In the cozy town of Addis, Louisiana — where lunch at Benoit’s Country Meat Block might come with a side of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dessert for just $10.99 — something even more special is simmering: hometown pride for American Idol star John Foster.
This small Cajun community, nestled just a short drive from the Mississippi River, has long been known for its boudin, jerky, and southern hospitality. But lately, it’s been glowing for a different reason: one of their own is lighting up national TV. John Foster Benoit III — or simply John Foster to the rest of us — is making waves on American Idol’s Top 10, and he’s bringing a piece of Addis with him every step of the way.
At his audition in Nashville, John didn’t just sing — he brought flavors from home: a plate of boudin, jerky, and a bottle of Benoit’s Cajun seasoning. Legend has it, judge Luke Bryan was so impressed, he licked the seasoning right off his fingers backstage. That hometown charm? It’s real.
Back in Addis, no one beams brighter than John’s 75-year-old grandmother, Verbie Benoit. She packed her suitcase — and her rosary — and flew to Hollywood with 31 family members to cheer him on. “I don’t pray for him to win,” she says. “I just pray God stays close to him.”
John’s smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery have earned him fans across the country, but his dreams reach even further. While dazzling on stage, he’s also studying biology at LSU with hopes of becoming an oncologist. Once co-valedictorian of his high school, his teachers always knew he was going places. “One of them said he’d be governor,” Verbie laughs. “We used to tease he’d be president!”
But to the folks at Benoit’s, he’s still the polite young man who helped behind the meat counter during the holidays. Co-workers like Rick Bourgoyne and Blake Sarradet smile proudly when they explain that “Foster” is his middle name, and that he was raised with deep values, a love for music, and a work ethic as strong as the jerky they sell.
Even newcomers like Regina DeBenedetto are all in. “I voted 30 times,” she says, grinning. “He’s kind, he’s humble — and when he gets on that stage, he shines.”
No matter where Idol takes him, John Foster is the real deal — a mix of heart, talent, and Cajun soul. Whether he ends up winning the competition or heading back to the classroom, he’s already captured something rare: the admiration of a nation, and the everlasting love of the town that raised him.
As they say in Louisiana — he’s got all the right ingredients, and just enough spice to keep the whole country cheering.
