“It Means the World to Me”: ‘American Idol’ Winner Has Fans on the Edge of Their Seats With Major Announcement

Abi Carter showed American Idol fans what she was made for during season 22. The 21-year-old Indio, California native was a frontrunner early on following her haunting audition of Billie Eilish’s Oscar-winning song from last year’s Barbie movie. Carter’s performances got better by the week until viewers crowned her the season 22 winner over runner-up Will Moseley. The singer-songwriter has already proven she can make anyone else’s song uniquely her own. However, fans are hungry for some original material, and it seems Carter will soon deliver.

Abi Carter Will Release First New Song Post-‘American Idol’

Abi Carter released her self-empowerment anthem “This Isn’t Over” ahead of the American Idol season 22 finale. Now, the budding indie-pop star is set to release another original song. Carter announced in a Tuesday (July 16) Instagram post that “Peppermint Sky” will drop July 26.

“I had full creative control on this one and it means the world to me,” wrote the American Idol champ in the caption, adding a smiley face emoticon.

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This is huge news, as fans have eagerly monitored Carter’s social media for any hint of new music since her May 19 victory. “AHHHHHHHHHHH @abicartermusic IS DROPPING A NEW SONG,” one Instagram user commented on Carter’s post.

“Peppermint Sky” will hit shelves one day ahead of Carter’s first-ever full-length concert. The songbird will take the stage July 27 at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, for her first live show,  No Amount of Dark.

American Idol viewers have already witnessed Carter’s range. She can transition from spicy to wistful with ease. A title like “Peppermint Sky” could fall into either of those categories—or both. No doubt that American Idol fans are marking their calendars. You can pre-save “Peppermint Sky” here.

[RELATED: ‘American Idol’ Fans Brought to Tears After Abi Carter Makes Dreams Come True With Emotional Early 2000s Ballad]

No Really, Who’s Replacing Katy Perry?

While the season 22 finale was emotional because American Idol crowned its first female winner in four years, fans also said good-bye to Katy Perry. The “Woman’s World” singer exited the show after seven seasons judging alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Nearly two months later, fans still have not heard an official word about her replacement. In fact, Bryan and Richie aren’t totally sure of their return either.

“We currently haven’t heard what the story is on who’s coming back,” said Bryan, 48. “I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do. We’re just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide.”

Featured photo via Instagram