Abi Carter is an American musician who rose to fame by winning American Idol 2024 title. She started her music journey by receiving a coveted platinum ticket after her mesmerizing performance. American Idol promos show California-based singer Abi Carter as a psychology student performing on Palm Springs’s streets. She is a big Taylor Swift fan.
The California singer got a standing ovation at American Idol 2024 for singing Billie Eilish‘s “What Was I Made For?” There were rumors that the singer would get a platinum ticket. She won the hearts of judges and viewers. She is a California State University graduate and belongs to a religious family. She follows Christian religious beliefs.
Abi Carter biography
| Born name | Abi Carter |
| Nickname | Abi |
| Gender | Female |
| Birth date | 31 July 2002 |
| Birthplace | Indio, California |
| Residence | Singer |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Nationality | American |
Abi Carter age
Singer Abi Carter’s age as of 2026 is 23 years. Born in California on 31 July 2002 to Andrea F. Engel Carter, Abi Carter’s musical journey began at a young age. The singer started playing the piano at eight and picked up the guitar at 15. She stands at a height of 5 feet and 4 inches.
| Age in 2026 | 23 |
| Birth date | July 31 |
| Parents | Andrea F. Engel Carter |
| Birth year | 2002 |
| Birthday Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Hometown | Indio |
| Occupation | Singer |
Abi Carter’s parents and family
At the audition of American Idol, Carter opened up that she was the second oldest of seven children, reared by a single mom. She got a piano as a gift from her mother when she was a teenager. Her mother, two sisters, and one brother were supporting her during her performance in the 22nd season.
| Father | Californian |
| Mother | Andrea F. Engel Carter |
| Siblings | 6 |
| Native | Indio |
| Citizenship | American |
Abi Carter American Idol
During her audition, Carter performed a version of Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I Made For?”. She stunned the judges with her wistful and immaculate performance. Judge Katy Perry said Carter was made for the Platinum ticket. Luke Bryan, Perry, and Lionel Richie gave an immediate YES. Bryan admitted that Abi could be the surprise winner of the show. Richie said Abi’s audition was the best thing they had ever heard on this show.
This performance helped her win the Platinum ticket and get an automatic trip to Hollywood along with two other contestants, Odell Bunton Jr., and one unannounced name.
On her American Idol journey
“I have been a fan of ‘American Idol’ my entire life, and so I think I’ve been telling myself since I was a kid that when I got older, I would do it. And this is me just doing it.”
She released her first song Peppermint Sky after winning American Idol Season 22.
On winning the title
“Wow, this is truly a day I never saw coming… you have given me such a gift… the ability to live a life filled with music”.
FAQs
Q. Who is Abi Carter?
A. Abi Carter is an American singer-songwriter from Indio, California, best known for winning American Idol Season 22 in 2024.
Q. When did Abi Carter win American Idol?
A. She was crowned the winner of American Idol on May 19, 2024, marking her as the first female winner in four years.
Q. How old is Abi Carter and where is she from?
A. Born on July 31, 2002, Abi Carter is 23 years old and grew up in Indio, California.
Q. What was Abi Carter’s audition like on American Idol?
A. Abi wowed judges with a heartfelt rendition of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and earned a Platinum Ticket, hinting early that she could be the winner.
Q. What songs did Abi Carter perform on American Idol?
A. Her Idol performances included standout moments like “What Was I Made For?”, as well as her own original song in the finale, which helped seal her victory.
Q. What music has Abi Carter released after American Idol?
A. Abi released her debut album Ghosts in the Backyard and continued with singles like “melancholia sober” in 2025.
Q. Does Abi Carter have a record deal?
A. As of early 2026, she remains independent, choosing not to sign with a record label in order to keep creative control of her music.
Q. What genre of music does Abi Carter make?
A. Her style blends pop, indie-pop, and cinematic elements; she writes deeply personal and narrative-driven songs.
Q. What’s Abi Carter’s life like after winning American Idol?
A. Since her win, Abi has been performing live, including headlining shows, touring, and participating in events and festivals.
Q. What’s special about Abi Carter’s family background?
A. She is the second oldest of seven children and grew up in a very musical household with strong family support.
Q. Why did fans react strongly to Abi Carter’s win?
A. Many fans celebrated her win as long-overdue for a female artist and praised her vocals and authentic artistry throughout the season.
Q. What are some popular Abi Carter songs to listen to?
A. Standouts include tracks from Ghosts in the Backyard, her 2025 single “melancholia sober”, and the original she performed at the Idol finale.
Q: Where is American Idol winner Abi Carter now?
A: Abi Carter is currently focused on building her music career after winning American Idol. She’s releasing new music, performing live at major events, and continuing to grow her fanbase as an artist. In 2026, she’s also set to perform at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
Q. Is Abi Carter really performing at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, and what should fans know about her show?
A: Yes — American Idol Season 22 winner Abi Carter is officially set to perform at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. Her appearance is part of the tournament’s live entertainment programming, which adds a concert-style experience for fans alongside world-class tennis. Abi is scheduled to headline the Village Stage on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM, timed perfectly before the first evening session, making it an ideal pre-match event for spectators who want a full “sports + music” experience in one visit. What makes this performance even more special is that it feels like a homecoming moment for Abi.
