KiMi RobinsonUSA TODAY
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"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 night's finale.
Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazelhurst, Georgia, and Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, Texas, were the runners-up.
The who's who of the music industry was on hand to build up the suspense throughout the three-hour finale, which featured guest performers Jon Bon Jovi, 2004 "Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino, Jason Mraz, Wynonna Judd, Seal, New Kids on the Block and more.
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Of course, there were also judges Lionel Richie,Katy PerryandLuke Bryan, who along with host Ryan Seacrest were mourning Perry's final episode of the musical competition show after six years and seven seasons.
Truthfully, it was Abi's to lose as soon as the audience awarded her first performance with applause so long that she broke down in tears and Bryan struggled to get a word in edgewise. What sealed the deal was the approval of none other than Billie Eilish.
What happened last week? Emmy Russell and Triston Harper were sent home: full recap
"I wish you nothing but the best," the Grammy winner said in a pre-recorded video at the time that left Abi sinking to the floor in shock. "I'm here to support you, and I love ya."
Abi had the judges – and viewers – entranced since she auditioned withEilish's awards bait "Barbie" song,"What Was I Made For?" which earned her one of three platinum tickets. The moving performance at the piano even had Bryan declaring, “That may be the winner of ‘American Idol.'"
When Abi was announced as the winner, she wasn't the only one drenched in her tears – Perry, whose favorite adjective for Abi this season was "angelic," was also shedding tears as Abi performed the Eilish song that launched her "Idol" career.
Here's what else happened during tonight's finale.
Looking back at Abi's season: See the best moments from her 'Idol' journey
Katy Perry pays tribute to 'Idol' contestants with massive skirt
For Perry's final episode, the Top 12 ladies took to the stage for a mashup of the pop superstar's hits.
Kaibrienne Richins, Emmy Russell and Abi started the segment with a cover of "Teenage Dream" before McKenna Breinholt and Jayna Elise picked up the baton for "Dark Horse." Mia Matthews and Julia Gagnon joined the gang, and they all came together to sing "California Gurls" (sans Snoop Dogg, unfortunately).
All the while, Perry happily chowed down on a slice of pizza. When the tribute performance wrapped, she showed her appreciation by climbing atop the judges' table (and safely getting down with Bryan and Richie's help).
Perry reciprocated the love by incorporating this season's "Idol" contestants, and more from seasons past, into the design of her dress. Showing just how far she came from not being a fan of Jack's audition, the two performed a dramatic duet of "What Makes A Woman" that was one for the history books.
The two singers were slowly elevated until they were levitated way above the stage. Perry was at least a dozen feet above the stage, with the skirt of her dress unfurling to reveal "Idol" contestants from the past seven seasons she's been a judge
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After filming wrapped, Perry revealed to media outlets, including USA TODAY, that the faces on the dress were those of the Top 24 of each of the past seven seasons.
"It was just going to be a pretty skirt with a silver top and I was like, 'No, let's do something. Let's make a moment. Let's pay homage to all the contestants,'" Perry said. "It was just to show how much these kids have really lifted me up."
Another Abi highlight: Singer makes Katy Perry 'scared for my job' with Fall Out Boy cover
What did the 'American Idol' finalists sing?
Abi Carter:
- "Bed of Roses" by Jon Bon Jovi
- "Somewhere" from "West Side Story"
- "River" – duet with Bishop Briggs
- "This Isn't Over" – original single
Will Moseley:
- "It's My Life" by Jon Bon Jovi
- "My Town" by Montgomery Gentry
- "Hold My Hand" and "Only Wanna Be With You" – duet with Hootie and the Blowfish
- "Good Book Bad" – original single
Jack Blocker:
- "I'll Be There for You" by Jon Bon Jovi
- "All My Ex’s Live in Texas" by George Strait
- "What Makes A Woman" – duet with Katy Perry
Emmy Russell speaks out: Top 5 contestant says her elimination was 'God's plan'
Who was in the 'American Idol' Top 12 on Season 22?
- Abi Carter
- Will Moseley
- Jack Blocker
- Emmy Russell
- Triston Harper
- Julia Gagnon
- McKenna Faith Breinholt
- Kaibrienne "KB" Richins
- Sam "Kayko" Kelly-Cohen
- Mia Matthews
- Roman Collins
- Jayna Elise
