American Idol favorite John Foster gave fans a special treat with a heartfelt rendition of Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs.” Performed from home, the tribute was dedicated to his “uncle” and country music inspiration, Dwight himself. Inspired by fan comments comparing his style to Yoakam’s, Foster delivered a smooth, soulful take that felt like pure, old-school country — and it struck a chord with fans, even beyond the country scene.
The 18-year-old Louisiana native has been turning heads all season long, showing impressive growth both vocally and emotionally. Judge Carrie Underwood recently praised him in an interview with PEOPLE, calling him “sweet and fresh-faced” and saying, “He’s probably the one that has grown the most since he’s been here.” She even shared that Foster reminds her of her own son, Isaiah, adding, “When he’s over there singing to me, I kind of feel like a proud mom.”
That “proud mom” energy was especially real during Foster’s April 28 performance of Randy Travis’s “I Told You So” — a song Underwood herself famously covered with Travis during her Idol days. Singing directly to her, Foster admitted feeling the pressure. “She has such a great version of the song, but I knew that I had to sing to her,” he said. What followed was a tender, heartfelt moment that highlighted just how deeply rooted he is in country music.
Foster isn’t just winning fans over with covers. His original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written after losing a friend in 2022, touched hearts and earned praise from Lionel Richie, who called him “a rare talent who deeply connects with his audience.”
Week after week, John Foster proves he’s not just another contestant — he’s a rising country star with heart, soul, and a story to tell. And with the competition heating up, fans are eager to see what unforgettable moment he’ll deliver next.
@officialjohnfoster Lot’s of people have been asking, so here you go – some of my “uncle” *NOT* Dwight Yoakam! 😂 #JohnFoster #JohnFosteronIdol #AmericanIdol #Idol #FYP #Foryou #ClassicCountry #CountryMusic
