Abi Carter was officially crowned the winner of American Idol Season 22 during the live finale on May 19, 2024. The 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, emerged victorious over runner-up Will Moseley and third-place finalist Jack Blocker, concluding a season noted for high-caliber vocal talent and the departure of long-time judge Katy Perry.
The conclusion of the 2024 season of American Idol marked a significant milestone in the show’s long-standing history on ABC. As we look back from the perspective of 2026, the 2024 finale remains a pivotal moment that redefined the "Idol" archetype, shifting toward technical vocal prowess and alternative pop sensibilities. The three-hour finale was not merely a competition but a celebration of the season's journey, featuring high-profile guest performances and a sentimental farewell to the judging panel's most flamboyant member.
The Crowning of Abi Carter: A Season of Dominance
From her very first audition, Abi Carter was a frontrunner. Performing a soulful, piano-driven rendition of Billie Eilish’s "What Was I Made For?", she earned a rare standing ovation from judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. This performance set the tone for her entire trajectory, establishing her as a "Platinum Ticket" caliber artist, even though the season's formal Platinum Ticket recipients were Julia Gagnon, Odell Bunton Jr., and Abi herself.
Throughout the competition, Carter demonstrated a unique ability to blend contemporary pop with theatrical vulnerability. In the finale, she solidified her lead with three distinct performances. Her first round featured a cover of Bon Jovi's "Bed of Roses," coached by the legendary Jon Bon Jovi himself. Her second performance was a reprisal of her audition song, "What Was I Made For?", which reminded voters of why they fell in love with her artistry in the first place. Finally, she debuted her original winner’s single, "This Is Me," a track that showcased her range and songwriting potential.
The victory was particularly poignant given Carter’s background. As one of seven children raised by a single mother, her narrative of resilience resonated deeply with the American voting public. By the time host Ryan Seacrest announced her name, her win felt like a foregone conclusion to many industry analysts, though the competition from the country-leaning Will Moseley remained stiff until the final moments.
Full Results: The Top 12 and Beyond
The 2024 season featured a diverse array of talent, spanning country, soul, indie-pop, and rock. While the focus remains on the winner, the success of the Top 10 and Top 5 contestants contributed to the season’s high ratings.
The Top 3 Finalists
- Abi Carter (Winner): The indie-pop powerhouse who remained a fan favorite from the auditions through the finale.
- Will Moseley (Runner-Up): A former football player with a gritty, soulful country voice. Moseley’s consistency and "everyman" appeal made him a formidable opponent.
- Jack Blocker (Third Place): Initially rejected by two of the three judges during his audition, Blocker became the season’s "Cinderella story," winning over the public with his unique facial expressions and folk-rock style.
Final Standings and Elimination Order
The road to the finale saw several shocking eliminations and high-stakes "Disney Nights" and "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" tributes. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the Top 12 contestants and their final placement in the 2024 season.
| Contestant | Hometown | Primary Genre | Final Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abi Carter | Indio, CA | Alternative Pop | Winner |
| Will Moseley | Hazlehurst, GA | Country/Rock | Runner-Up |
| Jack Blocker | Dallas, TX | Folk/Indie | 3rd Place |
| Emmy Russell | Nashville, TN | Country | Top 5 |
| Triston Harper | McIntosh, AL | Traditional Country | Top 5 |
| Julia Gagnon | Cumberland, ME | Soul/Gospel | Top 7 |
| McKenna Faith Breinholt | Gilbert, AZ | Indie/Folk | Top 7 |
| Kaibrienne Richins | Henefer, UT | Pop/Rock | Top 8 |
| Kayko | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Alternative/Pop | Top 10 |
| Mia Matthews | Centre, AL | Country | Top 10 |
| Roman Collins | Natchitoches, LA | Gospel/R&B | Top 12 |
| Jayna Elise | Washington, D.C. | R&B/Pop | Top 12 |
The Finale Performances: Round by Round
The Season 22 finale was structured into three specific rounds designed to test the versatility of the Top 3. Each contestant had to prove they could handle a rock legend’s catalog, revisit their most successful moment, and launch a commercial single.
Round 1: The Jon Bon Jovi Mentorship
Jon Bon Jovi served as the guest mentor for the finale, providing technical advice to the finalists at Disney’s Aulani Resort.
- Will Moseley performed "It’s My Life," bringing a Southern rock growl to the anthem.
- Jack Blocker tackled "I’ll Be There for You," emphasizing his acoustic strengths.
- Abi Carter delivered "Bed of Roses," which the judges praised for its emotional depth and control.
Round 2: The "Full Circle" Song
In this round, the finalists chose a song that represented their journey on the show.
- Jack Blocker chose "All My Ex's Live in Texas" (George Strait), leaning into his Texas roots.
