The grand finale of American Idol season 22 on May 19, 2024, culminated when host Ryan Seacrest announced twenty-one-year-old singer Abi Carter as the champion. Taking place on an emotionally charged evening that also marked Katy Perry's final episode as a judge, the night made franchise history. Carter secured the win over runner-up Will Moseley and third-place finalist Jack Blocker, breaking a four-year streak of male winners and setting a new benchmark for the competition.
Beyond the trophy, Carter's victory shattered a specific competitive curse. Having received a coveted Platinum Ticket during her initial auditions—which allowed her to skip the rigorous Hollywood Week rounds—she became the first-ever Platinum Ticket recipient to win the entire competition. Her journey from a tearful audition room performance of Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" to standing under the falling confetti proved that early frontrunners can indeed carry their momentum all the way to the end.
The Road to the Grand Finale
Season 22 was defined by fierce vocal talent and distinct artist identities. The final three contestants—Abi Carter, Will Moseley, and Jack Blocker—represented three completely different corners of the American musical landscape. Moseley brought a grounded, raspy country grit that resonated heavily with southern and mainstream country voters, while Blocker offered an eccentric, deeply authentic storytelling style that won over skeptics after his viral audition.
Carter stood apart with her dynamic vocal agility, theatrical pop sensibility, and ability to transform contemporary pop tracks and classic ballads into intensely emotional piano-driven masterpieces. Mentored during the final stretch by rock icon Jon Bon Jovi, the finalists faced a grueling three-hour broadcast that tested their stamina, stage presence, and emotional resilience under live coast-to-coast voting conditions.
Key Performances of the Night
The three-way finale required contestants to deliver multiple standout performances across different categories, ranging from artist tributes to personal winner's singles.
- Jon Bon Jovi Tribute: The finalists tackled songs from Bon Jovi's catalog. Carter delivered a haunting, stripped-down rendition of "Bed of Roses" from behind her piano, earning high praise from the mentors and judges alike.
- Hometown Dedication: Each finalist performed a song dedicated to their roots. Carter chose a soaring, theatrical cover of "Somewhere" from West Side Story, a high-risk choice that paid off as the studio audience erupted into massive applause.
- Original Winner's Single: In the final round of competition, Carter performed her co-written original single, "This Isn't Over". Starting seated on the floor before rising to command the stage, the performance left judges visibly moved and set the tone for her ultimate victory.
The Elimination of Jack Blocker and the Top Two Showdown
Before the final victor could be crowned, the live nationwide vote forced a cut after the first rounds of performances. Ryan Seacrest announced that Jack Blocker was eliminated, leaving Will Moseley and Abi Carter to battle it out in the final two.
While many analysts believed Blocker's unique artistic growth and dedicated fanbase might push him into the final pairing, his exit cleared the path for a classic vocal showdown between Carter's contemporary pop-rock power and Moseley's blue-collar country appeal. Ultimately, the cumulative voting power of viewers nationwide tipped the scales in favor of Carter, making her the first female champion of the series since [Chayce Beckham's and subsequent winners] recent years.
Katy Perry's Emotional Departure
The historic night carried an extra layer of significance due to the departure of longtime judge Katy Perry. Having spent seven seasons on the American Broadcasting Company judging panel, Perry was visibly emotional throughout the broadcast. She had championed Carter from day one, famously remarking during auditions that if Carter won, the bar for future contestants would be raised impossibly high. Seeing Carter take the crown served as a fitting bookend to Perry's tenure on the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won American Idol 2024?
Abi Carter won season 22 of American Idol on May 19, 2024, following a nationwide public vote.
Who was the runner-up in season 22?
Will Moseley finished as the season runner-up, while Jack Blocker placed third in the competition.
What historic record did Abi Carter break?
Carter became the first-ever recipient of the show's Platinum Ticket—which lets a contestant skip Hollywood Week—to win the entire competition. She also broke a multi-year streak of male winners to become the first female champion since 2020.
Where is Abi Carter from?
She is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Indio, California, where she returned for a celebrated hometown hero visit and parade prior to the finale.
