American Idol Season 22's winner announced! Abi Carter wins after nail-biting finale

American Idol Season 22 finally has its winner! And, it is none other than Abi Carter. The 21-year-old musician, who hails from Indio, California, won the popular vote and lifted the trophy on Sunday.

The night started with Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazelhurst, Georgia, and Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, Texas, competing with Abi. The three dedicated their performances to their mentor Jon Bon Jovi and sang “Livin’ on a Prayer,” followed by “Legendary”.

Later, Mosely sang “My Town,” Blocker performed “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” and Carter interpreted “Somewhere.”

After several performances, surprise guest appearances and a lot of voting, the winner's name was revealed on the main stage. The ceremony ended with Carter singing her rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”.

Season 22 marks Katy Perry’s exit from the show as judge after seven seasons. Perry joined Indian Idol with Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie in 2018.

Throughout the night, the mere mention of the episode being Perry's last made the singer emotional and teary-eyed.Shetook the stage with third-place finalist Jack Blocker to perform“What Makes a Woman”.Later, the ladies of the Top 12 took the stage to perform a medley of Perry’s hits in honour of her last show. They performed on “Teenage Dream,” “Dark Horse,” and “California Gurls”.

While Perry didn't address her fans on her last day as a judge, she was seen tearing up during Abi's performance on “What Was I Made For?”. As the credits started rolling, Richie was seen giving an emotional Perry a hug, and Bryan joined afterwards.