18-year-old country singer John Foster kicked off Sunday night’s (May 4) Top 10 episode with a spirited rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “Something To Talk About.” The performance was part of the first-ever American Idol Ladies Night theme, paying tribute to some of the greatest female talents in music.
Foster’s song choice marked a slight deviation from his usual classic country roots, which he had drawn from in previous weeks. In a clip recorded before his performance, John met Miranda Lambert, this week’s artist mentor and his “first crush.”
“John walked in with his little cowboy hat, his western shirt, and his guitar, and told me I was his first crush. I was like, ‘Okay, I love you,’” Lambert confessed.
Foster admitted that he was nervous while rehearsing with Lambert, mentioning that he had trouble looking at her while singing. However, she put him at ease by singing with him, creating a special moment John will likely never forget.
John Foster wowed the audience and judges with his performance of “Something To Talk About,” solidifying his status as one of the top contenders of the season. As one of the only country singers to advance past the Hollywood Week rounds, Foster has earned the support of country music lovers. His Easter performance of his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” even landed on the iTunes country chart, drawing more attention to his music and expanding his fanbase.
Following his Bonnie Raitt cover, the judges heaped praise upon him.
“I feel like you are the one that we have watched grow the most throughout this entire process,” Carrie Underwood said. “Every single time you step out on the stage, you feel more comfortable, you’re working the stage more, you’re connecting with the audience more…I love that. I just feel like you’ve grown so much.”
Luke Bryan agreed, adding, “Your charisma meter is like peaking off the charts right now.”
