John Foster, a standout contestant on American Idol, has officially made it into the Top 10—and he did it with heart, soul, and a powerful tribute to country legend Randy Travis.

Foster first won over fans during his audition, not just with his classic country voice but with his unexpected backstory. A Louisiana native and LSU student, Foster shared that he’s studying to become an oncologist, jokingly calling himself a potential “singing oncologist.” His blend of compassion and charisma quickly made him a fan favorite.

Throughout the season, Foster has brought a deep love for traditional country music to the Idol stage, performing favorites like Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon,” Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” and even Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” all while keeping his southern roots front and center.

One of his most unforgettable moments came when he performed an original song titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The emotional ballad was written in memory of his close friend Maggie Dunn and her friend Caroline, both of whom tragically passed away in a car crash on New Year’s Eve 2022. A police officer, in pursuit of a suspect, had run a red light, leading to the heartbreaking accident.

Foster poured his grief and love into the lyrics:

“Each tear that falls on my guitar
Is a hug from afar
Lord, won’t you tell that angel I love her?
As y’all live in the stars”

The touching tribute left a lasting impression on viewers across the country.

This week, during the “Iconic Idol Moments” episode, Foster honored another country great—Randy Travis—with a heartfelt rendition of “I Told You So.” Originally released in 1988, the song later gained renewed popularity when Travis teamed up with Carrie Underwood to perform it on the Idol stage. Foster’s version paid respect to that legacy while adding his own emotional spin.

As he continues on his Idol journey, John Foster is proving he’s more than just a great voice—he’s an artist with a story to tell and a heart full of purpose.

With his cowboy hat, guitar, and a voice that screams country, 18-year-old John Foster is proving to be a standout talent on American Idol. The Louisiana native isn’t just a contestant—he’s a force to be reckoned with. During the live show, Foster delivered a heartfelt tribute to country music that left judge Carrie Underwood both grinning with pride and blushing with surprise.

Taking the stage with ease, Foster performed a flawless rendition of “I Told You So,” a classic hit originally by Randy Travis and famously covered by Carrie Underwood. But this performance wasn’t just about hitting the right notes—it was about creating a deep emotional connection with the audience, and Foster nailed it.

As the music came to an end, Underwood was visibly moved. “I’m blushing!” she said, clearly touched by the performance. “Each challenge, you push yourself. I love watching you grow.” The crowd cheered, and the judges were quick to shower him with praise. Lionel Richie said, “I’m so proud of you. You killed it!” while Luke Bryan added, “You impress me on so many levels.” Underwood even compared Foster to country legend Dwight Yoakam—a huge compliment for any artist, especially one so early in their career.

This wasn’t the first time Foster has captured America’s attention. From his very first audition, where he performed a medley of George Jones’ “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time,” he’s shown a deep love for traditional country music. Since then, he’s delivered memorable performances of songs like “Neon Moon,” “In Color,” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” along with his emotional original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.”

Most recently, Foster brought the house down with a high-energy performance of Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Week, where he showcased his growing stage presence with a little help from mentor James Taylor. The result was a showstopping performance that earned him a spot in the American Idol Top 10.

Now, as a member of the Top 10, John Foster is proving that he’s more than just a country singer with a great voice. He’s a future star with heart, charisma, and a growing fanbase. Whether or not he wins it all, one thing is clear: America is rooting for John Foster, and Carrie Underwood isn’t the only one smiling with pride.

John Foster, a rising star on American Idol, continues to impress with his powerful performances, and his recent duet with Todd O’Neill is no exception. The pair delivered an unforgettable rendition of Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” blending their voices seamlessly in a way that felt like a professional studio recording. The emotional depth and energy they brought to the song showcased their undeniable chemistry, making it clear that they weren’t just singing—they were telling a story.

Earlier this season, John also honored judge Carrie Underwood with a touching tribute. He performed “I Told You So,” a song originally sung by Randy Travis and Underwood on Idol in 2009. John shared that Carrie had been a major influence on him since his first audition, where her support helped him make it through. He ended the performance by removing his hat in front of Underwood, which left her visibly moved. “I’m blushing!” she said, clearly touched by his gesture.

John’s emotional and heartfelt performances have earned him a spot in the Top 10, and he’s set to take the stage again on May 4 for a special episode celebrating iconic women in music. With a growing fanbase, a love for country music, and a knack for connecting with his audience, John Foster is quickly becoming a standout on this season of American Idol.

@qtmandyyy

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♬ original sound – Amanda

WEST BATON ROUGE — On Sunday night, John Foster’s heartfelt performance of his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her” brought millions of viewers to tears on American Idol. The emotional tribute, written for his best friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2022, hit especially close to home for Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, who was in the audience to witness the powerful moment.

“I didn’t hear him say, ‘I love you, Maggie,’ while I was there live,” Erin shared with UWK, fighting back tears. “I could see him getting emotional on stage, but I only heard the words ‘I love you, Maggie’ when I watched it at home. It really meant a lot.”

