With a cowboy hat on his head, a guitar in hand, and a voice built for country music, 18-year-old American Idol contestant John Foster continues to steal hearts and spotlight alike. Hailing from Addis, Louisiana, Foster delivered one of the most memorable performances of the season with his soulful take on “I Told You So”—a song made famous by Randy Travis and later covered by judge Carrie Underwood herself.

But this wasn’t just a tribute—it was a moment. Foster’s voice, rich with emotion and old-school country charm, turned the live stage into something special. And Carrie Underwood felt it. “I’m blushing!” she said, clearly touched by the young singer’s performance. “You keep pushing yourself every week. I love watching you grow.” The crowd cheered, and so did her fellow judges. Lionel Richie praised his growth, saying, “You killed it!” while Luke Bryan chimed in, “You impress me so much on so many levels.”

Underwood even compared Foster’s style to that of country legend Dwight Yoakam—a major nod for any rising artist.

Foster has been winning over America since his first audition, where he blended George Jones’ “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” with Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time.” Since then, he’s stayed true to his traditional country roots with heartfelt covers of “Neon Moon,” “In Color,” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” He even moved the nation with an original tribute, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn.

Just last week, Foster shook things up with a lively rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Mentored by James Taylor, he added new moves and energy to his act while keeping his country soul intact—earning a well-deserved spot in the Top 10.

Now firmly in American Idol’s Season 23 Top 10, John Foster isn’t just a talented country singer—he’s proving to be a true storyteller with heart, grit, and staying power. Whether or not he takes the crown, it’s clear one thing’s for sure: Carrie Underwood won’t be the only one glowing with pride. America’s watching—and cheering—him on every step of the way.

When John Foster stepped onto the stage, there was no fanfare — just a quiet presence and a guitar slung over his shoulder like an old friend. The room fell silent, not out of obligation, but in anticipation. You could feel it — something special was about to happen.

He began to play.

The first gentle strum of “Old Violin” sent a ripple through the crowd, like the sound of a memory stirring. Foster didn’t just sing the song — he lived in it. With every note, he wove a story that felt both deeply personal and universally understood. His voice carried a kind of worn-in warmth, imperfect in all the right ways, raw and rich with feeling.

There was no flash or showiness, no over-singing or high drama. Instead, Foster delivered a masterclass in subtlety. Each lyric sat heavy in the air, each pause intentional — as if he wanted every word to land gently but fully. It wasn’t about recreating Johnny Paycheck’s original — it was about honoring it, while letting his own heart bleed through.

His guitar work, soft and soulful, cradled the performance in a way that felt almost sacred. No solos, no tricks — just the kind of simple picking that tells a story all its own. It was as if the guitar was speaking with him, not behind him.

In the audience, you could see people leaning in — not just to hear, but to feel. Some swayed quietly. Others closed their eyes. A quiet hand-squeeze here, a deep breath there. The room was still, but not stiff — just wrapped up in the spell Foster was casting.

Then came that last line: “And just like that old violin, soon to be put away and never played again…” And for a moment, it felt like the world paused. You could feel the weight of it. The truth of it.

When the final chord faded, John didn’t soak in the applause. He simply looked down at his guitar, gave a modest nod, and stepped back — like a man who came to tell a story, not chase a spotlight.

And in that simple, soul-deep performance, John Foster reminded everyone watching: sometimes the quietest voices carry the loudest truths.

@qtmandyyy

Just a little Johnny Paycheck! #johnnypaycheck #wedontowntherightstothismusic #youngoldie #classiccountry #classiccountrymusic #fyp #amazing #only17

♬ original sound – Amanda

On a night full of Disney magic and show-stopping performances, John Foster chose a quieter path — and in doing so, created one of the most unforgettable moments of the evening.

Instead of going big with bells and whistles, the Louisiana native delivered a tender, stripped-down version of “Rainbow Connection,” the beloved ballad originally sung by Kermit the Frog in The Muppet Movie. With just an acoustic guitar and his warm, heartfelt voice, Foster turned the Idol stage into something that felt more like a cozy front porch than a national TV broadcast.

In a season where big notes and flashy lights are often the norm, Foster’s performance was refreshingly understated. He didn’t try to wow the crowd with vocal gymnastics — instead, he invited them in with quiet sincerity. Every lyric felt personal, every note filled with intention. It was the kind of performance that didn’t just ask for attention — it earned it.

