John Foster became a breakout star on Season 23 of American Idol, winning over viewers with his rich vocals and classic country charm. After delivering weeks of emotional performances and earning strong support from viewers, the 18-year-old finished as the runner-up in the May 2025 finale.
“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends,” he wrote on Instagram following the finale. “I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart — times a million.”
Find out more about the rising country talent below.
Foster grew up in Addis, Louisiana, a small town in West Baton Rouge Parish, where he worked at his family’s meat market before auditioning for American Idol. A graduate of Brusly High School, he brought pride to his hometown with his performances on the show. His journey was celebrated with a hometown parade and concert, where he performed on a crawfish float and sang along the bayou.
While competing on American Idol, Foster remained committed to his education as a biology major at Louisiana State University.
In a heartfelt moment during the Top 20 round, Foster performed his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” dedicated to his late friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically died in a car accident in 2022.
