American Idol Season 23 kicked off its first Disney-themed episode on Sunday, May 11, with standout performances from the Top 7 contestants — but it was Louisiana’s own John Foster who had the crowd and judges beaming with pride after his rendition of “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog.
The 18-year-old country crooner, known for his southern charm and smooth vocals, ditched his usual guitar to deliver a dynamic and charismatic performance that showcased his vocal range and stage presence. It was a personal song choice for Foster, who shared that the track’s connection to his home state made it a perfect pick.
“This was a movie that was set entirely in Louisiana, my home state that I’m so proud of,” Foster said. “So I wanted to do ‘Almost There’ for my home state.”
Ahead of his performance, Foster admitted to feeling homesick but remained focused, saying he didn’t want to let up when so many people back home were rooting for him.
Mentorship from Lin-Manuel Miranda
Helping the contestants prepare for the magical night was none other than Broadway superstar and Disney collaborator Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for his work on Moana and Encanto. Miranda urged Foster to “channel your inner rock star” and told him to lean into the theme with confidence:
“Lean into America and go, ‘America, I’m almost there!’”
Foster took that advice to heart, delivering a toe-tapping, high-energy performance that brought the Disney classic into the heart of country music.
Judges Praise Foster’s Performance
The judges were full of praise following Foster’s performance. Lionel Richie kicked things off with a question that captured the audience’s enthusiasm:
“Who do you think you are?” he asked, before letting the roaring crowd answer for him. “That was amazing! The crowd spoke for me.”
Carrie Underwood praised his authenticity, noting that Foster has a way of making every genre feel uniquely his own.
“You are another one that, it’s like no matter what you do, John Foster is John Foster,” she said. “You dressed like you. You sound like you.”
Luke Bryan kept it simple and energetic:
“Charisma. Charisma. Charisma. Smiling under that cowboy hat. That’s why you’re still here.”
A Fan Favorite With the Numbers to Prove It
It’s not just the judges who are feeling the Foster fever. The country teen has become one of the season’s most streamed contestants, with his performance videos consistently ranking among the most-watched in recent weeks. As his fan base grows and support from his hometown of Addis, Louisiana, continues to pour in, Foster seems poised for a deep run in the competition.
With his successful performance on Disney Night and a spot secured in the Top 5, Foster will return to the Idol stage on May 12, hoping to earn a place in the Top 3 — and a coveted hometown visit in next week’s finale.
