American Idol has crowned its winner when platinum ticket holder, Abi Carter took herself all the way to the finals with her exquisite voice and performances.

The 21-year-old from Indio, California, won Americas vote to become the “American Idol” season 22 champion during Sunday night’s finale on ABC besting runner-up Will Moseley. Earlier in the finale, Jack Blocker came in third.

During the three-hour season finale, Carter got a surprise video from her idol, Billie Eilish, which reduced her to tears. That would be a first of many moments through the show that Abi was emotional, and so too, was departing judge, pop superstar, Katy Perry.

Courtesy/ABC

When Carter was crowned the winner, the camera panned to the judges table where Perry was in a puddle of tears overjoyed for Carter, and also knowing this was the end of her run after seven years with the show.

Earlier this season, Katy announced she would be stepping away from “Idol”.  A replacement has not yet been named. At the end of the finale, judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie shared an emotional hug with Perry, who also performed during the show with the aforementioned, Jack Blocker.

Previously, Perry during the audition process, voted not to send Blocker through and gave him a “no”. Blocker’s fortunes were changed when the ‘Idol’ production crew and Bryan wanted him to move on to Hollywood and the rest, as they say, was ‘Idol’ history.

Photo: ABC

The who’s who of the music industry was also on hand to perform with the top ten runner-ups in musical numbers leading into the final moments of the show. Guest performers included: Jon Bon Jovi, Jason Mraz, Wynonna Judd, Seal and New Kids on the Block.

In the moment of the night, Ryan Seacrest revealed Abi as the winner and she fell to the floor in tears. After previewing her new single in the final round of competition, “This Isn’t Over”, Carter attempted to gather herself to sing a reprieve of Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” It was that song that started Abi’s ‘Idol’ journey.

Photo: ABC

Watch the final moments of American Idol Season 22 below.

Now, let us know. Are you glad Abi Carter was crowned the new American Idol? Will you miss Katy Perry at the judges table? Who do you think would be a good replacement for her next season? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

On Sunday night, the semi-finals of this season’s American Idol were decided on Disney Night, where the contestants had to chose songs from Disney’s songbook which has become a tradition and of branding by ABC/Disney.

As usual, judge and music superstar, Katy Perry got decked out in a Disney get-up and this year dressed as Cinderella in full gown, no less.

The results of the nationwide vote sent two singers home, leaving three for next week’s 22nd overall season finale of ‘Idol’ and the 7th on ABC. It should be noted that we, and many at home, were surprised that some of the song’s chosen were even in Disney movies!

Photo: ABC

Eliminated were: 15-year-old Triston Harper who ended his run with a performance of  Rascal Flatt’s “Life is a Highway.” Also eliminated was Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of country legend, Loretta Lynn. After Russell’s performance of Brandi Carlile’s “Carried Me With You,” she did not have enough votes to move into the finale.

Moving on to the finals are: Jack Blocker, who wowed audiences during two-rounds of performances with “Nobody’s Fool” from Cars 2, and then David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”

Will Moseley was also safe after his last performance of the night of Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild.” Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie thought it was the perfect sound for his voice, and apparently America thought so too.

Photo: ABC

Finally, Abi Carter, who ended her night with a rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s, The Chain from the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 soundtrack, illustrated her stage presence growth as noted by the judges, when she went full fledged rocker/pop star for this one. Given Carter’s exceptional vocals, and her often more intimate style when accompanying herself on the piano, this performance also lifted her into the finals.

So, did the right singers make it to the finale? Who are you rooting for to be crowned the new American Idol next week? Comment below.

While Katy Perry is exiting her gig at the judges table on American Idol at the end of this season, that will not stop the show from continuing on. The popular reality-singing competition had been renewed for its 8th season on ABC and its 23rd season overall.

American Idol started on Fox and was given new life at ABC seven years ago. The announcement of the renewal comes ahead of its Season 22 finale set to air on Sunday, May 19th.

As for Perry, she revealed back in February that she is stepping away from the show to pursue other career interests. The show is actively looking for the right chemistry and person to sit alongside judges and music superstars, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, who will be back next season, as will longtime host, Ryan Seacrest.

Photo: ABC

In other renewals, The Bachelor will be back following Joey Graziadei’s ratings winner of a season. The reality-dating competition will serve up its 29th season.

There is no premiere date set, but as has been in the past, the series usually premieres in January of the new year. While ‘Bachelor Nation’ will need to await, just who will be the next ‘Bachelor’, that person will most likely be selected from Jen Tran’s season of The Bachelorette, which is currently in production.

Photo: ABC

Jen’s journey to find love as the lead in The Bachelorette, marks that shows 19th season. It’s set to premiere this summer on July 8th and will again be hosted by Jesse Palmer.

Glad to hear “Idol” is coming back? Who should replace Katy Perry? Are you over ‘The Bachelor’ or did the last season featuring Joey as the lead, reinvigorate your interest in the show? Comment below.