Abi Carter finds encouragement from Coachella Valley heading into ‘American Idol’

From singing at village fest in Downtown Palm Springs, to receiving a platinum ticket to in American Idol, Abi Cater is heading to Hollywood. 

Nearly a week following her Idol debut, Carter continues to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of encouragement she’s received.  

“The sheer amount of support I've received has been so incredible. I’m just constantly overwhelmed,” said Carter. 

Carter’s journey to this moment began in her childhood in the Coachella Valley. From farmers markets to VillageFest, she poured her heart into her performances. 

“I’ve done farmers markets and the Palm Springs vintage market,” said Carter. “but VillageFest holds a really special place in my heart. It’s really where it all started for me.” 

During her high school years, Cater supported her family, leaving La Quinta High School after just one semester to help her mom care for her six siblings.

“I kind of had to step away and become homeschooled to be able to get a job and help with drop off and pick ups for all of my siblings because my mom was going to school and getting a degree to be able to support us,” said Carter.  

But now, it’s her time to shine. “Now I feel like I’m finally doing something for myself,” said Carter. “It’s been the most incredible experience.”

And for Carter, the experience is nearly hard to believe. The one word she uses to describe the moment: overwhelming. 

“I felt like I was watching a movie from a different perspective and it was happening to me which is the craziest part about it.” 

In October 2023, Carter clinched her ticket to Hollywood, but she's kept it under wraps for the past four months. A patient game of waiting… 

“I was still doing everything that I was doing before. I was still playing in Village Fest and being here with my family and having less than 1,000 followers. It was just normal life.”

And while Carter has gained the support of millions after her American Idol debut, its her family’s support that means the most. 

She told us that every time she watches the clip of her family listening in to her audition, she is overcome with emotions.

“When I see my mom with her ear on the door, and then to see my sisters voice crack when they are clapping, and my brother on the floor, we’ve been through so much together and I feel like I've supported them throughout so much of their stuff and this was one of the first times that I felt so, so supported.” 

And going into this next round of American Idol Carter grapples with a whirlwind of emotions. 

“I feel scared, anxious, overwhelmed and happy. I'm feeling everything. But I know that having the support of this Valley behind me means everything.” 

You can hear from Abi Carter on News Channel 3 tonight at 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00.

American Idol airs on KESQ this Sunday night at 8:00 PM.