- Abi Carter performed "What Was I Made For?" (Billie Eilish), a performance that moved Katy Perry to tears.
- Will Moseley performed "My Town" (Montgomery Gentry), reinforcing his connection to small-town America.
Round 3: Original Singles
The final round was the debut of the contestants' official singles, produced specifically for their post-show careers. Abi Carter’s "This Is Me" was widely regarded as the most "radio-ready" track of the night, blending cinematic production with her signature soaring vocals.
Katy Perry’s Farewell: The End of an Era
A major subplot of the 2024 finale was the departure of Katy Perry. After seven seasons on the panel, Perry announced her exit earlier in the year to focus on her music career and her world tour. The finale included a montage of her most memorable moments, from her eccentric costumes to her genuine mentorship of young artists.
Perry’s exit marked a transition point for the franchise. During her tenure, she was often the "technical" judge, focusing on breath control and stage presence. Her chemistry with Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan was a cornerstone of the ABC era of the show. Her replacement, Carrie Underwood, was announced later, but the 2024 finale served as a definitive closing chapter for the original ABC trio.
Technical Analysis of the 2024 Voting Trends
The 2024 season saw a shift in how the American public engaged with the voting process. Historically, American Idol has been dominated by "Wé Ani" types or "White Guys with Guitars" (WGWG). However, Abi Carter’s win represented a break from this tradition.
Several factors contributed to this shift:
- Digital Engagement: Carter’s performances frequently went viral on TikTok and Instagram, garnering millions of views before the live shows even began. This built a "pre-vote" momentum that was difficult for more traditional country artists to overcome.
- Song Selection: Carter leaned heavily into the "Sad Girl Pop" aesthetic, covering artists like Billie Eilish and Evanescence. This resonated with a younger demographic of viewers who had previously migrated away from linear television but returned to support her.
- The "Platinum Ticket" Effect: For the first time in several seasons, the "favorite" identified by the judges in the first episode actually navigated the entire gauntlet to win. This helped maintain a consistent narrative arc that viewers could follow easily.
Life After the Win: Abi Carter’s 2024-2025 Trajectory
Following her crowning, Abi Carter immediately entered the whirlwind of the Idol winner's schedule. Her single "This Is Me" peaked in the top 10 of the iTunes charts within 24 hours of the finale. She made appearances on "Good Morning America" and "Live with Kelly and Mark," further cementing her status in the mainstream.
In late 2024, she released her debut EP, which expanded on the theatrical pop sound she established during the season. By 2025, she was headlining a modest North American tour and appearing at major festivals. Her success has been cited by producers as a primary reason for the renewed interest in the show's 2025 and 2026 seasons, proving that the platform can still launch viable contemporary stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won American Idol 2024?
Abi Carter was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 22 (2024). She is a singer-songwriter from Indio, California, who gained fame for her piano-led covers and emotive vocal style. She defeated Will Moseley in the final vote during the live finale on May 19, 2024.
What was Abi Carter’s winning song?
Abi Carter’s winner’s single is titled "This Is Me." The song was debuted during the finale and reflects her personal journey of self-discovery and the pressures of the competition. It was released on all major streaming platforms immediately following the broadcast.
Who were the judges for the 2024 season?
The judges for the 2024 season were Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan. This was the seventh and final season for this specific trio, as Katy Perry departed the show at the end of the finale to pursue other professional endeavors.
Why did Katy Perry leave American Idol?
Katy Perry announced her departure to focus on her own music career, including the release of new material and a global concert tour. She expressed a desire to "go and feel the pulse of my own beat" after spending seven years as a mainstay on the American Idol judging panel.
Where is Will Moseley now?
Following his second-place finish in 2024, Will Moseley has continued to pursue a career in country music. He has released several independent singles and toured extensively throughout the Southern United States, maintaining a strong following among the "Country Idol" fanbase.
How are American Idol winners chosen?
The winner is chosen through a combination of overnight and live voting by the viewing public. In the 2024 finale, voting opened at the start of the broadcast and closed during the final commercial break. Fans could vote via the American Idol app, the official website, or via SMS text.
Conclusion and Next Actions
The 2024 American Idol finale was a landmark television event that successfully bridged the gap between traditional broadcast talent shows and the modern digital music landscape. Abi Carter’s victory over Will Moseley and Jack Blocker highlighted a season of exceptional talent and emotional storytelling.
For those looking to follow the careers of the Season 22 alumni, the most effective "next action" is to follow their official profiles on streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. Most of the Top 10 contestants from 2024, including Emmy Russell and Kayko, have released significant bodies of work since the finale. Additionally, for aspiring singers, the audition process for future seasons typically begins in the summer months; checking the official ABC casting portal is the first step toward following in Abi Carter's footsteps.
