John Foster, teen country sensation and American Idol Season 23 finalist, returned to his roots in Addis, Louisiana, on May 14 — and the town rolled out a celebration fit for a superstar.

From high school pep rallies to boat parades, the day was filled with music, memories, and moments that brought an entire community to its feet.

Singing His Heart Out for Home
Wearing his signature cowboy hat and flashing that humble smile, John took the stage just as the sun dipped below the horizon. The energy was electric as fans gathered by the thousands, waving signs and belting out lyrics alongside him. When he sang “Calling Baton Rouge,” it wasn’t just a performance — it was a love letter to Louisiana.

“He brought the whole town to tears,” one fan said. “That wasn’t just a concert. It was a moment.”

Back to Where It All Began
Before the music and fanfare, John made a surprise visit to Brusly High School — the place where his dreams first took root. Cheered on by teachers and classmates wearing “We Love John Foster” shirts, he stepped onto the football field not as a student, but as an inspiration.

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“You’re lucky to have these teachers,” he told students. “They helped shape me into who I am.”

It was a powerful reminder that big dreams can come from small-town classrooms.

A Parade Packed with Pride
By late afternoon, Addis was buzzing with excitement. More than 5,000 people packed the streets for a colorful homecoming parade filled with floats, school colors, and chants of “John Foster for the win!”

Foster himself rode on a crawfish-themed float, tossing beads and soaking up the love from the crowd.

A Bayou Entrance Like No Other
In true Louisiana style, John made his grand concert entrance by boat — gliding in on Bayou Road with a trail of cheering fans behind him. The bayou, lined with boaters and banners, erupted into applause as the local boy turned star arrived with all the charm and heart of his hometown.

A Town That Shines Together
Addis isn’t just cheering for John. The whole community is on fire with talent and triumph:

Brusly Panthers baseball is headed to state.

Maci Williams took home a Division I golf medal.

The boys’ track team just claimed their first title in over 20 years.

“It’s not just about me,” John said. “This town is full of champions.”

Food, Family, and Faith
Locals flocked to Benoit’s Country Meat Block — John’s family store — to stock up on boudin and celebrate with hometown flavors. One fan even sold custom T-shirts to raise money for her dance studio, calling the day “Christmas in May.”

John summed it up best: “This is everything I love — family, food, and faith.”

Eyes on the Finale
As the American Idol Season 23 finale approaches, John Foster isn’t just singing for a title — he’s singing for everyone who’s ever dared to dream. His story is a reminder that with heart, hard work, and a whole lot of hometown support, anything is possible.

Don’t miss the finale this Sunday, May 18 at 8PM ET on ABC — and see if Louisiana’s rising star takes home the crown.

Breanna Nix just punched her ticket to the American Idol Season 23 finale — and back home in Denton, Texas, the celebration is already in full swing. When Ryan Seacrest called her name during the live show on May 12, cheers erupted not just in the studio, but all across town.

With over 19 million votes cast, this 25-year-old stay-at-home mom has become more than a contestant — she’s a symbol of determination and heart. And now, before she belts out her final notes on the Idol stage, Breanna is heading back to where it all began.

Denton Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Breanna
On May 14, Denton is throwing a full-on hometown bash in her honor. The day kicks off with a parade at 4:30 PM circling the historic Downtown Denton Square, followed by a free concert at 7 PM outside the Discover Denton Visitor Center.

Breanna took to social media to share her excitement:

“This has been the most insane, amazing experience of my life. To be in the TOP 3 because of YOUR votes?? That blows my mind. Denton… I’m coming home!!! Let’s GO!!!”

From First Notes to Final Stage
Breanna first won over hearts during her Idol audition with a moving performance of “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” The unforgettable moment featured her son Emerson sleeping in Carrie Underwood’s arms — a beautiful symbol of the love and balance she brings to both music and motherhood.

Week after week, she’s earned standing ovations from judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, who’ve praised her for her authenticity, strength, and pure vocal talent.

