Rising country star and American Idol Season 23 runner-up John Foster made an unforgettable hometown appearance this week in Baton Rouge—right where it all began. Fresh off a major milestone moment at the Grand Ole Opry, Foster brought his signature voice and hometown pride to Pete Goldsby Field, where he performed the national anthem and threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Rougarou’s Raising Cane’s Bark at the Park Night
Dressed in a Rougarou jersey and his trademark grin, the 19-year-old Louisiana native delivered a heartfelt rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner. Fans—many who have followed his journey from early American Idol auditions to the Opry stage—greeted his performance with enthusiastic applause . Right after, Foster took the mound for the ceremonial first pitch. His throw was steady enough to evoke cheers and playful barks from the furry fans in attendance.
Speaking in a pre-game interview, Foster reflected on the moment: “It’s such an honor to be here in my home state, with my people… nothing feels quite like coming back home to Baton Rouge”—words that captured the pride and humility of this rising star.
This hometown celebration comes during what’s already shaping up to be a breakout summer for Foster. He just completed his Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this month and has been added to the Boots on the Bayou festival lineup alongside major country acts like Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson
The Rougarou’s Bark at the Park Night also featured local dog-adoption booths, pet vendors, and a community-first vibe thanks to Raising Cane’s sponsorship—making it the perfect backdrop for Foster’s homecoming moment. Fans longing for an authentic connection between music, sport, and community found it in abundance.
Keep your eyes glued to the Rougarou schedule—Foster will be cheering on the team again when they face the Acadiana Cane Cutters in the Texas Collegiate League this weekend. And for those craving more John Foster experiences, his rising trajectory suggests that from the Opry to Pete Goldsby Field, he’s only just beginning.
