American Idol viewers in TEARS after new champion Abi Carter breaks down on stage and Katy Perry bows out – before teasing a potential return

American Idol viewers were treated to an emotional rollercoaster on Sunday night, with many left in tears as contestant Abi Carter was crowned the winner and Katy Perry said goodbye with a heartbreaking farewell – before teasing a possible comeback.

The ABC show concluded with a packed three-hour episode, which saw Will Moseley, Jack Blocker and Abi sing for survival in a bid to be crowned season 22 champion.

The finale also marked Katy’s final appearance as a judge after seven seasons on the panel alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, with the singer bowing out to focus on personal projects.

Emotions were already running high not long after the show started, with Katy, 39, appearing visibly upset as she was introduced by host Ryan Seacrest, 49.

More tears followed when season 22 champion Abi, 21, broke down in tears after learning she had won the series

‘Are you crying?’ Ryan asked after Katy bowed her head.

“We’re going to miss you,” he said as he hugged her, adding, “Already emotional tonight.”

“Katy is a mess,” Luke said.

More tears followed when 21-year-old Abi from Indio, California, broke down upon learning she had won the $250,000 cash prize and a recording contract, becoming the first female competitor in four years to take the title.

Stunned by the final results, a shocked Abi dramatically fell to her knees, with host Ryan having to help her up.

She quickly composed herself and sang the hit What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish. when the show ended.

Naturally, the collection of moments struck a chord with viewers at home, who took to social media to share their emotions as the episode aired.

One wrote: ‘Watching @AbiCarterMusic win this season of #AmericanIdol just brought me tears of joy! Abi embodies the true qualities of an American idol. A kind, humble, faith and family based, beautiful person with a God given beautiful voice. Congratulations Abi! God bless you!’

Viewers at home took to social media to share their emotions as the episode aired

Another said: ‘Abi Carter, the WINNER you are!!! Singing What was I made for? right after he was declared the winner…. I love girlhood. I probably won’t stop crying tonight, I’m so proud of her.’

A third admitted: ‘Seeing Abi and Katy crying made me cry even more.’

Another wrote: ‘AMERICA DID THE DAMN THING AND QUEEN ABI WON AMERICAN IDOL!! OMG. I sob through her. What was I made for? performance at the moment. SO DESERVED.’

Katy paid tribute to her time on the show, wearing a long skirt featuring the faces of previous contestants from her seven seasons, as she performed an emotional duet with Jack Blocker.

The pair sang What Makes A Woman from Katy’s 2020 album Smile as Katy floated above the stage.

Despite last night’s finale marking the end of her tenure as a judge, she has already teased a potential return.

Speak with Entertainment tonight, she said, “Keep that seat warm. I mean, who knows. I loved everything I got to experience and learn.”

Abi dramatically fell to her knees in disbelief as host Ryan then had to help her up

Lionel, Katy and Luke have been judges together on American Idol since the show moved from Fox to ABC

Although a replacement for Katy has yet to be formally announced by show bosses, she has been thinking about what it would take to take over the reins.

“I hope it’s someone who has no fear,” she told the publication. ‘I hope it’s someone who doesn’t mince words, maybe someone who is a bit polarizing, just like me.

‘There are a lot of people who say, “She’s terrible! She has to go!” And there are a lot of people who say, “She says what she thinks! She’s authentic!”

“Anyway, you can’t win ’em all. I think it’s actually better not to win them all, because then you actually have a point of view.’

Katy surprisingly revealed in February during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live that this would be her last season as a judge on American Idol.

Katy paid tribute to her time on the show, wearing a long skirt featuring the faces of previous contestants from her seven seasons, as she performed an emotional duet with Jack Blocker.

She’s already teased a potential return, despite only just finishing her final episode

Following her win, Abi took to Instagram to share her pride at becoming the first female winner in four years.

She captioned her post: ‘HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE!??!?!?!? I couldn’t have imagined that I would win #americanidol when I started this whole journey.

“We haven’t had a girls winner in four years and to be the first after so many seasons is the greatest honor.

“I’m just a girl from Indio who used to sing on the street corners, and now I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working with some of the most talented people in the industry and being heard by millions of people.

“This is my dream and I know it’s just the beginning. I love you all so much.”