighted the strong friendship he had built with Perry over the years.

Editor's P/S:

The finale of American Idol Season 22 was a bittersweet moment, marking the crowning of a new champion and the departure of beloved judge Katy Perry. Abi Carter's triumph, with her powerful performance of her original song, was a testament to the show's ability to showcase exceptional talent. Perry's farewell, while emotional, was also a reminder of the cyclical nature of the entertainment industry. Her decision to pursue her own musical aspirations, after seven seasons on the show, highlights the importance of artists following their own paths.

While Perry's departure may leave a void, it also opens up an exciting chapter for American Idol. The search for her replacement will undoubtedly be a daunting task, as her humor, musical expertise, and connection with the contestants have made her a fan favorite. The new judge will have big shoes to fill, but they will also have the opportunity to bring their own unique perspective to the show. As American Idol continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities, but its commitment to discovering and nurturing musical talent will remain unwavering.