With a cowboy hat on his head, a guitar in hand, and a voice built for country music, 18-year-old American Idol contestant John Foster continues to steal hearts and spotlight alike. Hailing from Addis, Louisiana, Foster delivered one of the most memorable performances of the season with his soulful take on “I Told You So”—a song made famous by Randy Travis and later covered by judge Carrie Underwood herself.
But this wasn’t just a tribute—it was a moment. Foster’s voice, rich with emotion and old-school country charm, turned the live stage into something special. And Carrie Underwood felt it. “I’m blushing!” she said, clearly touched by the young singer’s performance. “You keep pushing yourself every week. I love watching you grow.” The crowd cheered, and so did her fellow judges. Lionel Richie praised his growth, saying, “You killed it!” while Luke Bryan chimed in, “You impress me so much on so many levels.”
Underwood even compared Foster’s style to that of country legend Dwight Yoakam—a major nod for any rising artist.
Foster has been winning over America since his first audition, where he blended George Jones’ “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” with Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time.” Since then, he’s stayed true to his traditional country roots with heartfelt covers of “Neon Moon,” “In Color,” and “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” He even moved the nation with an original tribute, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn.
Just last week, Foster shook things up with a lively rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock” during Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Mentored by James Taylor, he added new moves and energy to his act while keeping his country soul intact—earning a well-deserved spot in the Top 10.
Now firmly in American Idol’s Season 23 Top 10, John Foster isn’t just a talented country singer—he’s proving to be a true storyteller with heart, grit, and staying power. Whether or not he takes the crown, it’s clear one thing’s for sure: Carrie Underwood won’t be the only one glowing with pride. America’s watching—and cheering—him on every step of the way.
