With his cowboy hat, guitar, and a voice that screams country, 18-year-old John Foster is proving to be a standout talent on American Idol. The Louisiana native isn’t just a contestant—he’s a force to be reckoned with. During the live show, Foster delivered a heartfelt tribute to country music that left judge Carrie Underwood both grinning with pride and blushing with surprise.
Taking the stage with ease, Foster performed a flawless rendition of “I Told You So,” a classic hit originally by Randy Travis and famously covered by Carrie Underwood. But this performance wasn’t just about hitting the right notes—it was about creating a deep emotional connection with the audience, and Foster nailed it.
As the music came to an end, Underwood was visibly moved. “I’m blushing!” she said, clearly touched by the performance. “Each challenge, you push yourself. I love watching you grow.” The crowd cheered, and the judges were quick to shower him with praise. Lionel Richie said, “I’m so proud of you. You killed it!” while Luke Bryan added, “You impress me on so many levels.” Underwood even compared Foster to country legend Dwight Yoakam—a huge compliment for any artist, especially one so early in their career.
This wasn’t the first time Foster has captured America’s attention. From his very first audition, where he performed a medley of George Jones’ “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time,” he’s shown a deep love for traditional country music. Since then, he’s delivered memorable performances of songs like “Neon Moon,” “In Color,” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” along with his emotional original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.”
Most recently, Foster brought the house down with a high-energy performance of Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Week, where he showcased his growing stage presence with a little help from mentor James Taylor. The result was a showstopping performance that earned him a spot in the American Idol Top 10.
Now, as a member of the Top 10, John Foster is proving that he’s more than just a country singer with a great voice. He’s a future star with heart, charisma, and a growing fanbase. Whether or not he wins it all, one thing is clear: America is rooting for John Foster, and Carrie Underwood isn’t the only one smiling with pride.
