At just 18 years old, John Foster started his American Idol journey with quiet determination — and a lot to prove. His initial audition left judge Luke Bryan unsure if the small-town teen from Addis, Louisiana, had what it took to go the distance. But fast forward to the Top 8, and Foster had done more than just hold his own — he delivered a heart-melting performance of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” that made Luke eat his words.
“I saw a clip of me doubting you back then,” Luke admitted. “And no one’s ever proved me more wrong. I’m so proud of you.”
That moment captured what fans had been watching all season: steady, authentic growth. John Foster wasn’t chasing a spotlight — he was earning it, one heartfelt performance at a time.
His breakthrough came with a song straight from the heart. “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” an original tribute to two friends lost in a tragic New Year’s Eve crash, struck a powerful chord with fans and judges alike. Luke called it the performance that erased all doubt.
Judge Carrie Underwood quickly became Foster’s biggest supporter, often praising his sincerity and humility. “He’s so fresh-faced and sweet — and I don’t think he even realizes how good he really is,” she told PEOPLE. “He’s probably grown more than anyone this season.”
That growth — along with his deep country roots — carried Foster into the finale.
A Country Finale Fit for a Rising Star
True to his fans and his genre, John doubled down on what brought him to the final round: country music with heart. He chose three classic songs to cap off his Idol journey: Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and a finale duet with Luke Bryan on Randy Travis’s “Deeper Than The Holler.”
First up, the patriotic powerhouse. John kicked things off with “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and dedicated the song to the people who supported him every step of the way.
“What better song to sing than one that represents America?” John said. “This one’s for my people.”
The crowd was on their feet — and so were the judges.
Lionel Richie couldn’t contain his excitement: “That’s how you do it, John. You nailed it.”
Carrie added, “It felt like a John Foster concert tonight. You pulled out all the stops.”
Luke agreed, highlighting John’s growth in confidence and control. “Your voice, your stage presence — it’s been a privilege to watch.”
A Hometown Tribute That Hit Home
Later, after a touching hometown visit montage, John returned to the stage for his second solo song: a soul-stirring take on “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” With each note, it was clear — this wasn’t just a cover; it was a love letter to his roots.
Once again, the judges applauded the performance and urged fans to vote. And vote they did — Ryan Seacrest announced that John had secured a spot in the Top 2.
Whether or not he took the title, one thing was clear: John Foster’s story — and his music — had already found a place in America’s heart.
