Abi Carter first gained fans performing at VillageFest in Palm Springs and in the McCallum Theatre Open Call Talent Project in Palm Desert. If she gets enough votes this weekend, she’ll come back to the desert where it all started for the final episode of “American Idol” Season 22.
“I get to do what I love every single day,” Carter said in a recent interview with The Desert Sun. “I get to go out there and I get to find songs that I love to sing and go on a stage and perform them for the whole world to see. It’s been insane.”
Following her standout audition — during which judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan were audilby pondering if they were looking at the show’s next winner — 21-year-old Carter has made it through every step of the competition, garnering more fans and gaining momentum to get closer toward the finish line.
More:Indio’s Abi Carter was serenading the Palm Springs area long before ‘American Idol’ debut
More:Indio’s Abi Carter talks about ‘American Idol’: ‘I get to do what I love every single day’
On Sunday, Carter will compete for a spot in the Top 3 of the famed reality competition show. Here’s how to watch, and how to vote for the desert native.
What can we expect from the next ‘American Idol’ episode?
This week, we’ll get to see the Top 5 contestants work with country singer Kane Brown as their guest mentor, and because it’s Disney Night, we’ll also get to see footage of them enjoying Walt Disney World. Contestants will each perform two beloved favorites from the Disney Songbook as America votes live for the Top 3 singers who will compete in the finale next weekend.
When does the next episode of ‘American Idol’ air?
The next episode of “American Idol” airs at 5 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 12 (with a repeat airing at 8 p.m. PT).
How do I watch episodes of ‘American Idol’?
“American Idol” airs on ABC. You can also stream the show the next day with a subscription to FuboTV or Hulu (but your votes won’t count the next day).
How do I vote for Abi Carter on ‘American Idol’?
There are three ways to vote for your favorite American Idol contestants, according to ABC.com:
- On a supported browser at AmericanIdol.com/Vote
- On the American Idol app:
- Download on supported iOS devices from the Apple App Store
- Download on supported Android devices from the Google Play store
- By SMS text
What is a ‘hometown visit’ on ‘American Idol’ and what would that mean for Abi Carter?
Every season, when the “American Idol” contestant pool narrows to its last few finalists, the show sends its stars back to their hometown for a visit with the people who helped them grow into the performer they’ve become. These visits typically culminate with a big public concert, and Carter’s would be no exception.
That means that, if Carter makes it to the Top 3 after Sunday’s performance, she will return to Indio on Tuesday, May 14. There are tentative plans for a parade and concert in downtown Indio, but she needs to get enough votes Sunday for that to happen.
When is the finale for season 22 of ‘American Idol’?
The season finale for “American Idol” will air on Sunday, May 19 at 5 p.m. PT on ABC.
This story includes previous reporting by Desert Sun reporter Ema Sasic and USA TODAY NETWORK reporter Joyce Orlando.