The judges leaned in. Audience members dabbed their eyes. And fans on social media flooded timelines with love for the raw beauty of the moment. Foster didn’t just sing “Rainbow Connection” — he made it his own, and in doing so, reminded everyone why they fell in love with the song in the first place.

Choosing that song was more than nostalgia; it was a bold move grounded in trust — trust in the power of simplicity, and trust in his own voice. And it worked. Big time.

As the competition heads toward the finale, John Foster continues to stand out — not with volume, but with vulnerability. And sometimes, that’s what truly makes a voice unforgettable.

It was an emotional farewell on American Idol as two standout artists, Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis, took their final bows — but not before delivering heartfelt performances that reminded everyone why they captured America’s attention in the first place.

Slater Nalley: A Young Artist with a Big Heart
At just 18 years old, Slater Nalley from Atlanta, Georgia, made an unforgettable entrance into the competition. His original song, “Traces of You” — a touching tribute to a late student from his high school — moved Carrie Underwood to tears. “I couldn’t have imagined you doing that any better,” she told him.

On Disney Night, Slater charmed viewers with his take on “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story and amped things up with “Born to Be Wild” from D3: The Mighty Ducks. Judge Lionel Richie praised his growth, saying, “You’ve come a long way, son.”

Over the season, Slater showed impressive range and heart with performances of:

“Over the Rainbow”

“Your Song”

“Angel From Montgomery”

“Whoever’s in New England”

“Atlantic City”

“Can You Feel the Love Tonight”

“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”

Though his time on Idol has come to an end, Slater leaves with a devoted fanbase and a future full of promise.

Thunderstorm Artis: Soulful, Steady, and Always Genuine
For 29-year-old Thunderstorm Artis, American Idol was a chance to reintroduce himself to a national audience following his standout third-place finish on The Voice in 2020. The Hawaiian-born singer quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his rich vocals and heartfelt delivery.

His Disney Night performances — “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Find Yourself” — were packed with warmth and honesty. Carrie Underwood said it best: “You are all heart. We feel your heart behind it.”

Throughout the season, Thunderstorm’s setlist told a story of grace and emotional depth, including:

“Imagine”

“Is This Love?”

“Reckless Love”

“Faithfully”

“Colors of the Wind”

“When We Were Young”

“Out of the Blue”

Though he won’t be moving on, Thunderstorm exits the competition with his head held high and a legacy of soul-stirring moments.

Eyes on the Finale
With Slater and Thunderstorm exiting, the American Idol Top 3 is officially set:

John Foster – The smooth crooner with timeless charm

Jamal Roberts – The soulful standout with unmatched stage presence

Breanna Nix – The rising country-pop storyteller

Each finalist brings something special to the table, setting up an epic Season 23 finale.

Catch the grand finale Sunday, May 18 at 8PM ET on ABC — and get ready to see who will be crowned the next American Idol.

Carrie Underwood is facing heat from American Idol fans after her unexpected critique of fan-favorite Jamal Roberts during Monday night’s Disney-themed episode. Her remarks have sparked accusations of bias — and some fans are calling it an attempt to undermine the show’s last remaining Black contestant.

What Happened?
Jamal kicked off the night with a powerful, soulful take on “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” bringing the judges and the audience to their feet. Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie showered him with praise, with Richie calling the performance “amazing” and admiring Jamal’s unique ability to “Jamalerize” any song.

But when it came time for Carrie’s feedback, her tone was notably different. She told Jamal, “I feel like you missed such an opportunity to move around and entertain… We are getting close to the end here, it is time to pull out all the stops.” Unlike the other judges, she remained seated during his standing ovation — a moment that didn’t go unnoticed.

Fans React
Social media lit up with reactions from viewers who felt Carrie’s critique was off-base and unfair:

Double Standards? Fans pointed out that several other contestants have stood still during performances without any pushback. “Carrie told Jamal to move more — meanwhile, others have stood like statues all season,” one viewer posted.

Allegations of Bias: Some took it further, questioning whether Carrie was showing favoritism or dismissing soulful performances. “Carrie DEFINITELY does not like Jamal,” one fan tweeted, while another said, “She acts like country is the only genre that matters.”

Support for Jamal: Others rallied around the Mississippi singer. “This is what we call flat-footed singing,” one user wrote. “He doesn’t need to dance to prove he’s a powerhouse. This man is sanging!”

