American Idol’s Disney Night ended on a heartfelt note thanks to 18-year-old John Foster, who delivered a deeply personal performance that left both the judges and viewers feeling emotional. The Top 5 finalist chose Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe” as a tribute to his mom, Amanda—a woman he credits with always encouraging him to keep the faith, even when times were tough.
As he sang, all eyes were on Amanda in the audience, holding a sign that read, “I Believe in You, Son,” her eyes filled with tears. The connection between them was undeniable, and it made the performance even more powerful. By the end, the entire panel—Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood—was on its feet in a standing ovation.
Carrie called the song choice “perfect,” while Luke praised John’s ability to connect with fans and keep surprising the judges week after week. Lionel, who’s acted as a mentor throughout the season, told him, “You’ve found your artist,” recognizing how much John has grown as a performer and storyteller.
This moving moment came during a special Mother’s Day-themed episode, with each contestant dedicating a song to their mom. Even in such a touching lineup, John’s performance stood out—deeply sincere and emotionally charged.
As the show wrapped up, John earned his spot in the Top 5, proving once again that he has both the heart and the talent to go the distance. With another live performance just around the corner on May 12, fans are excited to see what this soulful cowboy from Louisiana brings next.