Denton Shows Its Love, One Treat at a Time
The whole town is getting into the spirit. Local businesses are honoring Breanna with everything from custom desserts and limited-edition merch, to storefront tributes that proudly declare: “Team Breanna All the Way!”

It’s a small-town celebration with big heart — and it’s clear that Denton is backing their hometown star every step of the way.

The Road Ahead: Idol Finale
Catch Breanna in the American Idol Season 23 Finale on Sunday, May 18 at 8 PM ET on ABC. Denton will even make an appearance during the national broadcast — a fitting tribute to the place that helped shape Breanna’s dream.

Whether she takes the crown or not, one thing is clear: Breanna Nix has already won something bigger — the love of her hometown and the hearts of millions across the country.

In a world where country music sometimes feels a little too polished, Ella Langley and Aaron Raitiere have dropped a song that cuts straight to the heart — no glitter, just truth. Their duet, “You Look Like You Love Me,” is emotional, understated, and deeply real — and it all started with an honest conversation that felt more like therapy than a songwriting session.

“It was one of those days where we weren’t saying much at first,” Aaron shared after the ACM Awards. “Then Ella said something like, ‘He didn’t say he loved me, but he looked like he did.’ And that was it — that was the line.”

From that simple but powerful moment, a song was born — one that captures the space between feelings and words, where so much love (and heartbreak) often lives.

Ella, known for her gritty, no-nonsense style, said working with Aaron helped her drop the guard and just be honest. “Writing with him strips away all the extra stuff. We weren’t trying to make a hit. We just wanted something that felt real.” And that’s exactly what they created — a quiet storm of a song that sounds like a late-night voicemail you never had the courage to send.

“You Look Like You Love Me” tells the story of a couple stuck in emotional limbo — a place where looks say more than words, and silence speaks volumes. The chorus lands softly but hits hard:
“You don’t say a thing / but your eyes beg me to stay / so I guess I’ll pretend / you feel the same way.”

The stripped-down production only adds to its intimacy — just acoustic guitar, a hint of steel, and their voices intertwining like two people trying to hold on just a little longer.

What makes this song resonate even more is the respect and honesty between the two artists. “We finished it in maybe 90 minutes,” Ella said. “Then we just sat there quietly. That’s when I knew it was something special.” Aaron nodded, adding, “It’s not about being clever — it’s about admitting the stuff that’s hardest to say.”

Since its release, the song has been quietly making waves — climbing playlists, popping up on TikTok in emotional videos, and drawing praise from fans and critics alike. Many are calling it a modern country gem — a reminder of what happens when artists dare to say the unsaid.

In a genre often filled with big hooks and slick production, “You Look Like You Love Me” stands out by doing the opposite. It’s soft. It’s subtle. And it’s honest — maybe painfully so. And for Ella Langley and Aaron Raitiere, that’s exactly the point.

Miranda Lambert, the most decorated artist in ACM Awards history, returned to the stage at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards—and reminded everyone why she’s a true country icon.

While she wasn’t up for any awards this year, her presence was a given. With 75 nominations and 38 wins over her career—including nine Female Artist of the Year titles and a 2022 Entertainer of the Year trophy—Lambert’s legacy with the ACMs is unmatched.

The star-studded show, held in Frisco, Texas, brought together the best in country music to celebrate six decades of the ACMs. Performers included legends like Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, and LeAnn Rimes, as well as fan-favorites like Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton, and Kelsea Ballerini. Yet it was Lambert’s raw and powerful performance that left one of the biggest impressions.

Miranda performed her latest single, “Run,” a deeply personal song that she waited 10 years to release. Though she’s never confirmed the inspiration behind it, fans believe the track reflects her split from fellow country star Blake Shelton. The lyrics capture the quiet unraveling of a relationship—when things are over long before either person says it out loud.

“I wasn’t ever ready to perform it until now,” Miranda shared in a recent interview. “And it’s a good reminder to go back through old songs—because emotional songs never really go out of style.” She went on to say that songs like “Run” often hold truths we’re not ready to face until much later.

