On an ordinary Wednesday morning, Side Porch Daiquiris in Addis, Louisiana, was calm and quiet—the radio playing softly in the background and the daiquiri machines humming along. But just a few weeks ago, the atmosphere here was anything but serene. The bar was buzzing with energy, filled with music and excitement as local favorite John Foster performed what could be his last hometown show before stepping onto the national stage of American Idol.
“I always had a feeling he’d outgrow us one day,” said Brady Creighton, the bar’s manager. Creighton started booking Foster right after the pandemic, when the now 18-year-old, Top 10 American Idol contestant was still just a teenager with a guitar and big dreams.
Shaping a Star on the Westside
For Foster, the Westside bar scene and local festivals weren’t just gigs—they were his training ground. From Side Porch to Charlie’s Lounge to the Feast on the Levee festival in Brusly, Foster polished his classic country style and developed his natural stage presence long before he ever hit the American Idol stage.
“That’s the same voice he’s had since he was 16 or 17,” Creighton said, adding that John’s confidence, tone, and charisma were obvious even in his early performances.
Locals still talk about watching Foster play small crowds with the energy of a stadium show. Gary Tullier, a longtime fan, recalled telling him after a festival performance, “Man, you did great, you should go on American Idol.” Turns out, Foster was listening.
More Than Just a Voice
But it wasn’t just his voice that set John apart—it was his character offstage too.
“He’s an honest, genuine guy, probably the most respectful person his age I’ve ever met,” said local Ryan Comeaux. “I even have to tell him to stop calling me sir.”
There’s a deep sense of pride in the community that raised him, as though they’ve been in on the secret long before the rest of America caught on. Foster had already lined up local gigs for the year before American Idol came calling. And while it’s unclear whether he’ll still be able to make those dates, nobody would blame him if he can’t. They just want to see him succeed.
A Local Talent Making It Big
As John Foster continues to shine on American Idol, the people of Addis will always remember the boy who turned small-town venues into memorable concert experiences. For them, he’s already a star. And for the rest of the world? They’re just catching up.
