'American Idol' finalist Abi Carter returns to Indio for hometown visit ahead of finale
The City of Indio showed up in full force Tuesday evening to cheer on "American Idol" finalist and fellow resident Abi Carter during her hometown visit ahead of the show's Sunday finale.
Camera crews followed Carter throughout the day as she reunited with former teachers at George Washington Charter School in Palm Desert, spent time with young gymnasts at the Indio Community Center and even took a trip up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. She closed out her day by returning to her hometown for a parade and concert.
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"Indio is home to me. As directionally challenged as I am, the mountains have always brought me such support around here," Carter said in front of the downtown Indio sign. "To me, it's like a blanket wrapped around me. I'm excited to see Indio on national television because I hope that people love it as much as I do."
Indio showed plenty of love to the singer as city council members presented her with a key to the city and declared her mayor for the day. Councilmember Elaine Holmes told Carter "you embody the spirit of our city in every aspect of your being" and that she has made an "indelible mark" on the community.
Later on, Carter had an opportunity to give back to her community by presenting local nonprofit Tools For Tomorrow with a $20,000 check. The nonprofit provides free after school and online arts literacy programs for children, which the singer took part in when she was younger. Organizers also shared that she has performed for the organization throughout the years.
Throughout the evening, Carter was surrounded by people holding posters and wearing "Indio loves Abi Carter" shirts. Even businesses along Miles Avenue and Smurr Street decorated their storefronts with signs of encouragement for the "Idol" finalist.
Some fans even traveled from throughout the country to be at her hometown visit.
Texas resident Albert Chavira was already in Southern California and decided to make the trek to the desert to see Carter take the Indio stage. One of his favorite Carter performances is her rendition of Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" when she was in the Top 14.
"Her songs make me a little emotional. She sings like an angel," Chavira said. "She's just got it all."
Florida resident Julie Sythe was also visiting family when she decided to extend her trip to attend Carter's hometown concert. She said that songs take on a whole new meaning when the "Idol" finalist sings them.
After Carter cruised down Miles Avenue for her parade, she took the stage at Indio's newest venue, Center Stage, to perform a number of her "Idol" songs, including "The Chain," "Bring Me to Life," "Hello" and "What Was I Made For?" as well as a couple original songs (including one, "This Isn’t Over," which will be released Friday). Additionally, members of Danza Azteca Citlaltonac danced and performed a blessing for Carter.
"This is the biggest crowd of my life. It feels like I'm at Coachella fest right now," Carter said at one point during the concert. Some members of the audience were overheard saying she should earn a spot on the festival's lineup.
One of the highlights of the evening was Carter spotlighting several members of her family. First, she sang a duet of "I Dreamed a Dream" from "Les Misérables" with her mother, Andrea, which was a nod to when the two performed the song during the annual McCallum Theatre Open Call Talent Project in 2016.
Audience members were treated to powerhouse vocals from both women, and the rest of the Carter family rushed the stage to wrap them in a big hug at the end of the song.
She also performed an original song dedicated to her sisters, during which Carter was moved to tears.
Carter thanked members of the audience for their unwavering support throughout her "Idol" journey and encouraged them to chase their dreams as well. The singer added she never necessarily wanted to win the show, but her hometown visit made her realize, "Wow, I really want to win it for them."
"Regardless of what happens on Sunday, this is so much more amazing than winning the show could ever be for me," Carter said. "I think that being here, having this hometown visit, this is the win."
The "American Idol" finale, during which footage from Carter’s visit to her native Coachella Valley will be shown, will air live at 5 p.m. PST Sunday on ABC. It will also be available to stream on Hulu starting Monday.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 'American Idol' finalist Abi Carter Indio hometown visit
