On April 28, 2025, American Idol fans witnessed a true country moment when 18-year-old John Foster poured his heart into Randy Travis’s classic, “I Told You So.” During the “Iconic American Idol Moments” episode, the young singer from Addis, Louisiana, didn’t just sing a song — he told a story, one that resonated with everyone in the room.
With a voice rooted in old-school country soul, Foster has been turning heads all season. His heartfelt performances and genuine connection to the music have made him one of Season 23’s rising stars. From the start, Foster has stayed true to who he is — a country boy with a big voice and even bigger heart.
Earlier in the season, he moved viewers to tears with an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn, who passed away in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022. That emotional tribute revealed not only Foster’s talent as a performer but also his depth as a songwriter.
His take on “I Told You So” was no different. With smooth vocals and raw emotion, Foster breathed new life into the beloved ballad, earning praise from the judges for his tone, control, and sincerity. Week after week, he’s proven he’s not just a talented singer — he’s a storyteller, following in the footsteps of the country greats.
If this performance was any indication, John Foster isn’t just competing on Idol — he’s carving out a place in the future of country music.
