Fresh off their unforgettable runs on American Idol, runner-up John Foster and third-place finalist Breanna Nix have taken fans by surprise with a poignant duet of “Whiskey Lullaby.” Shared on social media just days before their major Nashville performance, the emotional cover quickly struck a chord with viewers—many of whom are now clamoring for an official release.
“One of the best versions of this song I’ve ever heard.”
“Their voices were made for each other.”
“Please, please release this officially!”
Fans didn’t hold back.
A Soul-Stirring Collaboration
The song—originally recorded by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss—has long been considered one of the most gut-wrenching ballads in country music. But Foster and Nix managed to breathe new life into it, channeling both pain and purity with every note. His warm baritone and her ethereal soprano wrapped around each other like a memory you can’t let go of—aching, intimate, and impossibly honest.
The duet felt less like a performance and more like a shared confession between two artists still riding the emotional highs and lows of their Idol journeys.
A Personal Reunion with Plenty of Heart
This wasn’t just a musical reunion—it was a personal one, too. Two weeks after the American Idol finale, the pair reunited in Nashville, where they shared laughs, drinks, and a few nostalgic memories on Instagram.
“Got my good friend @officialjohnfoster & our yummy drinks,” Nix captioned a story.
Foster reposted it with a grin, writing, “Glad to be back with friends like @breannanixmusic!”
The duo also made a heartfelt visit to Seacrest Studios, where they gave a shout-out to Idol host Ryan Seacrest, saying they “missed him already.” But there wasn’t too much time for reminiscing—the spotlight was calling once again.
Idol Alums Unite in Music City
Their duet arrived just ahead of a June 4 performance in Nashville that reunited many familiar Idol faces. The lineup featured Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts, along with Thunderstorm Artis, Kolbi Jordan, Mattie Pruitt, Gabby Samone, HunterGirl, Colin Stough, Wé Ani, Ajii, and more.
“This will be my first official appearance in Music City, which is quite the milestone!” Foster shared on Instagram.
Just days earlier, he’d kicked off his post-Idol chapter at the Cajun Country Jam in Louisiana, where he wowed crowds during back-to-back performances.
Next Stop: The Grand Ole Opry
As if things weren’t moving fast enough, Foster is set to hit another career milestone: his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 7.
“The first time I went to the Opry, I fought back tears because I was so overwhelmed with joy,” he wrote. “There is no more significant place to my passion than the Grand Ole Opry. This has been my #1 dream ever since I started music—and now, because of your support, my dream will come true.”
A Song, A Legacy, and Two Rising Stars
“Whiskey Lullaby” isn’t an easy song to cover—but Foster and Nix treated it with reverence and rawness, balancing heartbreak and harmony in a way that felt both classic and contemporary. They didn’t just sing it—they felt it.
As they continue carving their individual paths through the country music world, fans are already hoping for more duets, more collaborations, and maybe even a joint tour.
One thing’s for sure: the end of Idol isn’t the end of this story—it’s just the beginning.
