It was a night of major moves on American Idol 2025. After viewers cast their votes, host Ryan Seacrest announced the two artists who fell short: Amanda Barise and Desmond Roberts. With them leaving the competition, the Top 12 were officially set:
Canaan James Hill, Gabby Samone, Mattie Pruitt, Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Filo, Kolbi Jordan, Josh King, Jamal Roberts, and Ché.
Among the night’s standout moments was John Foster, the rising country star who took a huge risk — and reaped big rewards.
Instead of playing it safe, John took on Elvis Presley’s iconic “Jailhouse Rock” but gave it a fresh twist, refusing to imitate the King. From the first beat, John infused the classic with his own style, turning the stage into his own personal playground. His energetic, confident performance had the audience roaring, and the judges couldn’t stay seated.
Luke Bryan was especially impressed, telling John:
“You didn’t copy Elvis — you made it yours. That’s exactly what we needed to see. Authentic and comfortable.”
Rather than mimic the legendary star’s famous moves, John honored the spirit of the song while making it modern, playful, and true to himself. His bold choice showed not just raw talent but emotional depth, winning over both fans and judges alike.
More importantly, John’s performance proved he’s not just another contestant — he’s an artist with a distinct voice and fearless creativity. His “go big or go home” mentality is paying off, and if this performance is any sign, John Foster is carving out a real shot at the American Idol crown.
As the Top 12 gear up for their next live show on Monday, April 28, all eyes will be on John to see how he continues to raise the bar.
