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.
