If you didn’t already love American Idol’s John Foster for his cowboy hat, golden voice, and southern charm, his sweet love story might just seal the deal — even if it left a few fans heartbroken.
During the live May 4 episode of Idol Season 23, the 18-year-old country singer from Addis, Louisiana, had the audience in a frenzy. The screaming was so loud judge Luke Bryan joked he could barely hear himself think — until Foster grinned and pointed to the crowd, revealing that his girlfriend was in the audience, sitting just behind the panel. Cue the sound of thousands of hearts breaking.
Her name? Brooklyn Bourque. And she’s not just some casual plus-one. She’s been part of Foster’s life long before the bright lights and Hollywood stages.
High School Sweethearts Turn National TV Couple
Foster and Bourque both graduated from Brusly High School in May 2024. They’ve known each other for years — she even posted a photo of them attending Homecoming together in 2021. While the nature of their relationship wasn’t clear for a while, fans got confirmation when she posted a cozy photo with Foster shortly after graduation, adding a flirty “launching🤜🏻🤛🏻hard” exchange with a friend in the comments.
Since then, Bourque has been a constant presence on Foster’s Idol journey, both in real life and online.
Now a freshman at LSU majoring in biology, Foster has dreams bigger than just the stage — he told the judges he wants to become a “singing oncologist.” And while his schedule’s packed with rehearsals and performances, he’s managed to keep up with his studies online.
Bourque may also be at LSU — she was a senior cheer captain at Brusly High and wore an LSU tee in a post about her college plans in spring 2024. Whether they’re sharing lecture notes or late-night FaceTime calls, it’s clear these two are sticking together through it all.
More Than a Fan — The Girl Who’s Always Been There
Bourque’s been Foster’s #1 fan all season. She was there at his audition with family and friends, flew to Hawaii for the show’s tropical round, and proudly posted photos after every big episode. After he earned his spot in the Top 8, she wrote: “MY GUY🤩🤩 so proud of you, I love you😚 #TOP8.”
Perhaps most touching was Foster’s original Easter performance, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which he wrote in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn — a friend Bourque was incredibly close to. The moment was as emotional as it was powerful, showing that Foster’s heart is as big as his talent.
As the Top 7 live show approaches on May 5, Foster seems more grounded than ever — thanks in part to a solid foundation back home and a supportive girlfriend who’s been by his side since day one.
Win or lose, this “Idol” hopeful already feels like a star — and he’s got a love story to match.
