Eighteen-year-old John Foster has quickly become a fan favorite on American Idol Season 23, making it to the Top 10. But for those from his hometown of Addis, Louisiana, there’s much more to this rising country star than what you see on TV.
The Story Behind the Name
Though audiences know him as John Foster, his full name is John Foster Benoit. He made the decision to drop his last name for his music career, though he’s always stayed connected to his roots. During his audition, Foster honored his family by bringing Cajun specialties from his family’s business, Benoit’s Country Meat Block, to the judges. According to longtime family friend Rick Bourgoyne, “He’s a Benoit, and this is Benoit’s. His middle name is Foster, just like his father and grandfather. He’s the third.”
Balancing Music and Medicine
Even as his music career takes off, Foster hasn’t forgotten his dream of becoming a doctor. He’s still enrolled at Louisiana State University, majoring in biology while competing on American Idol. His passion for helping others extends beyond the classroom; on May 2, he launched a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, raising nearly $3,500 in just a day—well past his goal of $500.
“I will always be involved in fighting for a cure, whether I pursue medicine or music full-time,” Foster shared.
Family, Faith, and Small-Town Support
Foster’s close-knit family remains his foundation. Thirty-one of his relatives are traveling to Los Angeles to support him as the competition heats up. His grandmother, Verbie Benoit, shared, “He loves his family, his town, and he just wants to make people proud.” His humility and grounded values have never wavered, even with all the attention.
Setting the Record Straight
As his popularity grows, so have the rumors. Foster took to Facebook on April 30 to clear up a few misconceptions:
He’s 18, not 24.
He’s from Addis, Louisiana, not Benton, Kentucky.
He’s not related to Dwight Yoakam and isn’t signed to any record label, including Sugar Hill Records.
He encouraged fans to follow his verified page for the most accurate updates, reminding everyone that not everything online is true.
As the American Idol season progresses, Foster continues to shine with performances full of emotion and authenticity. Whether he’s performing a heartfelt tribute to his girlfriend, Brooklyn, or celebrating his Top 8 milestone, Foster remains deeply connected to his roots, his faith, and the support of his community.
