John Foster, an 18-year-old Louisiana native and LSU student, has been a notable candidate on Season 23 of American Idol, captivating listeners with his true country voice and passionate performances. His journey on the competition has been defined by emotional depth and a strong connection to his roots, which resonated with both the judges and viewers throughout the country.
Heartfelt Tribute: “Tell That Angel I Love Her”. On April 20, 2025, during the show’s Easter-themed “Songs of Faith” episode, Foster performed a moving original song titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The concert was a memorial to his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who died in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022 after a police officer blew a red light and collided with their vehicle.
Foster’s heartfelt delivery impacted both the audience and the judges. Carrie Underwood commended his traditional country sound and the delicate side of his voice, saying, “There’s something so charmingly retro about your voice and manner. I believe that is something lacking in today’s country music. Bryan continued: “You’ve kind of been a wildcard for me the whole time, but what you just did there removed all doubts … .”
Lionel Richie praised Foster’s performance for its honesty and storytelling, which he described as a characteristic of great music. Maggie Dunn’s mother, Erin Martin, was deeply moved by the performance, stating, “For John Foster to make the song at all and then to perform it, it’s an example, a tangible example of the light and love that Maggie left behind.”
Honky-Tonk Magic: “Neon Moon” Following his poignant homage, Foster demonstrated his versatility by performing Brooks & Dunn’s classic “Neon Moon” on April 21, 2025. His performance transformed the American Idol stage into a nostalgic honky-tonk, prompting a standing ovation from all three judges. Viewers referred to him as a “real country artist” with a “pure old country voice,” while judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan were seen singing along and clearly enjoying the performance.
Foster’s combination of emotional depth and traditional country flair has made him a standout candidate this season. His honest performances continue to captivate audiences, and fans eagerly await his next appearances as the tournament unfolds. See his nostalgic and amazing cover here.