John Foster is wasting no time diving into his post-American Idol journey. Just two days after finishing as runner-up on Season 23, the 18-year-old singer from Addis, Louisiana, announced that his first public performance will take place at the Cajun Country Jam Memorial Day Festival in Denham Springs.
Foster shared the news on Tuesday, May 20, via a social media post, confirming that he will be taking the stage during the three-day festival happening May 23 through May 25 at the Pards North Park on Eden Church Road. While the official festival lineup doesn’t yet list Foster’s performance time, he indicated he’ll be performing on Sunday, with a potential appearance on Saturday as well.
The Cajun Country Jam is a staple Louisiana event that draws country fans from across the region. This year’s lineup includes a host of performers, from regional acts like Parish County Line and Kendall Shaffer to country stars like Chris Cagle, Craig Morgan, and Dylan Scott. General admission for the weekend is $75, with a parking pass required for entry. Foster’s inclusion adds a fresh Idol spark to the event, especially following his breakout on national TV.
Foster quickly became a fan favorite throughout the Idol season, not only for his strong vocal performances but also for his grounded personality, emotional storytelling, and Southern charm. His finale performance of the self-penned single “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn, moved many viewers to tears and left a lasting impression.
He’s made it clear that the song is just the beginning. “I’m going to push that out as much as possible,” Foster told TV Insider. “It gives people a good glimpse of who I am as an artist and as a writer.” He also expressed excitement about heading into the studio to begin work on his first full album, noting, “I love being in the studio.”
Beyond music, Foster might be dipping into another corner of reality TV. When asked if he’d consider joining Dancing With the Stars, Foster responded with a thoughtful, “I never really thought about that. I’ll tell you this—it’s certainly not a no.” ABC hasn’t revealed the full cast for Season 34 yet, and Foster’s newfound visibility could make him a natural fit for the show’s country-meets-pop audience.
On May 19, a day after the finale, Foster posted a heartfelt message on Instagram thanking his fans and offering congratulations to winner Jamal Roberts. “After gathering my thoughts, here is my latest message to my family!” he wrote. “I also want to send a very heartfelt congratulations to all of my fellow finalists, especially Jamal, his family, and his community; he is an incredible performer with whom I’m honored to have shared a stage. I’ll certainly be praying for him as he continues his journey.”
Fans flooded the comments with admiration. “At the young age of 18, you are a class act,” one user wrote. “Your faith and humility will take you far, my friend. I look forward to hearing all of your new music!” Another gushed, “You will go further than any winner has. You will be as famous as Carrie Underwood.”
As Foster steps into this new chapter, he carries with him not just a runner-up title, but a growing fanbase and the potential to become one of Idol’s breakout stars. Whether it’s more music, a tour, or even a spin on the dance floor, his journey is just getting started.
