John Foster made quite the impression during his American Idol audition, and it wasn’t entirely due to his vocal prowess. The 18-year-old presented judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood with coolers full of culinary staples from his hometown of Addis, Louisiana. Foster’s Cajun roots have been present all season long, especially during his first Disney Night performance of “Almost There” from the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog.
Performing at the top of his game all season long, Foster has landed in the Top 3 alongside Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts. With the Season 23 title close enough to touch, the Louisiana State University student headed back to his hometown ahead of the May 18 finale.
John Foster’s American Idol run has been so impressive that Facebook users began speculating about his musical pedigree. That speculation ran wild, with Foster eventually feeling the need to clarify that country star Dwight Yoakam is not, in fact, his uncle.
However, Foster’s musical spark does indeed come from his uncle, local musician Gaylen Martin. “I wouldn’t be a musician if it weren’t for my Uncle Gaylen,” he told a Baton Rouge news outlet. “He pushed me from day one when I was 15 years old. He showed me my first four chords on the guitar — the chords to ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ — and he’s supported me ever since.”
Along with many other members of the Foster family and Addis community, Martin has been beside his nephew’s side for much of his American Idol journey. Speaking to a local news outlet, the Brusly, Louisiana man said Foster’s vocal talent became obvious at a young age.
“It just progressed on, and he took an interest in wanting to learn to play guitar,” Martin said. “You know, I gave him a few tips and tricks and taught him a few chords. Everything I tell him, he’s like a sponge, he absorbs it. And you know, the rest is history.”
Watching his nephew excel on national TV has “been nothing short of amazing, really,” Martin said. “Like I said, he’s a very teachable kid. Anything you tell him, the next day he’s got it. It’s just been unbelievable.”
American Idol finalist John Foster is also speaking out about his sudden fame. The 18-year-old LSU student told The Advocate that he is going to “stay grounded,” although the publication reported that his success on American Idol has grown his confidence.
“I’ve just kind of had to make sure that I’m staying centered on myself and my faith and knowing that I have a purpose here and that’s why I’m here,” Foster told The Advocate. “And that’s what’s keeping me straight and that’s all I can do.”