A Redeeming Moment
Later in the night, Jamal returned with a moving rendition of “Beauty and the Beast,” captivating the audience with his emotional delivery. This time, Carrie had little to say, while the rest of the panel urged America to get behind him. Luke Bryan sealed the moment with a cheer: “Let’s win this thing, baby!”

What’s Next?
Despite the controversy, Jamal Roberts soared into the Top 3 and is now headed to the Season 23 finale with a real shot at winning it all. But Carrie Underwood’s comments have left a lingering buzz — with some fans even suggesting it might be time to reconsider her seat at the judges’ table.

Regardless of the drama, one thing is clear: Jamal Roberts is giving America plenty of reasons to root for him.

American Idol’s Disney Night ended on a heartfelt note thanks to 18-year-old John Foster, who delivered a deeply personal performance that left both the judges and viewers feeling emotional. The Top 5 finalist chose Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe” as a tribute to his mom, Amanda—a woman he credits with always encouraging him to keep the faith, even when times were tough.

As he sang, all eyes were on Amanda in the audience, holding a sign that read, “I Believe in You, Son,” her eyes filled with tears. The connection between them was undeniable, and it made the performance even more powerful. By the end, the entire panel—Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood—was on its feet in a standing ovation.

Carrie called the song choice “perfect,” while Luke praised John’s ability to connect with fans and keep surprising the judges week after week. Lionel, who’s acted as a mentor throughout the season, told him, “You’ve found your artist,” recognizing how much John has grown as a performer and storyteller.

This moving moment came during a special Mother’s Day-themed episode, with each contestant dedicating a song to their mom. Even in such a touching lineup, John’s performance stood out—deeply sincere and emotionally charged.

As the show wrapped up, John earned his spot in the Top 5, proving once again that he has both the heart and the talent to go the distance. With another live performance just around the corner on May 12, fans are excited to see what this soulful cowboy from Louisiana brings next.

John Foster isn’t just chasing a music dream — he’s following a calling. The Louisiana native and LSU biology student has a big goal: to become a “singing oncologist,” blending his love for medicine and music to help comfort those facing cancer. That heart for healing has shined through every step of his American Idol journey.

From his very first audition, Foster stood out. His soft-spoken charm, deep sincerity, and moving cover of a Conway Twitty song made a strong impression on the judges. Though Luke Bryan was initially unsure, it didn’t take long for John’s authenticity — and undeniable spark — to win him over, earning him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

Once in the Top 24, Foster hit the stage in Hawaii with an energetic performance of “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” a tribute to his Louisiana roots. The crowd went wild, the judges danced along, and fans saw a lively, fun side of him — proof that he could entertain just as well as he could tug on heartstrings.

But it was his next performance that left the biggest mark.

In the Top 20, Foster debuted his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her” — a deeply personal ballad written in memory of his friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically passed away in a car accident on New Year’s Eve. With a shaky voice and visible emotion, Foster poured his heart into the performance. Every lyric felt like it came straight from the pages of his soul.

At the end, he quietly whispered, “I love you, Maggie,” leaving the audience and judges visibly moved.

Carrie Underwood gently asked about the song’s dedication. Foster pointed to the audience, where the girls’ families sat together, holding one another through tears. It was a raw, unforgettable moment that touched hearts across the country.

Lyrics like:

“Each tear that falls on my guitar / Is a hug from afar / Lord, won’t you tell that angel I love her?”

…resonated with millions. Social media quickly filled with support, admiration, and stories from fans who found comfort in his performance.

In a message shared through L&M Star Productions, Foster said:

“I wrote this for the two sweet angels that were tragically taken from us on New Year’s Eve. Maggie was one of my best friends, and Caroline was a good friend I wish I’d gotten to know even more. Until we meet again. So much love to everyone.”

John Foster’s time on American Idol is about more than just making it to the next round. Whether he’s singing a classic country tune or opening his heart through an original song, he’s giving viewers something real — a voice full of purpose, and a reminder that music can still heal.

As the competition goes on, one thing is clear: John isn’t just performing. He’s reaching people, one honest, heartfelt note at a time.

John Foster’s performance of “Rose Colored Glasses” had fans buzzing all over social media, with many calling it “timeless,” “chilling,” and “the best version since the original.” His calm yet powerful voice brought a new emotional layer to the song, leaving listeners in awe.

