Who Are the Last 3 American Idol Winners? Full Profiles and Post-Show Careers

The last three confirmed champions of American Idol are Abi Carter (Season 22), Iam Tongi (Season 21), and Noah Thompson (Season 20). These artists represent a diverse cross-section of modern American music, ranging from indie-pop and soulful Hawaiian reggae to traditional country rock.

Each of these vocalists captured the public vote through distinct storytelling abilities, viral audition moments, and memorable performances on the ABC stage. Studying their journeys offers a clear picture of how the iconic singing competition continues to launch talent into the modern music industry.

Season 22 Winner: Abi Carter (2024)

Abi Carter earned her crown during Season 22 of American Idol, delivering a historic run that marked several milestones for the franchise. Hailing from Indio, California, Carter entered the competition as a 21-year-old musician with a background in piano performance and deep emotional expression.

Abi Carter (Season 22 Winner)

• Audition: "What Was I Made For?" (Earned Platinum Ticket)
• Finale Song: "This Isn't Over" (Original)
• Signature Genre: Indie Pop / Piano Ballads

The Platinum Ticket Audition and Season Run

Carter's journey began in Santa Barbara, California, where she performed an understated, piano-driven arrangement of Billie Eilish’s "What Was I Made For?" Her performance stunned judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, earning her one of only three Platinum Tickets awarded during the audition round. This privilege allowed her to skip the first round of Hollywood Week.

Unlike many previous Platinum Ticket recipients who struggled to maintain momentum, Carter consistently delivered peak performances throughout the live shows. Her vocal control, dynamic range, and ability to rearrange pop standard songs—such as Evanescence’s "Bring Me to Life" and My Chemical Romance’s "Welcome to the Black Parade"—set her apart as a versatile arranger.

Finale and Winning Debut

During the grand finale, Carter sealed her victory with emotional renditions of Bon Jovi’s "Bed of Roses" and "Somewhere" from West Side Story. Her debut single, "This Isn me Over," showcased her soaring vocal range and reflective songwriting style, highlighting her identity as an indie-pop artist ready for mainstream radio. Upon her win, Carter became the first Platinum Ticket recipient in American Idol history to win the overall title.

Post-Idol Career and Music Releases

Following her victory, Carter signed with 19 Recordings/BMG. She immediately focused on original releases, expanding her catalog with indie-pop singles that build on her signature piano-driven arrangements. Her post-show trajectory highlights how American Idol continues to nurture artists outside the conventional country and pop-rock genres.

Season 21 Winner: Iam Tongi (2023)

Iam Tongi’s victory in Season 21 was one of the most emotional and viral narratives in the history of television talent competitions. Born in Kahuku, Hawaii, and later moving to Federal Way, Washington, Tongi brought authentic Island reggae and acoustic soul to the American Idol stage.

Iam Tongi (Season 21 Winner)

• Audition: "Monsters" by James Blunt (Dedicated to late father)
• Finale Song: "I'll Be Seeing You" (Dedicated to family)
• Signature Genre: Island Reggae / Soul / Folk

The Viral Audition Heard Round the World

Tongi’s audition in New Orleans instantly became a cultural phenomenon. Performing James Blunt’s "Monsters," Tongi dedicated the song to his late father, Rodney, who had passed away shortly before the audition. The emotional performance brought judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to tears.

The audition clip quickly amassed tens of millions of views across YouTube and TikTok, establishing Tongi as an immediate fan favorite long before the live voting rounds commenced.

Cultural Representation and Musical Style

Throughout Season 21, Tongi used his platform to celebrate his Pacific Islander heritage. Playing his ukulele and acoustic guitar, he delivered warm, effortless renditions of songs like:

• "Don't Let Go" by Spawnbreezie
• "The Winner Takes It All" by ABBA
• "Father and Son" by Cat Stevens

His ability to infuse pop classics with acoustic warmth created a soothing, instantly recognizable signature sound.

Debut Single and Post-Show Impact

Tongi’s winning single, "I'll Be Seeing You," written by Season 18 alumnus Francisco Martin, hit the top spot on the iTunes charts shortly after the finale. The track addressed grief, hope, and memory, directly echoing Tongi’s personal journey.

Since winning, Tongi has toured extensively across Hawaii, the American mainland, and the South Pacific, headlining reggae festivals and releasing original music like "Why Worry" and "Road to Hana." He holds the distinction of being the first native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander to win American Idol.

Season 20 Winner: Noah Thompson (2022)

Noah Thompson took home the top prize in Season 20, representing the classic American Idol narrative of a humble, small-town worker with untapped natural talent. Prior to the show, Thompson was a construction worker from Louisa, Kentucky, with no formal music training.

