American Idol season 22 winner Abi Carter has been very busy since she was crowned the champion of the reality singing competition series in May 2024. Abi, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, made history during American Idol season 22 as the first platinum ticket recipient ever to win the show. During her audition, she wowed the judges--Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan--with her extraordinary rendition of "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish. Abi went on to win American Idol season 22, defeating runner-up Will Moseley and third-place finisher Jack Blocker during the season finale.

During American Idol season 22, Abi had so many phenomenal performances, including "Oceans (Where Feet May Fall)," "Welcome To The Black Parade," "Clocks," "Bring Me To Life," "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light 'Em Up)," "Hello," "Bed Of Roses," and "Somewhere." Abi also performed her single, "This Isn't Over," which she co-wrote with Samuel Michael Shrieve, during the finale. The song debuted at No. 23 on the Digital Song Sales chart. As Abi moves forward with her music career, here's what she's been up to.

American Idol Season 22 Winner Abi Carter Has Released Music

Abi's Debut Was Released In November 2024

Since winning American Idol season 22, Abi has released music, including the singles "Peppermint Sky," "some people need drugs," and "Comfortably Numb," all of which she wrote. She also released music videos for "Peppermint Sky" and "some people need drugs." In an October 2024 Instagram post, Abi announced that "Comfortably Numb" was the next single off of her debut album called Ghosts in the Backyard, which came out on November 15, 2024.

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In the caption of the post, Abi shared that, in 2020, "out of sheer and complete boredom during quarantine," she made a bucket list, despite "having no clue" how she would ever accomplish the things on it. Abi announced, "On November 15th, I’ll be able to cross it off my bucket list :) this album is both a time stamp and a milestone for me, exploring empty relationships, heavy nostalgia, and every up and down that led me to the incredible journey of making music for you. I could cry just thinking about it, and I hope this song and album mean as much to you as they do to me."

American Idol Season 22 Winner Abi Carter Had Her First Post-Show Concert

Abi Will Perform At Stagecoach 2025

In an August 2024 Instagram post, Abi shared a montage of video clips from her first-ever live concert, "No Amount of Dark," which was at Acrisure Arena on Saturday, July 27. The montage was set to her song, "Peppermint Sky." In the caption of the post, Abi wrote, "Still can’t believe last weekend was real. Thanks to all the people that brought this show to life. Tour dates coming soon, look out for a show in a city near you ;)."

In a September 2024 Instagram post, Abi announced that she'll appear at Stagecoach 2025, California's Country Music Festival. She'll be performing on Friday, April 25, 2025, along with headliner Zach Bryan and many others. In her caption she wrote, "I’m officially dreaming!"

American Idol Season 22 Winner Abi Carter Has Appeared At Events

Abi Has Been Very Visible After The Show

In addition to her music and shows, Abi has made appearances at various events. In August 2024, Abi performed at D23, and followed that with appearances at New York Fashion Week in September. Abi also sang the National Anthem at Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers at Citifield on October 16, 2024 (shared by worldbaseball_com on Instagram).

Abi's also been giving back. In a July 2024 Instagram post, Acrisure Arena shared that she'd surprised the employees at Eisenhower Health in California with tickets to her show on July 27. The post's caption stated, "Abi shared her deep gratitude for the incredible efforts of everyone at Eisenhower Health. These tickets are her way of giving back and saying thank you from the bottom of her heart."

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American Idol Season 22 Winner Abi Carter Is Headlining Her Own Tour In 2025

Abi Will Be Performing Around The Country

In early 2025, Abi announced that she'll be performing on the Ghosts in the Backyard Tour, in of her album of the same name. In an Instagram post, Abi announced the tour dates, which include February 25 in San Diego, California; February 26 in Fresno, California; February 27 in Felton, California; March 10 in Nashville, Tennessee; March 11 in Atlanta, Georgia; March 13 in Carrboro, North Carolina; and March 15 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Abi will be playing in small venues in these cities, so she'll be able to be up close and personal with her fans.

Abi captioned the post, "AHHHHHH I’M GOING ON TOUR!!!!!," and shared information about how to get presale tickets. Abi concluded the post by writing, "Are you coming?" Many fans expressed their excitement about Abi's tour, and said so in the comments. Abi's fellow American Idol season 22 contestants also expressed that they'd be attending her tour dates. Top 10 finalist Kayko wrote, "I spy Nashville," to which Abi replied, "see you there ;)." In addition, Top 24 finalist Blake Proehl said, "ILL BE IN NASHVILLE," to which Abi responded, "YAYAYAYAYAYYAYAY SEE YOU THENNNNNN."

In the comments section of Abi's post, a fan pointed out that the first date of the tour, February 25, is the one-year anniversary of when Abi debuted on American Idol. Abi replied, "how insane." It really is amazing that a whole year has gone by since Abi was first seen on the show. She's come so far since then, and hopefully this new tour will lead to even more exciting opportunities for her as she moves forward with her music career. Abi is certainly working very hard to be successful.

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Since her American Idol season 22 win, Abi has already had a lot of success. From her music to her shows to her public appearances, she's proven herself to be a true star. She has a phenomenal voice and outstanding stage presence. Abi has the potential to become one of the most successful American Idol winners ever.

American Idol season 23 premieres on Sunday, March 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Sources: Abi Carter/Instagram, Abi Carter/Instagram, Abi Carter/Instagram, worldbaseball_com/Instagram, Acrisure Arena/Instagram, Abi Carter/Instagram

American Idol Season 21 Poster

Your Rating

American Idol
TV-PG
Reality
Competition
Release Date
2002 - 2016-00-00
Showrunner
Nigel Lythgoe
Franchise(s)
American Idol

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international "Idol" brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a of judges that would determine whether or not they'd go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America's next musical idol. 

Seasons
15
Streaming Service(s)
FOX
Main Genre
Reality
Franchise
Idol, American Idol
Creator(s)
Simon Fuller
Production Company
Fremantle North Americ, 19 Entertainment
Producers
Simon Fuller, Simon Jones, Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick, David Hill
Avg Episode Length
2-3 hours