‘American Idol’ finalist Abi Carter visits her old Palm Springs VillageFest street corner

Indio native Abi Carter used to play music for tips on a Palm Springs corner during VillageFest. And on Tuesday morning, the singer made a triumphant return to the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Andreas Road as an "American Idol" finalist.

The quick meet-up with fans in downtown Palm Springs kicked off her “hometown visit" to the Coachella Valley, which is being filmed for the finale of "American Idol" that airs Sunday. That visit will culminate Tuesday night with a parade and free concert in downtown Indio.

As a crowd cheered "Abi! Abi!" Carter said, "I'm so proud to be here. I'm so thankful. ... I don't think this could have been a better way to come home. I think no matter what happens, this is so much more rewarding than winning could ever be."

Someone in the crowd called back, "You're gonna win!"

What else is Abi Carter doing in the Palm Springs area Tuesday?

Carter, who was named one of three finalists during Sunday’s episode of “American Idol,” is visiting the desert for an "Idol" tradition that sees the three finalists return to their hometowns for a series of festivities and events that are filmed and incorporated into the final episode.

Besides her stop in Palm Springs, Carter’s visit will also include a parade that will travel along Miles Avenue from Miles Avenue Park starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday. That will be followed by a 7 p.m. concert at the new Center Stage venue at  82-881 Miles Avenue in Downtown Indio. Both events are free and open to the public.

Carter will also be making a visit to George Washington Charter School in Palm Desert, her alma mater, earlier in the day. That visit is closed to the public.

More: Indio's Abi Carter was serenading the Palm Springs area long before 'American Idol' debut

How to watch the finale

The finale, at which footage from Carter’s visit to her native Coachella Valley will be shown, will be shown at 5 p.m. PT on ABC this Sunday. It will also be available to stream on Hulu starting on Monday.

Paul Albani-Burgio covers growth, development and business (and sometimes breaking news) in the Coachella Valley. Follow him on Twitter at @albaniburgiop and email him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: ‘American Idol’ finalist Abi Carter returns to Palm Springs