American Idol Season 23 runner-up John Foster continues to prove that his impact reaches far beyond the Idol stage — and on June 17, he brought faith, heart, and country soul to his hometown in a moment that’s now being celebrated across Louisiana.
At the Louisiana Municipal Association District H meeting, held in the Town of Addis, the 18-year-old country crooner delivered a powerful and emotionally rich performance of the hymn How Great Thou Art. There were no flashy lights or TV cameras — just Foster, his voice, and a sacred stillness that swept the room.
A Hometown Hallelujah
With his signature old-school country twang and deep reverence for the lyrics, Foster’s version of How Great Thou Art struck a chord. His performance, recorded and shared by Port Allen City Councilwoman Charlene Gordon, was raw and pure. It didn’t need studio polish — the message rang clear.
“It felt like gospel gold,” said one attendee, wiping away tears. “You don’t expect to be moved like that at a municipal meeting.”
It was a reminder that even local stages can hold holy moments — especially when they’re occupied by a voice as genuine and grounded as Foster’s.
From Local Honor to National Spotlight
The performance comes on the heels of Foster’s acclaimed Grand Ole Opry debut, and he’s not slowing down. He’ll return to the historic stage on July 9 to celebrate his 19th birthday, and again on August 21, this time sharing the spotlight with country legend Jamey Johnson.
“Playing the @opry was one of the biggest honors of my life,” Foster shared on Instagram. “Now, I have the pleasure of celebrating my 19th birthday there… If I don’t say it enough, thank you, thank you, thank you for putting me here.”
Breanna Nix and Idol Alumni Show Support
Former Idol finalist Breanna Nix, who’s remained close with Foster since the show, praised his journey:
“You were made for this! Just to think about where you were a few months ago to now. You took a chance and now look! God is so good!”
The two recently reunited at CMA Fest in Nashville, recording new duets and joining other Season 23 stars for a fan-favorite performance that lit up social media.
“I Proved Myself Wrong”
While he may have finished second on Idol, Foster sees the journey as his greatest victory yet.
“I vividly remember that feeling of ‘I’ll never be good enough’ in my early days of Idol,” he said in a recent post. “But I can gladly say that I proved myself wrong… I gained friends, confidence, life skills, and most importantly, I gained you — my family.”
Looking Ahead
With more shows booked, new music on the way, and his voice being celebrated from Louisiana town halls to country music’s grandest stages, John Foster is a rising star with a mission. Whether singing about faith, heartbreak, or hope, he brings a sincerity that resonates.
From Addis to Nashville, it’s clear: John Foster isn’t just performing — he’s ministering through music.