“It’s hard to sing about something raw, especially if you’re still healing from it. But music helps us admit our mistakes, offer apologies, or just let go,” she explained.

The performance wasn’t just emotional—it also marked a full-circle moment. This year is the 20th anniversary of Lambert’s debut album Kerosene, and to celebrate, she brought rising star Ella Langley—the most-nominated artist of the night—onstage for a fiery duet of her 2005 breakout hit, “Kerosene.”

For fans, it was a moment of past, present, and future colliding—proof that while country music evolves, the heart of it never changes. Lambert’s performance was more than just a song—it was a reminder that even in a room full of glitz and gold, the most powerful moments are often the most honest.

Ella Langley is riding high in her career right now—but behind the scenes, she’s dealing with something much deeper.

After leading the pack with a whopping eight ACM Award nominations, including six for her powerful duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me,” Ella walked away with five wins. Among the honors was New Female Artist of the Year, solidifying her as one of country music’s fastest-rising stars.

She even lit up the stage during the live show with a fiery performance of Miranda Lambert’s “Kerosene,” sharing the spotlight with the country queen herself. From dream-come-true collaborations to major wins, it looked like Ella was living her best life.

But during a recent chat on The Scotty Kay Show, the singer got real about what’s been going on beneath the surface.

“I won’t lie, this last week has probably been one of the toughest mental health weeks I’ve had in a long time,” Ella shared honestly. She admitted the timing felt strange—because on paper, everything looked perfect. “It’s crazy, because so many good things are happening. So many things I’ve prayed for and dreamed about,” she said. “It’s just the disease of my family, really.”

Ella explained that she chose to speak out because she knows others might be feeling the same way. “Just because I might seem like I’m on top of the mountain right now—it doesn’t look like that all the time,” she said.

Her source of strength? Faith and gratitude.

“For me, it comes back to being grateful,” she shared. “At the end of the day, it’s about shifting my focus and thanking God for where I am, even when it’s tough.”

By being open about her struggles, Ella Langley is reminding fans that success doesn’t mean immunity from pain—and that it’s okay to not be okay, even during life’s biggest moments.

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As American Idol Season 23 races toward the grand finale, Jamal Roberts is emerging as a true fan favorite. Week after week, the Mississippi native has wowed the judges and melted hearts across the country. He’s not just performing — he’s telling stories, sharing his soul, and making it clear he’s here to win.

Here’s why Jamal just might take home the crown this Sunday:

1. He’s Got Natural Star Power

From the very first time Jamal hit the stage, he had “it.” That mix of confidence, heart, and pure talent that makes you stop and listen. Whether he’s pouring his soul into a ballad or firing up the crowd with a Motown classic, he owns every moment.

2. His Fanbase Is Loud, Loyal, and Growing Fast

Jamal’s supporters have been riding with him since his first audition — and they’re not quiet about it. He trends online after nearly every performance, with fans flooding the comments to show love and rally votes. In a fan-driven show like Idol, that kind of energy is a game-changer.

3. He Can Sing Anything

Soul? Gospel? R&B? Even pop hits? Jamal’s shown he can do it all. He doesn’t just sing songs — he transforms them. His ability to shift styles while staying true to his voice keeps things fresh and exciting every single week.

4. The Judges Are Clearly Big Fans

Luke Bryan recently said his gut tells him Jamal’s been the one to beat all season. Lionel Richie loves how Jamal puts his own spin on every track — he calls it “Jamal-izing” the music. And even Carrie Underwood, known for her tough critiques, has given him major props for his vocal chops.

5. His Story Hits Home

Jamal isn’t just a performer — he’s a PE teacher, a father of three, and a man chasing his dream a little later in life. That realness, that humility — it connects with people. When he sings, you feel the love he has for his family and the gratitude he has for this moment.

6. He Creates Viral “Idol Moments”

Remember when Jamal blew the roof off with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”? Or when he brought the house down with “A Change Is Gonna Come”? These weren’t just great performances — they were unforgettable. The kind of moments fans replay, repost, and remember when they vote.

