Abi Carter is officially the winner of American Idol Season 22, and while she had dozens of jaw-dropping performances throughout the competition, her final song is making waves all over social media.
Just before being crowned, Abi took the stage to sing an original single titled This Isn’t Over, which she released on May 17. The 21-year-old penned the coming-of-age lyrics based on the empowering emotions she felt as she found her place in adulthood.
“This Isn’t Over means so much to me because it’s about growing and becoming a stronger person,” she said in a statement, per The Sacramento Bee. “It’s about finally being able to fight for the kid in me that couldn’t.”
Abi sang the single with genuine emotion that got the crowd singing along. When she finished, judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan gave her a standing ovation.
“I love this song so much!!” one of Abi’s new fans wrote under a video of the performance. “Also love her so much! She definitely deserved the win!!! Congratulations Abi Carter! I’m beyond happy for you and will be following your career and I can’t wait for you to become famous!!
“A natural born performer. Amazing vocalist too,” shared another. “Totally deserving winner!! I can’t wait to see her music career flourish even more.”
Abi Carter Heard A Special Message From Grammy-Winner Billie Eilish
After the newest American Idol winner learned her fate on the show, she broke out in a tearful encore of the song that earned her a golden ticket to Hollywood last fall, What Was I Made For, which earned a special message from the song’s original artist, Billie Eilish.
“I wish you nothing but the best,” Billie said in a pre-recorded video that aired during the live finale. “I’m here to support you, and I love ya.”