John Foster brought pure magic to the American Idol Season 23 finale with his heartfelt take on John Denver’s classic, “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The moment was unforgettable — earning a roaring standing ovation from all three judges and a sea of cheers from the live audience.
The 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, poured his heart into the performance, turning the beloved tune into a feel-good, emotional high point of the night. “Vote, vote, vote!” he grinned after the song, as the crowd shouted back with just as much energy.
Foster’s journey to the finale has been anything but ordinary. Rooted deeply in love for his hometown and shaped by personal loss, his story has touched fans across the country. During his recent visit home, he stopped by his old high school and spent time with the mother of his late friend Maggie Dunn — a meaningful moment that inspired his original ballad “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” He wrote it that very same day and performed it under the stars at a local concert, where fans raised lighters in Maggie’s memory.
Back on the Idol stage, Foster kept the emotional momentum going. His performance of “Country Roads” felt like a homecoming in itself. Lionel Richie praised his poise, saying, “It’s hard to believe he’s only 18.” Carrie Underwood beamed, calling him “the country boy through and through,” and Luke Bryan called the performance “wonderfully done” — even teasing him about the giant crawfish float he rode during his hometown parade.
The finale featured Foster alongside finalists Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts, all giving it their all in a last bid for America’s vote. With just three hours to impress millions of viewers, every note counted — and Foster’s soared.
Host Ryan Seacrest kept the suspense high, announcing the third-place spot midway through the show, while fans across the country tuned in to every moment.
Foster’s performance reminded everyone why he’s been a fan favorite all season. He’s got the voice, the heart, and the story — and he’s never forgotten where he came from. Whether or not he takes home the Idol crown, there’s no doubt: John Foster is already a star.
