In a standout moment on American Idol’s “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” night, 18-year-old John Foster from Addis, Louisiana, lit up the stage with a high-energy, charisma-packed performance of Elvis Presley’s iconic hit “Jailhouse Rock.”
Known for blending classic country influences with a modern twist, Foster brought his own unique flavor to the rock ‘n’ roll anthem — and the results were unforgettable. His bold, dynamic delivery had the audience on their feet and left the judges raving.
Luke Bryan was first to heap praise on Foster, telling him, “It wasn’t an Elvis impersonation — it was John Foster doing Elvis. You looked so comfortable. Great performance.”
Lionel Richie agreed, highlighting Foster’s ease and authenticity: “You were so comfortable. That’s what made it so believable. You did a great job.”
Carrie Underwood chimed in with a major compliment, likening John to a “young Dwight” — a nod to country music icon Dwight Yoakam — applauding how Foster effortlessly merged country soul with rock intensity.
As part of the Top 14’s mission to win over viewers during the live voting round, Foster’s take on “Jailhouse Rock” stood out as a true celebration of rock energy fused with country spirit.
No stranger to big stages, Foster has already shared the spotlight with names like John Schneider and Doug Stone. Deeply rooted in classic country — with inspirations like George Strait, Merle Haggard, and Keith Whitley — he’s a passionate student of the genre’s rich history.
In 2022, he won the Traditional Songwriter Award for his heartfelt original “Someone to Sing To,” and earlier this season on Idol, he moved audiences with his emotional ballad, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of lost friends.
Beyond the stage lights, Foster’s strong Catholic Christian faith and real-life experiences shine through his music, giving his performances a depth that’s connecting with fans nationwide.
As the American Idol competition heats up, John Foster is proving that he’s not just another contestant — he’s a future star blending the roots of country with the fire of rock ‘n’ roll, one unforgettable performance at a time.
