On April 28, 2025, during the Top 12 live show of American Idol Season 23, 18-year-old John Foster gave a deeply moving performance of Randy Travis’s iconic song “I Told You So,” earning praise from both the judges and the audience. His heartfelt rendition not only helped him secure a spot in the Top 10, but also created a touching moment in the competition, especially since the performance was directed toward judge Carrie Underwood, who famously covered the song in 2007.
Foster revealed that Underwood’s version of “I Told You So” had a major impact on his own journey into music. He shared, “The fact that she was sitting there on the panel… the pressure was on. She has such a great version of the song, but I knew I had to sing to her and let America see my passion.”
Underwood, clearly moved by Foster’s performance, likened him to her own son, praising his sincerity and raw talent. “He’s so sweet and fresh-faced,” she said, “When he sings, you feel it.” Judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also expressed their admiration, with Bryan acknowledging Foster as a “wildcard” and Richie praising his emotional delivery. “When you sing, it’s so believable,” Richie said.
Foster’s performance came on the heels of an emotional tribute he had delivered on April 20, performing his original song “Tell That Angel I Love You,” dedicated to his late friend Maggie Dunn. That heartfelt moment had already showcased his depth as an artist, further cementing his authenticity and emotional range.
By choosing “I Told You So,” Foster not only paid homage to Randy Travis’s legacy but also demonstrated how far he’s come in his musical journey. His ability to connect emotionally with both his songs and the audience has made him a standout contestant on American Idol Season 23, leaving fans eager to see what he will do next.
