Who is Abi Carter? All About the 2024 American Idol Winner

“American Idol” has crowned another winner.

Abi Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California, won the popular vote to become the “American Idol” Season 22 champion during Sunday, May 19 2024 night’s finale.

 Family

According to Parade magazine, Carter has six siblings and is the second oldest child in her family. She and her siblings were raised by her single mother, Andrea Carter.

 Where did Abi Carter go to college

Carter graduated summa cum laude in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, San Bernardino.

In an interview with the Desert Sun, Carter said she was homeschooled for most of her childhood.

The “American Idol” winner spent less than one semester at La Quinta High School in Westminster, California, before returning to homeschooling to help care for her siblings.

Carter started singing before she was born

Did you know Carter has been singing since before she was born?

According to the singer’s website, a nurse heard Carter humming through the ultrasound during one of her mother’s doctor visits. Growing up, Carter continued to foster her love for music by singing in church, talent shows, and local competitions.

 Musical Influence and Early Training

Carter told the Desert Sun she got her passion for music from her mother, Andrea Carter, who is also a singer. She started playing the piano when she was about 7 or 8.

Carter received the coveted platinum ticket during her “American Idol” audition after she sang Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” The ticket allowed her to skip the first round of Hollywood Week and automatically advance to round two of the competition.