John’s raw, vulnerable performance was made even more significant by the story behind the song. Maggie and her friend Caroline Gill died when a police officer, involved in a high-speed chase, crashed into their car on New Year’s Eve 2022. Maggie’s brother, Liam, survived but sustained serious injuries. In the wake of this devastating loss, Maggie’s father, Randall Dunn, founded the Margaret “Maggie” Edline Dunn (MED) Foundation to honor her legacy and raise awareness.

John wrote the song on the very day of the accident, pouring his grief and love into the lyrics. “It is the most beautiful, yet the most horrific thing I’ve ever created,” he said in an earlier interview.

The night of the performance, Erin was seated alongside John’s family and friends. She described it as an unforgettable moment, especially when she saw her daughter and Caroline’s names on a sign held up by John’s sister, Elizabeth. “We had a sign—I think they showed it on TV,” Erin recalled. “That was just another special moment to show their names.”

The performance not only touched hearts but sparked action. Since John’s tribute aired, Maggie Dunn’s story has gained more attention, and Erin sees it as a hopeful sign for change. “Hopefully, somebody with the power to enact change will hear it and step forward,” she said. “Maybe people will realize that this frustration isn’t just from one event. It’s a systemic issue.”

Erin also spoke about the unique bond between John and Maggie, a friendship rooted in mutual support. “Maggie always believed in his talent,” she said. “They weren’t just friends—they built each other up.”

John’s humility and respect for others have remained unchanged, even as his profile grows. Erin fondly remembered how he once called rapper Jelly Roll “Mr. Roll,” only for Jelly Roll to laugh and say, “Please don’t ever say that again.”

Erin believes Maggie always saw the potential in John, even before the world did. “He carries around a letter Maggie wrote for him in junior English class. She told him, ‘You have talent. Keep pushing forward.’”

Now, John is doing just that, achieving his goals with a quiet determination. “He was valedictorian. If he sets his mind to something, he’s going to achieve it,” Erin said proudly.

As John continues his journey on American Idol, Erin has one final message for the fans: “I am so freaking proud of him. It’s one thing to comment on how beautiful the song was, but you’ve got to vote!”

John Foster will compete again this Sunday night on American Idol as he aims for a spot in the Top 10. For Erin Martin, it’s not just a competition; it’s a tribute to the enduring friendship between John and Maggie, and a reminder that her daughter’s light still shines.

Country music royalty Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert came together for an unforgettable moment at the 56th Annual CMA Awards, opening the show with a moving tribute to the legendary Loretta Lynn. It was a powerful celebration of Loretta’s groundbreaking legacy and the impact she’s had on generations of artists.

The trio delivered a beautiful medley of Loretta’s biggest hits, each bringing their own flair to the stage while staying true to Loretta’s iconic sound. The tribute kicked off with a touching rendition of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and flowed seamlessly into timeless favorites like “You Ain’t Woman Enough” and “The Pill.”

As Reba, Carrie, and Miranda sang together, their harmonies filled the room with emotion. It wasn’t just a showcase of incredible vocals—it was a heartfelt thank-you to a pioneer who blazed trails for women in country music. You could feel the love and respect in every note.

The audience responded with a standing ovation, many visibly touched by the performance. One longtime fan captured the sentiment best: “In my 75 years of listening to country music, this is the best tribute to Loretta Lynn I’ve ever seen.”

For these three artists, it was more than just a performance—it was a chance to honor a hero. The tribute perfectly set the tone for the night, reminding everyone why Loretta Lynn’s voice, spirit, and legacy continue to inspire the country music world.

With a voice as smooth as a southern breeze, John Foster has been turning heads long before his American Idol journey. During a local performance that now feels like a sneak peek into his future, Foster delivered a heartfelt cover of George Jones’ classic “If Drinking Don’t Kill Me.” His deep, soulful voice, full of old-school country charm, was a perfect fit for the iconic tune. It was one of those moments where the crowd fell silent, all eyes and ears on him.

This wasn’t just a cover; it was a reminder that the heart of country music still lives in small-town venues, even before the national spotlight arrived.

Now a Top 10 contestant on American Idol, Foster’s talent has only grown, but the magic was there from the start. His voice carries an emotional weight that can’t be taught—it’s lived, felt, and shared.

It seems his potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. After the April 28 Idol live show, guest mentor Carrie Underwood shared glowing praise for the rising star. “He’s one of those people who doesn’t even realize how good he is,” Underwood told People, noting that Foster reminds her of her son. “When he’s over there singing to me, I kind of feel like a proud mom. He’s very good.”

Foster has since impressed audiences with performances like Randy Travis’ “I Told You So” and his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of a close friend who tragically passed in 2022.

Before Idol’s bright lights, John Foster’s talent was already undeniable. With every performance, it’s clear that real country music is alive and well—and its future sounds a lot like him.

