Newfoundland's Will Carter Shines on American Idol with Heartfelt Journey

Meet Will Carter, a rising star from the shores of St. John’s, Newfoundland, whose heartfelt journey is captivating audiences across North America. More than just another contender on American Idol Season 23, Will brings a soulful story, rich in emotion and resilience, as he aims for the musical spotlight. With a hockey stick in one hand and a guitar in the other, his journey from community rinks to the bright lights of the Idol stage is nothing short of inspiring.

Stepping Into the Spotlight

As the final chords of his original song “Dreams” echoed through the audition room, a moment of silence hung in the air—then came the cheers. The judges, visibly moved, delivered a resounding “Yes” not just to his performance, but to the passion that radiated from it. Carrie Underwood even took note of Will’s unique blend of artistry and athleticism, nodding to his role as a local hockey coach. With that, Will secured his golden ticket and now heads to Hollywood Week with momentum and heart.

A Song from the Heart

“Dreams” is more than a debut—it’s a dedication. Will wrote the song in memory of his late mother, the pillar of his musical journey. Her encouragement still echoes in his voice, her spirit alive in every lyric he pens. “She was my biggest fan,” Will shared, his voice quivering with emotion. “I feel her with me every time I sing.” It’s this vulnerability and authenticity that has audiences leaning in, wanting to hear more.

Beyond the Idol Stage

This weekend marks a significant milestone: Will is releasing “Dreams” as his official debut single. Though new to the Spotify charts, his loyal Instagram followers have had early glimpses of his songwriting talent through tracks like “Chasin’ High” and “Line Without a Lore.” From snippets shared in living rooms to performances in local cafés, Will's music is finally breaking into the mainstream.

Hometown Roots and a Serendipitous Discovery

Early Beginnings: Will’s passion sparked young—plucking guitar strings at age eight and serenading family from toddlerhood.
Digital Discovery: His path to Idol began when show producers stumbled across his social media videos and local live gigs, quickly extending a life-changing invitation to audition.
History Maker: Will now holds the distinction of being the first contestant from Newfoundland to stand on the American Idol stage.

Viral Impact

The raw, stripped-down audition performance has lit up the internet, with fans dubbing it “tear-jerking” and “soul-stirring.” It has trended across YouTube and TikTok, resonating far beyond the show’s regular viewership. This isn’t just a competition—it's the start of Will Carter’s storybook chapter.

Catch Will next as he continues his journey during Hollywood Week, airing this coming Sunday on ABC. The dream is just beginning, and Will Carter is ready to chase it to the very end.