CSUSB alumna Abi Carter captivated the audience with an outstanding performance at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert. The Indio native and American Idol winner headlined her first major concert on July 27, just months after winning season 22 of "American Idol."

Carter, who graduated summa cum laude from CSUSB’s Palm Desert Campus with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2023, has been busy since her "American Idol" win in May. She has been touring the country, meeting with record labels, and creating new music. Her debut single post-"Idol," "Peppermint Sky," which was released on July 25, was performed live to the enthusiastic crowd at the arena, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.

In a touching moment, Carter reflected on her time at CSUSB’s Palm Desert campus, recalling how she watched Acrisure Arena being constructed from a distance. “I remember thinking that if I ever had the chance to perform here, it would mean that I’d truly made it,” she shared, her words met with resounding cheers from the audience.

The concert, aptly named “No Amount of Dark,” showcased Carter's diverse musical talent, ranging from country tunes to soulful ballads. Alongside her three released singles, Carter delighted fans with some new, unreleased tracks. She engaged the crowd with stories behind some of her songs, including titles like “Block My Number,” “Worse to Me” and “Some People Need Drugs.” The concert included performances of heartfelt covers, such as “My Immortal” by Evanescence and Metallica's “Nothing Else Matters.” The evening also featured Canadian pop singer Laur Elle as the opening act.

Alumna Abi Carter's concert at Acrisure Arena on July 27
The enthusiastic audience at Abi Carter’s July 27 Acrisure Arena concert filled more than four-fifths of the arena.

The audience, which filled more than four-fifths of the arena, displayed their support with shirts, memorabilia and signs celebrating Carter. Among the attendees was Brandy Burge, an Indio resident who wore an "Indio hearts Abi Carter" shirt, expressing her pride in seeing a local talent achieve such success. “She’s like the girl next door with an incredible voice,” Burge said in an interview with the Desert Sun.

“Abi Carter made the Coyote family proud when she took to the stage in her hometown,” said concert attendee Tania Pantoja, chief of staff to CSUSB Vice President Robert Nava. Also in attendance was CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales, his wife, Evy, and friends of the university, Dick and Jan Oliphant, who were instrumental in the founding of CSUSB’s Palm Desert Campus.

“What a night!” said Rod Hendry, ’83, president of the Palm Desert Campus Advancement Board and member of the Philanthropic Foundation Board of Directors. “Seeing CSUSB Palm Desert Campus alumna, Abi Carter, perform at Acrisure Arena was surreal. I remember seeing her American Idol audition back in February. Her courage and her ability to rise to the occasion won her the title of American Idol. Tonight it won her our hearts. I look forward to seeing her successful career as it unfolds.”

As the concert concluded, Carter expressed her gratitude, calling it “the night of a lifetime.” She returned for an encore, performing Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”— the song that launched her "Idol" journey — and her single, “This Isn’t Over.”

The night ended with the crowd chanting "Abi! Abi! Abi!" as Carter left the stage, promising to return soon. Her performance was not only a milestone in her career but also a proud moment for the entire CSUSB community, celebrating the remarkable achievements of one of its own.

“It truly felt like the Coyote family was there in full force to support an incredible alumna as she launched her career,” said Pantoja.