On the thrilling May 12, 2025 episode of American Idol, the stakes couldn’t have been higher — five talented contestants were battling it out for a coveted spot in the Top 3, and the chance to return home in triumph for parades, celebrations, and a shot at the Season 23 crown.
Among the standout performances of the night, 18-year-old John Foster lit up the stage with an unforgettable rendition of “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book. Dressed to dazzle and brimming with charm, Foster brought joy, energy, and a dose of nostalgia that left the audience grinning from ear to ear.
Before he even hit the high notes, Foster made an impact by opening the song with a soulful, slowed-down twist — only to kick things into high gear with a playful bounce that matched the whimsical Disney classic. His vibrant stage presence and confident delivery turned the performance into a full-on crowd-pleaser.
The judges were all in.
“Your likability is off the charts,” Lionel Richie raved, while Carrie Underwood — glowing in her Rapunzel-inspired look — called the performance “just a good time,” clearly enjoying the fresh spin Foster brought to a song from her own childhood.
As viewers watched from coast to coast, it was clear: John Foster wasn’t just performing a song — he was creating a moment.
This wasn’t the first time Foster captivated the judges. Earlier in the night, his moving rendition of “Believe” brought both the panel and his own mother to tears, earning him a rare standing ovation and solidifying his status as a frontrunner in the competition.
With only minutes left for fans to vote, Foster’s dynamic performances were more than just entertainment — they were his best chance yet to secure a spot in the finale. And if the roars of the audience were any indication, he just might have done it.
As the glittering Disney-themed set sparkled behind him and the final notes rang out across America, viewers were left on the edge of their seats, waiting to see whether John Foster would take that next leap toward American Idol glory.
Whether or not he returns home with the crown, one thing is certain: John Foster has already proven he’s got the star power — and heart — to go the distance.
