“This is my dream and I know it’s just the beginning,” wrote the 21-year-old singer.
American Idolhas crowned its latest winner.
“HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE!??!?!?!
Abi Carter on ‘American Idol’.Eric McCandless/Disney
?,” Carter wrote onInstagram, following the live finale.
“I couldn’t have imagined winning #AmericanIdolwhen I started this whole journey.
This is my dream and I know it’s just the beginning.
Katy Perry on ‘American Idol’.Eric McCandless/Disney
I love you all so much.”
The judging panel ofKaty Perry,Lionel Richie, andLuke Bryanmade it abundantly clear that they were blown away.
“We don’t have to vote,” Richie said, following a standing ovation from the judges.
“Thank you for being an example of singing from your heart,” added Perry.
“What were you made for?
You were made for this.
“That may be the winner ofAmerican Idol,” Luke Bryan said at the time.
“I’ve never heard the crew clap.”
The Wide Awake singerannounced her departure from the seriesearlier this year onJimmy Kimmel Live.
It’s connected me with the heart of America, she said at the time.
She also teased upcoming projects in the works, including new music.
American Idolhas been renewed for a season 23, though a replacement for Perry has yet to be announced.
