Who is John Foster on American Idol season 23?
18-year-old singer from Louisiana, John Foster has made it to top 3 on American Idol.
The younger singer at the time of his audition, wowed the judges with a country song ‘Don’t Rock the Jukebox‘ by Alan Jackson. When Carrie, the judge ask her to sing another song, he sang ‘Goodway Times‘ by Conway Twitty.
He wore a cowboy hat, a red checkered shirt, and a navy blue jeans.
After that, with his original and classic covers, he moved onto the top. Recently, he performed ‘The Bare Necessities‘ and ‘Rainbow Connection‘ on Disney Night.
Scroll down to learn more about his musical journey.
John Is From Addis, Louisiana
The heartthrob of millions, John was born and raised in Addis, Louisiana, a town of less than 7,500. His family owns Benoit’s Country Meat Block there, and the whole town embraced Foster’s singing journey.
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Talking with The Advocate, his grandmother Verbie Benoit said,
“Every week, it’s better and better. I didn’t know he had more talent to show us, but he does. I pray for him—not necessarily for him to win. But for God to be with him. He has such a good head on his shoulders that I don’t think that he could ever stray from anything good. He’s just that kid.”
His official website mentions him as a devout Catholic Christian, who graduated as Valedictorian from Brusly High School in 2024.
John Wants To Be An Oncologist
After graduating from Brusly High as Valedictorian last year, Foster is in college now. Currently he is in second semester studying biology, and he wants to become an oncologist. According to Cleveland Clinic, an oncologist is cancer doctor.
Sharing his professional ambitions, Foster made a Facebook post saying,
“As many of you know, I am currently studying to become an oncologist (a physician who treats cancer). Whether I decide to pursue medicine or music full-time, I will always be involved in fighting for a cure.”
He also started a fundraiser program which will go to the American Cancer Society:
“I’ve gotten 100+ requests for an autographed picture. If you would like to be entered to win a personalized autograph, please donate $10 to this fundraiser (make sure to show your name publicly). Each $10 is one entry, and the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.”
John’s Tribute To Friend Maggie Dunn
The singer paid tribute to his friend late Maggie Dunn on the April 20 episode of American Idol. That day, he sang an original song ‘Tell That Angel That I Love Her,’ which he penned after his friend’s death in 2022.
As per WAFB, during the chase of a suspect with a stolen car, a police officer’s pursuit vehicle hit the car Maggie was driving. Maggie and Caroline Gill died on the spot, while Maggie’s brother Liam was seriously injured.
Maggie’s mother was in the audience during John’s performance. Later, talking to Unfiltered With Kiran, she opened up about their friendship. She said,
“John carries a letter that she wrote for him. It was an assignment for a junior English class, and in it, she talks about how he has to keep pushing with this dream because he has talent.”
John’s False Age Rumors
Foster has overwhelming voice, which people love to hear and judges love his performance. But, it also started a rumor that he may be older than he claimed to be, and he might have already signed to a record label.
So, on April 30, John took it to his Facebook to address these rumors.
He wrote:
“1. I am 18 years old (not 24).
2. I was born and raised in Louisiana. My hometown is Addis, LA. I’m not from Benton, Kentucky (I’ve never even been to Kentucky, but I hope to visit someday).
3. I’m not related to Dwight Yoakam, nor am I currently signed under any record label (there was some misinformation that Dwight Yoakam signed me under Sugar Hill Records).”
American Idol’s Grand Finale is on May 18, 2025, Sunday 8:00 PM ET