Two of American Idol Season 23’s brightest stars are proving their journeys are only just beginning. Breanna Nix and John Foster, both fan favorites for their heartfelt country performances, are teaming up on a project that has the blessing of none other than Randy Travis himself.
The spark came when Nix shared a video of her and Foster trading verses on Travis’s beloved hit “I Told You So.” Their stripped-down duet quickly gained traction online — but what stunned the young singers was Travis leaving a comment urging them to finish the song. “Please finish! I need to hear it!! Y’all are incredible artists and will make Carrie and I both proud!” he wrote, referencing his 2009 Idol duet with Carrie Underwood.
Nix’s excitement was immediate. “Oh my word! Yes sir!!!! Thank you so very much!! We will get to it!” she replied, later sharing the exchange to her Instagram stories with the caption: “The legend himself wants more!!! We’re gonna work this week!” True to her promise, she confirmed that she and Foster have already begun collaborating to complete the track.
Fans erupted with joy at the news, flooding Travis’s post with gratitude. “This is the best news ever coming from you!! Thank you for giving them your blessing!! John and Breanna are such talented artists who have proven themselves to let their voices be heard,” one supporter wrote, echoing the sentiment of thousands who’ve watched the two rise from Idol hopefuls to emerging country voices.
The collaboration comes during a busy season for both artists. Nix recently teased her powerful new single “You Stay the Same,” inspired by her nephew’s miraculous recovery from a brain stem stroke. It follows her debut single “Higher,” which soared to No. 1 on the iTunes country chart earlier this year. She’s also begun recording her first full-length album and hinted that another country star may be joining her and Foster in the studio — sparking speculation about a Jelly Roll or even Carrie Underwood cameo.
Meanwhile, Foster has been keeping the momentum strong on his own. The 19-year-old has already stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage three times this summer and will return September 13 alongside Underwood, Mark Wills, and Shaun Cassidy. Known for his soaring rendition of “How Great Thou Art” during his Opry debut, Foster continues to balance new music projects with appearances that are cementing his place as one of country’s most promising young performers.
He’s also kept close ties with his Idol family. Just this past weekend, Foster reunited with fellow alum Slater Nalley in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, sharing a tour bus photo that drew excited reactions from fans and the official Idol account alike. The friendships and collaborations forming out of Season 23 continue to fuel a sense of community that resonates deeply with their audience.
For both Nix and Foster, answering Randy Travis’s call isn’t just about finishing a song — it’s about carrying forward a legacy. With Nix proving her strength as a songwriter and Foster bringing powerhouse vocals to some of country’s most hallowed stages, their duet is shaping up to be more than a tribute. It’s a glimpse of two young artists on the rise, carving their own paths with the blessing of a legend.