7. He’s Peaking at the Perfect Time

Some contestants start strong and fade. Not Jamal. He’s been building momentum all season, and now, he’s hitting his stride just in time for the finale. He’s sharp, passionate, and more polished than ever — and that could make all the difference.

Final Thoughts: Can He Win It All?

Jamal Roberts has all the right ingredients: incredible voice, heartfelt story, commanding presence, and a tidal wave of fan support. If he brings the fire one last time, the title of American Idol could be his.

Tune in Sunday, May 19 at 8 PM ET on ABC for the Season 23 Grand Finale — and don’t forget to vote!

With the American Idol Season 23 finale just around the corner, host Ryan Seacrest recently opened up about the show’s final three contestants: Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, and John Foster. After an electrifying live episode on May 12 — which racked up over 19 million votes — these three standout performers officially earned their spots in the finale.

It was a night of high emotion, as Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis said their goodbyes, and fans across the country braced for the final stretch.

Meet the Final Three
Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old P.E. teacher from Meridian, Mississippi, has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his soulful vocals and smooth stage presence. His unforgettable covers of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Beauty and the Beast” brought down the house — and earned major praise from the judges.

Breanna Nix, the powerhouse mom from Denton, Texas, continues to turn heads with her emotional range and fearless song choices. Her renditions of “This Will Be” and “You’ll Be in My Heart” showcased her ability to blend strength and vulnerability like a true star.

John Foster, the cowboy-hat-wearing crooner from Addis, Louisiana, melts hearts with every performance. His moving versions of “The Bare Necessities” and “Rainbow Connection” proved he’s not just a voice — he’s a storyteller.

What to Expect on Finale Night
Mark your calendars! The American Idol finale airs Sunday, May 18 at 8 PM ET on ABC, and it’s going to be packed with unforgettable moments.

Alongside the Top 3 giving their final performances for America’s vote, fans can look forward to a star-studded lineup, including:

Brandon Lake

Goo Goo Dolls

Good Charlotte

Jennifer Holliday

Jessica Simpson

Josh Groban

Patti LaBelle

Jelly Roll (this season’s artist-in-residence)

And yes — judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will be hitting the stage together for a special performance.

What’s Next for American Idol?
Good news for Idol fans: Season 24 is officially on the way! ABC has confirmed the renewal, and audition signups are already open. While the judging panel for next season hasn’t been revealed just yet, fans can rest easy knowing the journey isn’t over.

Who are you voting for in the finale? Jamal, Breanna, or John? However it ends, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

As American Idol Season 23 heads toward its grand finale, John Foster made his way back to Brusly, Louisiana—and his hometown made sure he felt every ounce of love and pride they have for him. Now a national finalist and rising country star at just 18, John’s homecoming was a celebration of roots, resilience, and the music that brought him here.

A Heartfelt Welcome in Brusly
John’s day began with a tearful reunion at Brusly Elementary, where his 4-year-old sister, Presley, ran to greet him. Then it was off to Brusly High School, where he graduated as co-valedictorian just last year. The visit turned into a full-blown pep rally, with hundreds of students, teachers, and fans filling the football field.

Cheers of “Geaux John Foster!” rang out as the school band played and posters waved proudly in the Louisiana sunshine. Teachers wiped away tears, grateful for a moment of joy after a tough stretch for the tight-knit community.

“It’s nice to be in the news for something joyful,” said school secretary Aimee Rabalais.

Recognized at the Capitol
John’s next stop was the Louisiana State Capitol, where lawmakers honored him with a House resolution for representing the heart and soul of his home state. He humbly joked, “Sometimes I think people get tired of hearing me talk about Louisiana”—but the standing ovation that followed made it clear: no one’s tired of John Foster.

A Crawfish Float and a Whole Lot of Love
In Addis, fans lined the streets for a one-of-a-kind parade. John rode through town on a crawfish-themed float, tossing beads and waving to crowds holding homemade signs. One standout banner declared:

“If George Strait is the King of Country, John Foster is the PRINCE!”