John Foster’s rise into the American Idol Season 23 Top 10 has fans cheering louder than ever. With his honest voice, down-to-earth charm, and heartfelt performances, the 18-year-old Louisiana native has quickly become a fan favorite—and for good reason. Every time he takes the stage, it’s more than just a performance. It’s a moment.

Sharing his joy on social media, Foster posted:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Foster (@officialjohnfoster)

After securing his spot in the Top 10, Foster shared a humble message of gratitude, reminding everyone why they’ve fallen in love with his journey. This isn’t just about him—it’s about the friends, family, and fans who’ve believed in him from the start.

During the April 28 live show, themed “Iconic Idol Moments,” John took a personal route, choosing a song that holds deep meaning: Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood’s duet version of I Told You So. The connection? It was Carrie Underwood who gave him a second chance during his audition—one that turned the judges’ panel around.

“Carrie’s kind of been my voice on the panel,” he said. “If she hadn’t asked me to sing again, Luke would’ve said no. So this is my way of saying thank you. I love you, Carrie.”

With quiet confidence, Foster began the song sitting on a stool, then followed advice from guest mentor Fantasia Barrino to finish closer to the judges. As the final notes echoed, he stepped forward and tipped his hat to Carrie—small, sincere, and unforgettable.

“I’m blushing!” Underwood said with a smile. “You keep challenging yourself, doing different songs, trying new things. I love watching you grow. And I think Randy Travis would’ve loved that too.”

Luke Bryan, never one to miss a joke, teased, “You know Carrie’s husband is a hockey player, right?” The room laughed as John grinned and replied, “All respect, all respect.”

With every performance, John Foster shows he’s more than just a country singer—he’s a storyteller with soul. And as the competition heats up, fans across the country are all in, ready to see just how far he’ll go.

There’s no question — the Bee Gees gave us some of the most unforgettable music ever made. With every song they released, they proved just how powerful and timeless their sound really was.

That’s why covering one of their classics isn’t something just anyone can pull off. It takes real heart, real soul — and a whole lot of talent. Thankfully, Keith Urban is the perfect artist for the job. His stunning voice and personal touch on “To Love Somebody” completely captivated the audience, leaving everyone hanging on every note.

You could even see Barry Gibb himself feeling the weight of the moment — a true testament to the magic Keith created on that stage. And when the final chord rang out, the crowd instantly jumped to their feet, giving him the standing ovation he so clearly earned.

What an incredible way to honor true music legends!

Long before he made it to American Idol’s Season 23 Top 10, 18-year-old John Foster was already turning heads in his hometown of Addis, Louisiana. In a standout local performance, he honored country legend Toby Keith with a passionate cover of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” — and the moment gave everyone a glimpse of the star he was becoming.

Armed with just his guitar and a voice as rich as the Southern soil he grew up on, Foster poured everything into the performance. His take on the patriotic anthem wasn’t just powerful — it was personal. Every line hit with conviction, and you could tell he wasn’t just singing the words — he felt them.

🎸 Before the American Idol cameras rolled, Foster was already proving he had what it takes to make it big in country music.

It wasn’t a flashy performance. It was real. From the first strum to the final lyric, Foster reminded everyone what country music is really about: truth, pride, and pure emotion.

Growing up in a town where country music plays like a heartbeat, Foster found inspiration in legends like George Strait, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. Those classic influences helped shape not just his voice — but his values.

Before Idol, he’d already shared the stage with big names like John Schneider (The Dukes of Hazzard), Doug Stone, and Don Rich. Each performance added to his foundation, helping him grow into the artist fans are now cheering for across the country.

🎶 John Foster’s voice doesn’t just sing — it tells a story. And it’s a voice people are starting to remember.

(If the TikTok clip isn’t working above, scroll down to catch the full performance!)

Foster’s version of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” was more than a cover — it was a proud salute to his roots, his country, and the kind of music that raised him. And now, as he continues to rise on American Idol, it’s clear that moment was just the beginning.

He’s not just chasing his dream — he’s living it, guitar in hand and heart wide open.

On April 28, 2025, during American Idol Season 23’s “Iconic American Idol Moments” episode, 18-year-old country standout John Foster took the stage with a heartfelt performance of Randy Travis’s classic ballad, “I Told You So.” With every note, he reminded viewers why he’s quickly becoming one of the most beloved voices of the season.

Hailing from Addis, Louisiana, Foster has built a reputation on Idol for staying true to traditional country roots while delivering raw, emotional performances. There’s a sincerity in his voice that feels timeless—something that’s hard to teach and even harder to fake.

Earlier in the season, Foster moved audiences with his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022. That tribute became a turning point, not only showcasing his songwriting talent but revealing just how deeply he connects with his music.

With “I Told You So,” Foster continued to build on that emotional storytelling. His stripped-down, soul-stirring rendition struck a chord with both judges and fans, bringing fresh emotion to a beloved country classic. The judges praised his vocal control, but more importantly, they applauded the heart behind the performance.

John Foster isn’t just singing songs—he’s living them. And that honest, country soul is what’s keeping him at the top of the competition.