John Foster may have finished second on American Idol Season 23, but he’s already moving full speed ahead with his music career. Just hours after the finale aired on May 18, the 18-year-old Louisiana native began teasing what’s next—and fans have every reason to be excited.
First up is his debut single, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a heartfelt tribute to his late friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a car accident.
“I’m going to promote that song like crazy,” John said in a recent interview. “I wrote it on my own, and I think it really shows who I am—not just as a singer, but as a writer and a person.”
But that’s just the beginning. John’s already eager to hit the studio again and start working on his first full album. “I love the creative process,” he said. “I can’t wait to get back in there and make more music.”
And while the focus is on music, he isn’t closing the door on other opportunities—like Dancing With the Stars. “I’ve never really thought about it,” he laughed. “But hey, never say never!”
For now, though, his top priority is simple: going home and spending time with his dog. “I’ve missed my pup,” he said with a smile. “I’m just really excited to be home for a bit.”
John took the finale outcome with grace and gratitude. “I’m honestly so proud,” he shared. “To be second out of 120,000 people—and part of what I think was the most talented Top 24 ever—is something I’ll always remember.”
Third-place finalist Breanna Nix echoed that sense of peace and purpose. She was eliminated earlier in the night, but said she felt a calm assurance the whole time.
“I truly believe God directed every step I took on this show,” she said. “I had a feeling I’d go out first during the finale—and I was totally okay with that.”
In fact, Breanna had her eye on Jamal Roberts as the likely winner way back in Hollywood Week. “The first time I heard him sing, I just knew,” she said. “I walked up, introduced myself, and said, ‘You’re going to win American Idol, and I want to be the one who predicted it!’” Sure enough, after Jamal’s win, she reminded him of that moment—and he remembered.
Breanna, a powerhouse vocalist and mom, says this is just the beginning. “I already feel like I’ve won,” she said. “I’ve grown so much, and I just released my first single, ‘Higher.’ It’s been surreal, and so many new opportunities are coming my way.”
She hopes to stay connected with Idol, too. “If they ever need a judge, a mentor, anything—I’m there,” she said. “This show changed my life.”
As for what’s next, both artists are preparing for the next big chapter—touring, recording, and staying connected with the fans who’ve supported them every step of the way.
John left future contestants with some advice straight from the heart:
“Be confident in who you are. Don’t let setbacks define you. This isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. Keep going.”
And with that kind of mindset, both John and Breanna are poised to soar far beyond the Idol stage.
