Season 23 of American Idol has officially come to a close — and while Jamal Roberts was crowned the winner, runner-up John Foster is continuing to capture hearts across America. His emotional reaction during the finale, combined with his fan-favorite status, has kept his name at the top of headlines even after the last note faded.
In what has now become the most-voted finale in recent Idol history, more than 26 million votes were cast during the live broadcast on Sunday, May 18 — double the number from last season. Early odds and social media momentum had 18-year-old John Foster from Louisiana pegged as the frontrunner, making his second-place finish all the more surprising — and for many, controversial.
John Foster: Not Just a Contestant — A Rising Country Star
From the moment he stepped onto the Idol stage, John Foster distinguished himself with more than just a rich, emotive country voice. His storytelling, especially through his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her” — written in memory of a late friend — resonated deeply with fans and went viral, a rare accomplishment for a live Idol performance.
Rooted in his small-town Louisiana upbringing, Foster became a beacon of authenticity, striking a chord with both longtime country fans and new audiences alike. With humility, natural charisma, and undeniable talent, he was seen by many as the season’s most complete artist — a throwback to country’s golden era with a fresh new voice.
A Finale Full of Heart, Music, and Controversy
The finale delivered all the drama fans could hope for — stunning performances, appearances by all three judges, and standout moments from the Top 3 finalists. But the night wasn’t without controversy.
A brief but highly circulated moment showed Foster’s expression shift just before Jamal Roberts was officially announced as the winner — a clip that sparked debate online. Combined with behind-the-scenes commentary from past contestants about Idol’s voting and production process, some fans reignited calls for more transparency in the show’s outcome.
Still, despite the tension, Foster remained composed and gracious in the spotlight.
John Foster’s Message to Fans: “Thank You — Times a Million”
Hours after the finale aired, Foster took to Facebook to share a heartfelt message with his growing fanbase:
“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends. 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.” 🙏❤️
The post quickly went viral, with fans calling him “the people’s champ” and pledging lifelong support for his music. Thousands of comments poured in, with many expressing hope that his career is just getting started