Noah Thompson (Season 20 Winner)

• Audition: "Giving You Up" by Kameron Marlowe
• Breakthrough: Country flip of Rihanna's "Stay"
• Signature Genre: Country Rock / Americana

From Construction Sites to the Idol Stage

Thompson did not even apply for the competition himself. His coworker and close friend, Arthur Johnson, signed him up for virtual auditions after hearing Thompson sing on job sites. During his initial audition, Thompson sang Kameron Marlowe’s "Giving You Up," winning over the judges with his gritty vocal texture and humble demeanor.

The Turning Point: Flipping R&B into Country

Thompson's defining moment on Season 20 came during the Showstopper Round when he performed a country-rock version of Rihanna’s hit pop ballad "Stay." The creative rearrangement demonstrated his artistic vision and proved he could transform non-country material into convincing Southern rock anthems.

Despite contracting COVID-19 during the live rounds—which forced him to perform virtually from a hotel room during the Top 5 week—the public rallied behind his resilience and authenticity.

Winning Single and Career Development

Thompson claimed the Season 20 crown after performing his original single, "One of These Days," along with covers of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire" and Hunter Hayes' "I Want Crazy."

Following his win, Thompson released his debut EP, Middle of Broke, featuring tracks like "Make You Rich" and his studio recording of "Stay." He has since performed at major country festivals, including CMA Fest, and toured alongside established country acts, establishing a firm footprint in Nashville.

Side-by-Side Comparison of the Last 3 Winners

To understand how audience preferences have evolved across recent seasons on ABC, examine the core details of these three champions side-by-side:

Key Trends Across Recent Winners

1. Genre Variety: The last three winners demonstrate that American Idol is no longer dominated by a single genre. While country music historically held a strong advantage, recent seasons show audience appreciation for indie pop (Carter) and island reggae (Tongi).
2. Emotional Storytelling: Each winner possessed a compelling backstory that resonated with voters. Whether it was Tongi’s tribute to his late father, Thompson’s working-class roots, or Carter’s self-taught musical discipline, personal connection remains crucial to winning the public vote.
3. Viral Audition Power: Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube play a major role in early voting momentum. Winners like Tongi and Carter achieved millions of views during their auditions, building national fanbases long before live episodes began.

How Recording Contracts Work for Modern Winners

Winning American Idol provides an immediate career launchpad, but the structure of post-show record deals has changed significantly since the early days of the show on FOX.

Idol Winner Record Deal Pipeline:

1. 19 Entertainment / BMG Record Deal
2. Distribution via Major Partner
3. Single Release & Media Tour

• Record Label Partner: Modern winners contractually sign with 19 Recordings, the official music label arm of the show, often in partnership with major distribution houses like BMG or BBR Music Group (for country acts).
• Guaranteed Advance: Winners typically receive a cash advance alongside a recording contract to fund an initial EP or full-length studio project.
• Management & Booking: Winners gain access to professional management teams and booking agents who help line up national tours, festival appearances, and media junkets immediately after the finale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Season 22 of American Idol?

Abi Carter won Season 22 of American Idol in May 2024. She made history as the first artist to win the title after receiving a Platinum Ticket during the audition phase.

Who won Season 21 of American Idol?

Iam Tongi won Season 21 in May 2023. His emotional audition singing James Blunt’s "Monsters" went viral, making him the first native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander to take home the crown.

Who won Season 20 of American Idol?

Noah Thompson won Season 20 in May 2022. The country singer from Louisa, Kentucky, was nominated for the show by his construction coworker and won audiences over with his soulful country style.

Do American Idol winners still get record deals?

Yes. Modern American Idol winners secure a recording agreement with 19 Recordings alongside financial advances and distribution deals through major industry label partners like BMG.

What song did Iam Tongi perform for his audition?

Iam Tongi performed "Monsters" by James Blunt for his audition. He dedicated the performance to his late father, Rodney Tongi, creating one of the most shared clips in American Idol history.

Next Steps for Fans and Aspiring Artists

If you want to follow these artists or keep up with future seasons of the show:

1. Stream Original Releases: Check out Abi Carter’s "This Isn't Over," Iam Tongi’s "I'll Be Seeing You," and Noah Thompson’s Middle of Broke EP on major music streaming services.
2. Track Tour Schedules: Follow the artists on their official social media channels to catch live concert dates and festival appearances.
3. Audition Information: Aspiring contestants can sign up for virtual producer auditions for upcoming seasons by visiting the official ABC American Idol Auditions page.