John Foster may have finished as the runner-up on American Idol Season 23, but in Nashville during CMA Week, he performed like a headliner. With the confidence of a seasoned artist and the heart of a true country soul, the 18-year-old took the stage at the BMG Takeover on June 4—and left no doubt that his Idol momentum is only just beginning.
Held at 6th & Peabody, the concert brought together a dozen Idol alums, but when Foster stepped up to the mic with Alan Jackson’s classic “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” the energy shifted. This wasn’t just another performance—it was a breakout moment. Foster brought honky-tonk charm and youthful energy in perfect balance, showing Nashville exactly why fans are calling him the future of country.
But the night didn’t stop there. When he closed with his heartfelt original “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” you could feel the crowd lean in. The room grew quiet, the lyrics hit home, and voices rose to sing along. One fan summed it up best: “He’s not just an Idol finalist—he’s country music’s next big star.”
And the love isn’t just coming from live audiences. Just days before the BMG show, Foster posted a stripped-down version of “Amazing Grace” on Instagram—sung in one take, with a Cajun French twist. Captioned “It’s His grace that’s brought me this far,” the video quickly went viral, drawing praise from fans and critics alike who called it “breathtaking” and “Grammy-worthy.”
Foster’s post-Idol journey is off to a heartfelt, rootsy start. Over Memorial Day weekend, he wowed crowds at Louisiana’s Cajun Country Jam—his first solo show since Idol—where he told fans, “This is just the beginning.”
And that’s exactly what “Tell That Angel I Love Her” feels like. A beginning. The ballad, first introduced during the Idol finale, continues to strike a chord with fans who compare it to early Vince Gill or classic George Strait. During the BMG showcase, it wasn’t just a song—it was a moment.
The BMG Takeover itself marks a new chapter for American Idol. Once known for post-season tours, the show had drifted from that tradition—until now. This year’s CMA Fest-week concert brought it back with style, featuring rising stars like Jamal Roberts, Breanna Nix, and John Foster. And more than just a concert, it proved that Idol alumni are shaping the future of country music—not just chasing trends, but setting them.
As for John Foster, his next milestone is already lined up: a debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry on June 7—a dream come true for the young artist and a clear signal that he’s not just part of the conversation.
He’s leading it.
If Nashville is the heart of country music, John Foster just gave it a brand-new beat—and fans are listening.
