MEAWW.COM / ENTERTAINMENT / REALITY TV

Who is Katy Perry's 'favorite' on 'American Idol' Season 22? ABC judge's 'bias' towards Abi Carter dubbed 'not fair'

'American Idol' Season 22 fans slam Katy Perry for dubbing Abi Carter her 'favorite' Season 22 contestant

HONOLULU, HAWAII: Platinum ticket winner Abi Carter began her Hawaii Round performance of Hillsong United's Oceans (Where Feet May Fall) at the piano before heading across the stage. However, fans criticized the ABC judge for her partiality when Katy Perry declared the singer her "favorite" of the season.

A few episodes earlier, Luke Bryan had labeled Abi as a potential "Idol" winner. Despite a brief setback during last week's 'Showstoppers' due to bronchitis, Abi reminded the judges why they had awarded her the rare platinum ticket.

She electrified the stage with her infectious energy during her performance of Hillsong United's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" and even emerged from behind an instrument for the first time. She broke free while belting out the lines, but she also exhibited control to highlight the beauty of her angelic voice.

Katy's response reduced Abi to tears. "I don’t know if I'm allowed to say it, but you're my favorite," she remarked. "I just think you are so gifted. … This is our third time hearing you sing, right? The second time, you could barely get a note out."

Unhappy with Katy's comment, fans took to X to write, "Katy should NOT be telling one contestant “You’re my favorite.“ Its not fair and skews things." One user asked, "Katy Perry just told Abi she’s her favorite??? In a competition show?" 

On Reddit, fans snarked, "Abi going for the Jesus vote I see." Another user wrote, "She had to after that horrible Hollywood Week."

One person said, "Doesn’t Katy say “you’re my favorite” to every contestant? lol." Another person added, "I mean obviously she’s one of your faves if you gave her a platinum ticket Katy lol. I like Abi I just wonder if it’s gonna follow the same pattern as past seasons; the best vocalist of the season having a surprising early exit and people like Blake stick around."

Who is Abi Carter on 'American Idol' Season 22?

Abi, a 21-year-old native of Indio, is pursuing her dreams in the entertainment industry through 'American Idol'. Renowned for her exceptional vocal talent, Abi has dedicated herself to establishing a reputation as a singing sensation.

Despite her skill, Abi never envisioned herself as a singer, let alone transforming her hobby into a viable career.

In May 2023, Abi graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology from CSUSB's Palm Desert Campus. Her goals, however, have always gone beyond the academic realm, firmly anchored in her lifelong passion for music—a passion cultivated in the Coachella Valley, where she has serenaded audiences for years with the same beautiful voice that captured the 'American Idol' judges.

Abi's biography is as compelling as her singing prowess, marked by unwavering tenacity and persistence. From being homeschooled during high school to contribute to her family's support, to her remarkable academic achievements at CSUSB, and her captivating performance on 'American Idol'.

How to vote for your favorite singer on 'American Idol' Season 22?

Voting for the top 24 rounds will determine who advances to the top 20. The top 20 will be revealed on Sunday, April 14, followed by the contenders' performances for a spot in the top 14, which will be announced on Monday, April 15.

The first voting session for the top 24 round starts with the East Coast broadcast of 'American Idol' on Sunday, April 7, and ends at 4 am MDT on Monday, April 8. The second voting session begins with the start of the East Coast broadcast of 'American Idol' on Monday, April 8, and finishes at 4 am MDT on Tuesday, April 9.

There are three ways to vote on 'American Idol':

Vote at idolvote.abc.com (you must create an account to vote).

Vote via the 'American Idol' app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Vote with text. During each "Idol" show, a contestant will be given a number that may be texted to "21523."

According to idolvote.abc.com, fans can vote for up to ten competitors using each method.

Who is in the ‘American Idol’ Season 22 Top 24?

The following singers have reached the top 24 of 'American Idol':

Jordan Anthony

Jack Blocker

Odell Bunton Jr

McKenna Faith Breinholt

Abi Carter

Roman Collins

Jayna Elise

Elleigh Marie Francom

Julia Gagnon

Ajii Hafeez

Triston Harper

Jennifer Jeffries

Quintavious Johnson.

KBlocks

Sam “Kayko” Kelly-Cohen

Mia Matthews

Hailey Mia

Will Moseley

Nya

Blake Proehl

Kennedy Reid

Kaibrienne Richins

Emmy Russell

Mackenzie Sol

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