'This is just the beginning': Georgia native Will Moseley places ...

"American Idol" ended its 22nd season on Sunday, and while Georgia's own Will Moseley didn't take the crown, he did go the distance.

Abi Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California won the popular vote to become the season 22 champion while Moseley, 23, from Hazelhurst, and Jack Blocker, 25, from Dallas were runner-ups. Moseley and Carter stood side-by-side, arm-in-arm when the winner was announced.

Moseley was all smiles throughout the announcement, briefly celebrating Carter and giving her a hug as she broke down in tears over her victory.

It was an emotional event full of great songs and celebrity cameos. Here's a recap of the big night:

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What did Will Moseley perform for the finale of 'American Idol?'

The finale of "American Idol" started with a group performance of the three finalists singing Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer." They were soon joined by the rock legend and all four sang his new single "Legendary."

Each of the finalists sang Bon Jovi covers. Moseley's was "It's My Life." During a one-on-one conversation, Moseley FaceTimed his father, a major Bon Jovi fan, and Jon Bon Jovi thanked his father for educating Moseley on music. He also coached Moseley on his cover, helping him commit more to the lyrics.

"Being in the room with someone of that caliber is special in itself," Moseley said. "When they think enough of you to push you a little bit, it means so much more."

We next see Moseley during some footage of his return to Hazelhurst, where family, friends, and the greater Hazelhurst community showed their support with billboards, parades, and plenty of applause. Among the highlights was his return to his elementary school, where the schoolchildren surprised Moseley by singing his original song "Gone for Good." It left him speechless.

He went on to sing "My Town" by Montgomery Gentry as a salute to his home town. One of the judges, Luke Bryan, said it's one of his favorite songs, and after hearing Moseley's performance, he is sure Moseley has all the tools he will ever need after "American Idol."

He then sang a couple songs with some of the other men of "American Idol," including the 2015 champion Nick Fradiani, as part of a goodbye to Katy Perry as a judge on the show.

Next, it was time for Moseley's duet, which was with Hootie and the Blowfish. Together they sang a medley including hits like "Hold My Hand" and "Let Her Cry."

Moseley's last performance in "American Idol" was his original song "Good Book Bad." Afterwards, Perry said she is sure he will be a star whether he is the champion or not.

Here's what the other two finalists sang through out the night:

Abi Carter: "Bed of Roses" by Bon Jovi, "Somewhere" from "West Side Story," "River" a duet with Bishop Briggs, and "This Isn't Over" an original single.

Jack Blocker: "I'll Be There for You" by Bon Jovi, "All My Ex’s Live in Texas" by George Strait, and "What Makes A Woman" duet with Katy Perry.

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What does the 'American Idol' winner get?

According to Distractify, "American Idol" winners receive $250,000 and a recording contract with Hollywood Records/19 Recordings. Though he didn't take the crown, Moseley seems to be keeping his spirits high, posting the following message on Facebook:

"Feeling incredibly blessed to have been apart of this amazing journey. Finishing this journey on a high note and this is just the beginning! Get ready America, because this is just the launch pad of my music career. Here comes Will."

Will there be a season 23 of 'American Idol'?

Billboard reports that ABC has officially renewed "American Idol" for a 23rd season. A premiere date has yet to be announced. Although Richie and Bryan will return for season 23, Perry announced in February that she will leave the judges' panel after seven seasons to "focus on other endeavors." Perry's replacement has yet to be announced.