At just 18 years old, Louisiana native John Foster has become one of American Idol Season 23’s most talked-about contestants, blending old-school country charm with deeply personal storytelling. The Addis, Louisiana, singer has advanced to the Top 1, winning over judges and viewers alike with heartfelt performances rooted in faith and resilience.
Foster’s breakout moment came during the April 20 Easter Special, where he performed “Tell That Angel I Love Her”-an original song written to honor his late best friend Maggie Dunn and classmate Caroline Gill, who tragically died in a 2022 car accident. The emotional performance left judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie visibly moved, with Underwood praising his “throwback” traditional country style as “something lacking in music today.”
A devout Catholic and valedictorian of Brusly High School’s 2024 class, Foster balances his music career with ambitions to become a “singing oncologist,” currently studying biology for medical school. His neo-traditional sound-evoking legends like George Strait and Conway Twitty-has set him apart, alongside his Louisiana roots. During auditions, he gifted judges personalized coolers of Cajun food, later delivering standout covers of Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn.
With his cream cowboy hat and soulful vocals, Foster continues to climb Idol’s ranks, proving that authenticity and heart still resonate in modern country. Catch his journey Sundays and Mondays on ABC.
