Summary

• American Idol season 22 champion Abi Carter has broken a three-year streak of male winners.
• Abi is the first American Idol platinum ticket recipient to win the show.
• Abi has the potential for superstardom.

American Idol season 22 winner Abi Carter just broke a three-year winning streak on the show by becoming the first "girl winner" since Just Sam in 2020. Abi, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, took home the American Idol season 22 crown ahead of runner-up Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazlehurst, Georgia, and third place finisher Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, Texas. Abi stunned the judges at her audition with her phenomenal performance of "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish. She continued to blow everyone away week after week, all the way up to her final competition performance of her new single, "This Isn't Over."

"We haven't had a girl winner in over 4 years and to be the first after so many seasons is the greatest honor."

Abi has now broken a three-year streak of male American Idol winners, including Chayce Beckham (season 19), Noah Thompson (season 20), and Iam Tongi (season 21).

In an Instagram post after she won the show, Abi wrote, "HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE!??!?!?!? I couldn't have imagined winning #americanidol when I started this whole journey. We haven't had a girl winner in over 4 years and to be the first after so many seasons is the greatest honor."

Abi Carter Makes History As First American Idol Platinum Ticket Recipient To Win

Platinum Tickets Were Introduced In American Idol Season 20

Abi continued her post by saying, "I'm just a girl from Indio, who used to sing on street corners, and now I've had the pleasure and privilege to work with some of the most talented people in the industry and be heard by millions of people. This is my dream and I know it's just the beginning. I love you all so much." Abi is the first American Idol platinum ticket recipient to win since the coveted prizes were introduced during season 20 and handed out to the best-of-the-best singers. Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie awarded Abi the platinum ticket after her audition in Los Angeles.

In American Idol season 20, three platinum tickets, which came with the privilege of skipping the first round of Hollywood Week, were awarded to HunterGirl, Kenedi Anderson, and Jay. HunterGirl was the runner-up, while Jay finished in the Top 7. Kenedi withdrew from the competition after her Top 24 performance due to personal reasons. In American Idol season 21, four platinum tickets were awarded to Cam Amen, Kaylin Hedges, Tyson Venegas, and Elijah McCormick, who was voted America's platinum ticket winner. However, Cam and Kaylin were shockingly eliminated at the Final Judgment before voting began, while Elijah was eliminated after his Top 26 performance. Tyson made it to the Top 10, but was then sent home.

It was long overdue for a woman to win American Idol. Abi brought something fresh and different to the show, after many seasons of country music dominating the competition, in addition to male singers. Her voice is perfection with her incredible runs, and she has so much star quality. Abi has the potential to be one of American Idol's biggest success stories. She follows in the footsteps of Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, Candice Glover, Maddie Poppe, and Just Sam. Superstardom is in Abi's future as she continues the American Idol legacy.

American Idol has been renewed for season 23.

Source: Abi Carter/Instagram