LOS ANGELES — Louisiana’s John Foster has officially made it into the Top 8 on American Idol, continuing a breakout season that’s captured the hearts of fans across the country. The 18-year-old from Addis has won over America with his Southern charm, authentic voice, and deep emotional connection to his music.
On Sunday night’s episode, themed around iconic women in music, Foster kicked off the show with a soulful and upbeat rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About.” Wearing his signature cowboy hat and flashing his now-famous smile, he set the tone for the evening with undeniable energy and vocal strength.
The judges praised the performance, with Luke Bryan telling him, “Your charisma meter is peaking off the charts right now,” and Carrie Underwood remarking on how much more confident he seems with each passing week. As voting opened during the live show, fans across the nation rallied behind Foster, and by the night’s end, he was announced as one of the Top 8 finalists.
Foster’s momentum didn’t start there. Earlier in the week, he advanced to the Top 12, then quickly broke into the Top 10 following a dynamic performance of Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock.” Under the guidance of music legend James Taylor, Foster brought new life to the 1957 classic.
With a more relaxed stage presence and even some Elvis-inspired leg shakes, he entertained the crowd without losing his own identity. Carrie Underwood praised the song choice and told him, “You were having fun with it, you made it your own, and I feel like I was watching a young Dwight Yoakam up there.” Foster smiled and said he gets that comparison a lot.
Foster has continued to stand out not only for his vocals but for the heart he brings to every song. From his emotional debut with the original “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a tribute to his late best friend Maggie Dunn, to his most recent performance of “I Told You So” by Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood, he’s worn his heart on his sleeve.
Before that song, he expressed gratitude to Underwood, explaining that if she hadn’t asked him to sing a second song during his audition, he might not be here today. Mid-performance, he walked to the judges and tipped his hat in a moving gesture of thanks.
