Coachella Today

Assemblymembers Greg Wallis and Eduardo Garcia welcomed American Idol winner Abi Carter to the California State Assembly on August 6, 2024. Carter, a singer-songwriter from the Coachella Valley, recently won Season 22 of American Idol with performances including Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and “Somewhere” from West Side Story.

Carter is a graduate of Palm Desert High School and earned her psychology degree summa cum laude from CSU San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus in 2023. She recently headlined her first arena concert at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.

“We are so proud of Abi. She’s a shining star who has brought so much pride to our community,” said Assemblymember Greg Wallis. “I might just take a little credit for launching her career—she put on an amazing show at one of my district events, and the rest is history!”

Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia added, “Abi is a true hometown hero. Her journey from performing locally to winning American Idol is inspiring, and it’s an honor to celebrate her success here at the Capitol. She’s made all of us in the Coachella Valley incredibly proud.”