Eighteen-year-old country crooner John Foster isn’t walking away from American Idol Season 23 disappointed. In fact, the Louisiana native believes his runner-up finish was exactly how it was meant to be.
Foster, a college freshman from Addis, Louisiana, placed second on the May 18, 2025, finale, following winner Jamal Roberts—a 27-year-old soul singer, teacher, and father of three from Meridian, Mississippi. While he shared a brief thank-you with fans immediately after the show aired live, Foster returned to Instagram on May 19 with a more heartfelt and reflective message.
“After gathering my thoughts, here is my latest message to my family,” he wrote alongside a screenshot of a typed and signed letter.
“No words can describe how I truly feel, but I hope that these will try,” the letter began. “I can vividly remember that feeling of ‘I’ll never be good enough’ in my early days of Idol, and I can gladly say that I proved myself wrong.”
Foster’s journey began nearly a year earlier, with virtual auditions held in the summer of 2024. From there, he advanced to live auditions in front of judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie in the fall. By January 2025, he was headed to Hollywood Week, and then to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii for the Top 24 showcase. When the show began airing in March, Foster quickly became a fan favorite with his warm vocals, traditional country tone, and humble presence.
“I’ve gained friends, confidence, life skills, and most importantly, I’ve gained you—my family,” he told fans. “My gratitude will NEVER be fully expressed, but I hope to show it by working hard to give you some new country music and show dates as soon as I can.”
Foster emphasized that his faith continues to guide him: “God has a reason for me being runner-up, and I will always trust His plan!” he wrote in bold text. “This is merely a first step into what He has in store for me, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead. I love you!”
In the caption of the post, Foster extended his congratulations to his fellow finalists. “I also want to send a very heartfelt congratulations to all of my fellow finalists, especially Jamal, his family, and his community; he is an incredible performer with whom I’m honored to have shared a stage. I’ll certainly be praying for him as he continues his journey. 🙏”
Fans were quick to praise Foster for his grace and wisdom beyond his years. Within a day, his post had garnered over 28,000 likes and more than 1,100 comments—many predicting a bright future ahead for the rising country star.
“You are about to land a contract in Nashville like no other, my friend!! That is what is in God’s plan!!” one commenter wrote. “God bless you and we are so proud! I look forward to seeing you open up for Luke Bryan soon!”
Another fan added, “You will go further than any winner has. You will be as famous as Carrie Underwood. GOD makes NO MISTAKES! I can’t wait to listen to all of your music.”
Perhaps one of the most liked comments of all—earning nearly 500 likes—said simply, “At the young age of 18, you are a class act. Your faith and humility will take you far, my friend. I look forward to hearing all of your new music!”
As Foster’s debut single, Tell That Angel I Love Her—written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn—continues to gain traction on streaming platforms and iTunes, he’s already hinting at plans to record his first full-length album. “I love being in the studio,” he told TV Insider. “I want people to hear who I am as a writer and an artist.”
From American Idol stage lights to Nashville spotlights, John Foster’s journey is just getting started—and if his faith, work ethic, and talent are any indication, this is only the beginning.
