Eighteen-year-old American Idol contestant John Foster has quickly become a household name after making it into the Top 10 of Season 23. But for those in his hometown of Addis, Louisiana, there’s more to the rising country star than fans may realize — starting with his name.
The Name Behind the Music
While viewers know him as John Foster, his full name is John Foster Benoit. Family and friends recently told The Advocate that he chose to drop his last name for his growing music career. Still, during his audition, Foster paid homage to his family roots by bringing coolers of Cajun specialties from his family’s business, Benoit’s Country Meat Block, to the judges.
Rick Bourgoyne, a longtime employee and close friend of the family, clarified the name decision:
“I told his daddy, ‘I hope people don’t think that’s his last name because he is a Benoit, and this is Benoit’s.’ His middle name is Foster, just like his daddy and grandfather. He’s the third.”
Music Meets Medicine: Foster’s Dream of Becoming an Oncologist
Despite his rising profile on national television, Foster has not abandoned his dream of becoming a doctor. He remains enrolled at Louisiana State University, majoring in biology, and is currently in his second semester — taking courses online while competing on American Idol.
His dedication to cancer research goes beyond academics. On May 2, Foster launched a Facebook fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. “Whether I decide to pursue medicine or music full-time,” he wrote, “I will always be involved in fighting for a cure.” His goal was $500 — but he raised nearly $3,500 in less than a day.
The fundraiser, which includes a raffle for an autographed photo, ends on May 9.
Family, Faith, and the Support of an Entire Town
According to The Advocate, 31 of Foster’s relatives will be traveling to Los Angeles to cheer him on in the next round of competition. Family members say Foster’s humility and deep values have remained unchanged, even as he gains national attention.
“He’s stayed true to who he is,” said his grandmother, Verbie Benoit. “He loves his family, his town, and he just wants to make people proud.”
Clearing the Air: Age, Hometown, and Record Deal Rumors
As Foster’s popularity has surged, so has online speculation. On April 30, he addressed several circulating rumors via a public Facebook post.
“For the sake of all my family (followers) getting to know me better,” he wrote, “I’d like to clear up some misinformation that’s been spreading.”
He set the record straight on three key points:
- He is 18 years old, not 24.
- He was born and raised in Addis, Louisiana — not Benton, Kentucky.
- He is not related to Dwight Yoakam and is not signed to any record label, including Sugar Hill Records.
Foster encouraged fans to seek accurate information directly from his verified page, noting, “If you see something about me that’s not from my page (with the blue checkmark), there’s a chance that it may not be true.”
What’s Next for John Foster
As American Idol heads into its final weeks, Foster continues to impress with emotionally rich performances and heartfelt tributes. Most recently, he performed “I Cross My Heart” for his girlfriend, Brooklyn, and was seen celebrating his Top 8 milestone without his signature cowboy hat.
Through it all, Foster remains grounded by his roots, focused on his purpose, and humbled by the support of fans and his Louisiana community.