As the sun set, thousands gathered at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park for a concert they’ll never forget. Families showed up with lawn chairs, boats lined the water, and the town glowed with pride. John arrived by boat just after 8 p.m. and took the stage with a big grin and a full heart.

A Night of Music, Memories, and Maggie
John delivered a mix of country classics—from “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” to “Neon Moon.” But the moment that left everyone speechless was his emotional performance of his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The song, dedicated to his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, left John in tears mid-verse.

“Sorry about that,” he whispered, voice cracking. “So many emotions.”

He closed the night with Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” as the crowd sang along and fireworks lit the bayou sky. Before sailing away, John formed a heart with his hands and gave a thumbs-up—his way of saying thank you to the town that raised him.

The Final Countdown
John Foster will take the American Idol stage one last time during the Season 23 finale on Sunday, May 19, at 8 PM ET on ABC. Fans can vote up to 30 times during the live show.

No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: Louisiana already sees John Foster as a winner.

Country teen sensation John Foster kicked off the May 4 American Idol Top 10 show with a performance that had everyone talking — literally. Stepping a little outside his usual classic country style, the 18-year-old Louisiana native took on Bonnie Raitt’s hit “Something To Talk About” and made it his own during the show’s first-ever Ladies Night tribute, celebrating iconic women in music.

Before hitting the stage, John got the chance to meet country superstar — and this week’s mentor — Miranda Lambert, who also happened to be his childhood crush.

“John walked in with his little cowboy hat, his western shirt, and his guitar, and told me I was his first crush,” Lambert said with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Okay, I love you.’”

John admitted he was a little starstruck and nervous during rehearsal, even finding it hard to look Miranda in the eyes while singing. But she quickly put him at ease by singing along with him — a sweet, once-in-a-lifetime moment he won’t forget.

When it came time for the live performance, John lit up the stage. His smooth vocals, confident energy, and natural charisma wowed both the crowd and the judges, showing just how far he’s come since his audition.

While Foster’s roots are in traditional country, this performance showed his range and growth — and it paid off. After all, he’s already earned praise for his emotional original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which he performed on Easter. The touching tribute reached the iTunes country chart and won him even more fans along the way.

Following his Bonnie Raitt cover, the judges couldn’t stop smiling.

Carrie Underwood told him, “I feel like you are the one that we have watched grow the most throughout this entire process. Every single time you step out on the stage, you feel more comfortable, you’re working the stage more, you’re connecting with the audience more…I love that. I just feel like you’ve grown so much.”

Luke Bryan chimed in with a grin: “Your charisma meter is like peaking off the charts right now.”

With his mix of charm, heart, and stage presence, John Foster continues to shine — proving that he’s not just a standout in the competition, but a rising star to watch.

The 2025 ACM Awards lit up the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on May 8, celebrating a major milestone—60 incredible years of honoring the best in country music.

This year’s show was made even more special with the return of the iconic Reba McEntire as host, marking her 18th time leading the ceremony. With a lineup packed with fan-favorite performances and emotional wins, one standout moment came when Ella Langley and Riley Green took home the award for Music Event of the Year.

Their heartfelt duet, “You Look Like You Love Me,” released in June 2024, struck a chord with fans and quickly rose to the top of the Country Airplay charts. It became a career-defining hit for Langley, earning her first No. 1, and marked a second for Green. The song’s raw emotion and honest storytelling helped it stand out in a year full of strong contenders.

While the Music Event of the Year category is now a fan-favorite, it’s actually one of the newer additions to the ACM lineup. Originally introduced in 1998 as Vocal Event of the Year—first won by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill for “It’s Your Love”—it got a name change in 2019 to better reflect the wide range of collaborative magic happening in country music today.

Langley and Green’s win proves that sometimes, the right song with the right voices can truly move the genre forward. Their chemistry, both in the studio and on stage, helped make this duet a standout moment of the year—and now, an official ACM winner.