Introduction
Wearing his signature cowboy hat and strumming his guitar with ease, 18-year-old John Foster is proving he’s much more than just another American Idol contestant—he’s an emerging force in country music. The Louisiana native brought the house down with a heartfelt performance during the live Top 12 show, delivering a stunning rendition of “I Told You So,” the Randy Travis classic famously covered by Carrie Underwood.
What made this moment truly unforgettable wasn’t just Foster’s vocal control or flawless technique—it was the depth of emotion he poured into every note. As he sang, there was a sincerity in his voice that immediately connected with both the judges and the audience. And it didn’t take long for the impact to show.
Carrie Underwood, clearly touched by the performance, beamed with emotion. “I’m blushing!” she said, visibly moved. “You challenge yourself every time, and I love watching you grow.” The crowd erupted in cheers, while her fellow judges echoed her praise. Lionel Richie declared, “I’m so proud of you. You absolutely nailed it.” Luke Bryan added, “Fantastic job! You continue to impress me in every way.” Perhaps the highest compliment of the night came when Underwood compared Foster to country great Dwight Yoakam—a massive nod to his potential.
This wasn’t the first time Foster had wowed both viewers and judges. From his initial audition—where he blended George Jones’ “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” with Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time”—he’s shown a deep-rooted love for classic country. He’s continued to build on that momentum with standout performances of “Neon Moon,” “In Color,” “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” and even his own heartfelt original, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.”
During Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Week, Foster showed off his versatility with a crowd-pleasing, high-energy take on Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” With guidance from guest mentor James Taylor, he introduced fresh choreography and stage presence without ever losing his country edge. The result? A thrilling performance that solidified his spot in the Top 10.
Now officially among the Top 10 of American Idol Season 23, John Foster is proving that he’s more than just a promising voice—he’s a future star. With genuine heart, undeniable talent, and an ever-growing fanbase, he’s capturing the attention of not just the judges, but all of America. Win or lose, one thing is certain: John Foster’s journey is just beginning, and the country world is watching with pride.