Originally released by John Conlee in 1978, “Rose Colored Glasses” became a country classic, capturing the pain of seeing someone through a distorted lens of denial. While the song still resonates deeply today, Foster took it and made it his own, adding his unique touch without overshadowing the original’s essence.

What stands out about John Foster’s rendition is his ability to honor the spirit of the song while infusing it with his own raw emotion. He doesn’t try to mimic Conlee; instead, he makes it his own with sincerity and quiet strength.

John’s tone is special—smooth, with just the right amount of grit. His voice draws you in, making the heartbreak feel personal, as if he’s telling his own story. His careful phrasing, knowing when to stretch a note or leave space for a line to land, showcases a maturity beyond his years.

The performance was visually moving as well. With a minimal setup and no distractions, John used his expressions and body language to connect with the audience. There were no flashy effects—just pure, honest emotion that spoke louder than any theatrics ever could.

What sets John apart is his rare ability to breathe new life into classic songs. No gimmicks, no overproduction—just heart and soul in every note. Fans often refer to him as having an “old soul,” and it’s easy to see why. He sings with the conviction of a seasoned artist, even though he’s only 18.

Whether he’s tackling vintage country ballads or more modern tracks, John brings the same emotional depth to every performance, proving that his talent is something special.

This season of American Idol has been filled with unforgettable performances, and two contestants have really captured the hearts of viewers. John Foster and Jamal Roberts have proven that hard work, dedication, and raw talent can take you far, and with just weeks left in the competition, fans are split over who deserves the crown.

John Foster, an 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, has wowed audiences with his soulful country voice that belies his years. His deep, classic sound channels legends like George Strait and Randy Travis, and it’s clear he’s here to stay. Whether performing Randy Travis’s “I Told You So” or other heart-wrenching ballads, John’s ability to infuse every note with emotion has earned him a loyal following. His humble beginnings and “old soul” approach to country music have made him a fan favorite.

Then there’s Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old gym teacher from Meridian, Mississippi. Jamal’s journey is a testament to perseverance—he’s a devoted father of three who’s spent years putting family first, but never gave up on his dream to sing. His gospel and R&B performances have left fans in awe, and his powerful rendition of “I Believe” by Fantasia Barrino was a highlight of the season. Jamal’s blend of faith, emotion, and strength continues to resonate with viewers, especially now as he celebrates the arrival of a new baby.

Both John and Jamal have garnered passionate fanbases who praise their talent and heartfelt performances. John’s supporters, especially from his home state of Louisiana, have flooded his social media with love and support, with one fan even admitting to voting 30 times! Meanwhile, Jamal’s story of fatherhood and his gospel-infused vocals have also sparked deep emotional connections with fans, who can’t help but root for him.

As the competition narrows, the question of who will take home the crown is still up in the air. If fan support alone determined the winner, John Foster might have the edge—but Jamal’s powerful, faith-driven journey has captured hearts all across America. No matter who wins, one thing is certain: both of these incredible performers have already earned their place in music history, and the finale promises to be one for the books.

Jamal Roberts, the soulful star from Mississippi, continues to captivate audiences on American Idol Season 23 with his unforgettable performances. During a night filled with powerful vocals, Roberts’ rendition of “Baby Hold On to Me” stood out, leaving an emotional mark on both fans and judges. His rich, soulful voice shines through every note, making it clear that his talent goes far beyond the stage.

But it wasn’t just his incredible singing that made the night memorable. Jamal shared a deeply personal moment with viewers, revealing that he had just welcomed his third child earlier that day. Fueled by the emotions of this life-changing event, he went on to perform an equally moving rendition of “I Believe,” a song chosen for him by Lionel Richie during the annual “Judge’s Song Contest.”

“Your execution of that song—you had me crying. You had everyone in this room crying,” Lionel Richie said, clearly moved by the performance. Luke Bryan praised Roberts for his ability to combine heart, mind, and voice in such a powerful way, calling it a rare gift.

Jamal’s authenticity and emotional storytelling have won him more than just votes—they’ve earned him a loyal following that relates to his journey as a father, artist, and man of faith. With over a million votes in his favor, Jamal has made it to the Top 7, and his journey is far from over.

Be sure to catch him during the highly anticipated Double Disney Night on May 11 and 12, with the Season 23 finale set for May 18. If his past performances are any indication, Jamal isn’t just competing for a title—he’s building a legacy.