American Idol winner Abi Carter drops puck, sings national anthem at CV Firebirds playoff game
American Idol winner and Indio native Abi Carter sang the Star-Spangled Banner and dropped the ceremonial puck before the Coachella Valley Firebirds' huge Western Conference Finals game against the Milwaukee Admirals Friday night in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Acrisre Arena.
Watch the ceremony below:
The Firebirds won 3-1 to take a two-game lead in the the-best-of-seven series.
Visit our Firebirds Section for more on tonight's game
It is Abi's first time returning home since winning American Idol a little under two weeks ago and she got a fired-up welcome from the Coachella Valley.
"I could not be more honored to be the guest of honor here today," Abi told News Channel 3's Bianca Ventura before the game.
Her mic was ON🎤🗣️
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) June 1, 2024
2024 @AmericanIdol Winner Abi Carter joined the @Firebirds tonight singing the National Anthem before Game 2 of #CVvsMIL! pic.twitter.com/2TB3G6N0At
"What does it mean to have the support of your entire hometown? The entire Coachella Valley?" Bianca asked Abi.
Abi answered, "I mean, it just means the world. I would not be here without them. I mean, the how I got here is based on votes, and this whole valley was voting for me, and I just. Yeah, from the bottom of my heart. I'm so thankful. So thankful."
American Idol winner Abi Carter is set to perform the National Anthem and drop the puck at the Coachella Valley @Firebirds' playoff game in a few moments #CalderCup
— KESQ News Channel 3 (@KESQ) June 1, 2024
You can watch her performance live here: https://t.co/gvJ4SdSiHi pic.twitter.com/BzSG01waXZ
Fans were just as fired up for the desert’s hockey team and their hometown American Idol star.
"I passed her by. She's just so sweet. And just at ease with all the attention. But, still just so down to earth. It's just beautiful to see," one fan told News Channel 3.
"This valley raised me, and I hope to raise this valley up with me, and I hope to keep staying myself while it happens," Abi said.
Check out some of our previous coverage of Abi on her journey to winning American Idol:
