Did Abi Carter make it to top 20? ‘American Idol’ Season 22 singer makes Katy Perry cry with her touching tribute

Abi Carter, one of the strongest contenders of this season, is advanced to top 12 of American Idol
PUBLISHED APR 15, 2024
Abi Carter makes Katy Perry cry (ABC)
Abi Carter makes Katy Perry cry (ABC)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Abi Carter, with her emotive tribute, has secured her spot in the Top 20 of 'American Idol' Season 22. During her performance, she moved Katy Perry to tears with her heartfelt tribute to her grandparents, as the 21-year-old singer from Indio, California performed "Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance while seated at the piano.

The judges were deeply moved by her performance, with Katy Perry expressing her emotions through tears. She remarked that she felt transported to a different world by the performance. Luke Bryan compared the atmosphere to attending one of Abi's concerts, highlighting the captivating experience. Lionel Richie described the performance as "magic," praising Abi for her complete control over the audience.

Holding back her tears, Katy said, “When I cheated and looked down and saw you were singing a My Chem song, I said, ‘What’s happening?’ I am really crying listening to you. You transported me to a whole different realm, a whole different energy, a whole different dimension. It was so good.” 

Katy Perry calls Abi Carter her 'favourite' contestant 

Katy Perry expressed her admiration for Abi, declaring her as her favorite contestant on the show. She shared her hopes that Abi Carter would go all the way in Season 22, indicating her belief in Abi's talent and potential to succeed in the competition. 

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it, but you’re my favorite,” Katy said. “I just think you are so gifted. When you first came to us you sang a Billie Eilish song and it was just like, oh my gosh, you can do a Hillside song? This is our third time hearing you sing. The second time you could barely make a note out. So, really this is like the second time we’ve heard you sing and I’m just so glad it reminded me of the angel that you are," she added.

'American Idol' Season 22 singer Abi Carter performed in Hawaii Round (ABC/EricMcCandless)
'American Idol' Season 22 singer Abi Carter is Katy Perry's favourite (ABC/EricMcCandless)

Abi Carter struggles with bronchitis on stage

Abi faced a challenge with bronchitis during her Hollywood Week performance but made a strong comeback in Hawaii. Luke Bryan praised her performance as an "experience," noting her skillful navigation from the piano to hitting the big notes. He labeled her as one of the front-runners and favorites in the competition. Guest judge Tori Kelly expressed her excitement and support for Abi, emphasizing the importance of creating moments in a performance, which Abi successfully achieved.

 “I’m shaking for you. I’m rooting for you so hard. I feel like a performance is all about creating moments and you did exactly that," Jelly Roll said. Lionel Richie echoed the sentiment, highlighting Abi's ability to captivate the audience and urging viewers to vote for her.

'American Idol' star Abi Carter wants to pave a path for herself in the entertainment industry (Eric McCandless/ABC)
'American Idol' star Abi Carterstruggles with bronchitis (Eric McCandless/ABC)

'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC.

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