“American Idol” has crowned another winner.
Abby Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, won the popular vote to become the champion of Season 22 of “American Idol” during Sunday night’s finale.
In second place were Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazelhurst, Georgia, and Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, Texas.
The music industry’s biggest stars were on hand to build suspense throughout the three-hour finale, which included guest artists Jon Bon Jovi, 2004 “Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino, Jason Mraz, Wynonna Goode, Seal and New Kids On The. block and more.
Of course, there were also judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, who along with host Ryan Seacrest were mourning Perry’s final episode of the music competition show after six years and seven seasons.
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In fact, it was Abby who lost out once the audience gave her first performance a standing ovation for so long that she broke down in tears and Brian struggled to get a clear word out. What sealed the deal was Billie Eilish’s approval.
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“I wish you nothing but the best,” the Grammy winner said in a pre-recorded video at the time that left Abby sinking to the floor in shock. “I’m here to support you, and I love you.”
Abby has been wowing the judges — and viewers — ever since she auditioned for Eilish’s award-winning “Barbie” hit, “What Are You Made For?” Which earned her one of three platinum tickets. A moving piano performance even caused Brian to declare, “This could be the winner of ‘American Idol.'”
When Abby was announced as the winner, she wasn’t the only one in tears — Perry, whose favorite adjective for Abby this season is “angelic,” was also in tears when Abby performed Eilish’s song that launched her hit “Idol.” Professional life.
Here’s what else happened during tonight’s final.
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Katy Perry pays tribute to “Idol” contestants with a huge skirt
In Perry’s final episode, the Top 12 ladies took to the stage to watch a medley of the pop star’s songs.
Kaibrienne Richins, Emmy Russell and Abi kicked off the segment with a cover of “Teenage Dream” before McKenna Breinholt and Jayna Elise picked up the “Dark Horse” baton. Mia Matthews and Julia Gagnon joined the gang, and they all came together to sing “California Gurls” (without Snoop Dogg, unfortunately).
All the while, Perry was happily eating a slice of pizza. When the tribute show ended, she showed her appreciation by climbing on top of the judges’ table (and getting down safely with Brian and Richie’s help).
Perry reciprocated the love by incorporating this season’s “Idol” contestants, and more from seasons past, into the design of her dress. To show how far she’s come from not being a fan of Jack’s Test, the two performed a dramatic duet of the song “What Makes A Woman” which was one for the history books.
The two singers were slowly lifted until they were lifted above the stage. Perry was at least 10 feet above the stage, the skirt of her dress undone to reveal “Idol” contestants from the past seven seasons in which she was a judge.
After filming was completed, Perry revealed to the media, including USA TODAY, that the faces on the dress were among the top 24 faces of each of the past seven seasons.
“It was just a beautiful skirt with a silver top, and I was like, ‘No, let’s do something. Let’s take a moment. Let’s applaud all the contestants,'” Perry said. “It was just to show how much I really lift these kids up.”
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What did the finalists sing on “American Idol”?
Abi Carter:
- “Bed of Roses” by Jon Bon Jovi
- “Somewhere” from “West Side Story”
- “The River” – Duet with Bishop Briggs
- “This Ain’t Over” – Original Song
Will Mosley:
- “It’s My Life” by Jon Bon Jovi
- “My Town” by Montgomery Gentry
- “Hold My Hand” and “Just Wanna Be With You” – a duet with Hootie and the Blowfish
- “A Good Bad Book” – Original Song
Mind Jack:
- “I’ll Be There for You” by Jon Bon Jovi
- “All My Ex-Friends Live in Texas” by George Strait
- “What Makes a Woman” – a duet with Katy Perry
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Who was in the Top 12 of ‘American Idol’ Season 22?
- Dad Carter
- Will Mosley
- Jack Blocker
- Amy Russell
- Triston Harper
- Julia Gagnon
- McKenna Faith Breinholt
- Caprien “KB” Richins
- Sam “Kaiko” Kelly Cohen
- Mia Matthews
- Roman Collins
- Jenna Elise
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