‘American Idol’ Abi Carter Says She Feels ‘Numb’ After Season 22 Win: ‘So Honored’

Abi Carter is this year’s “American Idol”! The 21-year-old was crowned Season 22’s winner during Sunday’s finale which took place on May 19. Speaking with Access Hollywood, the rising star said she felt “numb” and “happy.” “It’s out of body,” Abi said, later adding, “I mean, obviously so honored. There’s really just not words to even describe how that feels.” The singer also reacted to receiving a message from Billie Eilish, whom she has idolized since she was young. “The fact that I was able to come on this show and sing a song by her – that was amazing in and of itself. And then to know that she knows who I am even just a little bit.” Abi’s audition to the show went viral after she performed Billie’s hit song “What Was I Made For” from the “Barbie” movie. After her performance, Luke Bryan said to fellow judge Lionel Richie, “That may be the winner of ‘American Idol’.” Looking back at that moment, Abi joked to Access that the judges “called it!” “I don’t know – they knew something I didn’t. That was just incredible. That was an incredible moment, that audition,” the she said, adding, “It feels the same in a way. It doesn’t get normal. I think that my reaction in that audition room was nearly the same reaction I had tonight because I think every step of the way it’s just so validating.” As to how she’ll celebrate her big win? By going home! “I’m going to go to bed!” she shared. “I’m going to take a really nice shower and I’m going to go to bed because we have to go to New York tomorrow!”