21-year-old Abby Carter of Indio, California won Season 22 of the music show "American Idol" on Sunday evening, usatoday.com reported.
Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazelhurst, Georgia, and Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, Texas, were her runners-up.
The three-hour finale featured guest performers such as Jon Bon Jovi, Season 2004 winner Fantasia Barrino, Jason Mraz, Winona Judd, Seal, New Kids On The Block and more.
The judges included stars Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, who along with host Ryan Seacrest were saddened by Perry's departure from the music show after six years and seven seasons.
The audience rewarded Abby even for her first performance with such a long applause that she cried, and met the approval of Billie Eilish herself.
„I wish you nothing but the best,” the Grammy winner said in a pre-recorded version, causing Abby to collapse to the floor in shock. "I'm here to support you and love you."
Abby charms the judges – and the viewers – since he appeared at the audition with the song “Barbie“ Eilish's “What Was I Made For?”, which earned her one of three platinum tickets.
When Abby was announced as the winner, she wasn't the only one in tears – Perry, whose favorite adjective for Abby this season has been “angelic”, also shed tears as Abby performed the Billie Eilish song that launched her into her “Idol” career.