When 18-year-old John Foster stepped onto the American Idol stage for the Top 8 live show, no one was prepared for the emotional journey he was about to take them on. Calm, grounded, and sincere, Foster delivered a performance of “Always on My Mind” that completely captivated the audience — and instantly sparked a flurry of reactions online.
From the very first note, Foster didn’t just sing the song—he made it his own. There were no attempts to mimic the greats like Elvis Presley or Willie Nelson. Instead, he made the ballad feel like a personal confession, pouring his heart into every line. His version wasn’t just a cover; it was a raw and vulnerable expression of emotion, as if Foster was laying his soul bare for all to hear.
Fans were quick to take notice. “That’s not just a cover — that was his,” one fan commented. Another wrote, “He sings like someone who’s already had his heart broken and healed it with music.” It wasn’t long before people started comparing his emotional depth to legends like Elvis and Willie Nelson.
The minimal arrangement only added to the beauty of the moment. With just a simple guitar and his voice in the spotlight, Foster delivered each note with such thoughtfulness and restraint that it felt like a quiet, intimate conversation rather than a performance on a big stage.
Foster’s performance was part of the Judges’ Song Contest, where contestants choose songs submitted by the judges. His choices included “Two Dozen Roses,” “Crazy,” and “I Cross My Heart.” Foster chose the latter, dedicating it to his biggest musical influence, George Strait.
After the performance, Carrie Underwood, who had picked the song, couldn’t hide her joy. “That was absolutely perfect,” she said, calling it one of his best performances yet. Luke Bryan also chimed in, saying, “You’re singing better and better every week.” Even Lionel Richie, who joked about Foster not choosing a Willie Nelson song, praised it as “amazing.”
@neceeclouatre #johnfostermusic *we do not own the rights to this music
Adding an emotional touch, the camera caught a moment between Foster and his girlfriend, Brooklyn Bourque, in the audience. As Foster sang the line, “You’ll never find a love as true as mine,” her face was full of pride and emotion. When asked how she felt, she could only manage a quiet, “I don’t even know. It’s so good.” That moment grounded Foster’s performance in real-life tenderness, adding an extra layer of authenticity.
When the results came in, Foster easily advanced to the Top 7, while Mattie Pruitt was saved over Josh King. But the buzz surrounding Foster didn’t stop there—social media was alive with excitement, with many fans predicting a showdown between him and Jamal Roberts in the finale.
Foster’s journey has been steady, not flashy, but each week, he peels back another layer, revealing just how deep his talent truly runs. At only 18, he’s already being compared to country legends like George Strait and Randy Travis. And while that’s no small feat, Foster remains humble, letting his voice and authenticity do all the talking.
As the show prepares for its Disney-themed Mother’s Day special, the pressure intensifies. But if Foster has proven anything, it’s that emotional honesty always shines through, and he’s got plenty of that.
One thing is certain: John Foster is no longer just a contestant. He’s a storyteller—and right now, he’s writing one of the most captivating stories of American Idol Season 23.
