John Foster isn’t just representing himself on American Idol—he’s carrying the pride, love, and flavor of an entire Louisiana community with him.
As he continues to climb the ranks of Season 23, the 18-year-old country crooner has been surrounded by the people who know and love him best. Over the weekend, a group of 45 friends and family members flew from Baton Rouge to Los Angeles to support their hometown hero in person. It was a powerful show of love from Addis, Louisiana, and surrounding communities.
Among them were Tracie Martin, Gaylen Martin, and Linda Jean Hill from Mississippi. Gaylen, who is John’s uncle, taught him to play guitar—a role that clearly helped shape the young singer’s musical roots. But it was a moment from another family member that brought John nearly to tears.
Before heading to L.A., John’s grandmother—his beloved “MiMere,” Verbie Benoit—prepared one of his all-time favorite meals: sticky chicken, smothered potatoes with Benoit’s hot sausage, and rice and gravy. It was a taste of home he hadn’t had in weeks, and the gesture clearly meant the world. His grandfather, John Foster Benoit, helped prepare the dishes, a true family affair that reflected the love and support behind John’s journey.
The Benoit family runs Benoit’s Country Meat Block, a butcher shop in Addis founded in 1982. It’s a piece of Louisiana tradition that John carries with him—and it’s helped shape not just his palate, but his identity.
As the Top 8 became official on Sunday night, John sat beside his MiMere backstage, enjoying the meal she lovingly prepared. Nearby, his aunt Sam Sarradet and godfather Toby Sarradet waved supportive signs. His cousin Liane Benoit even flew in from Georgia to be part of the growing fan club.
With West Baton Rouge Parish well represented in Hollywood, John is heading into the next rounds of the competition with momentum—and a massive cheering section. If he advances to the Top 3, which is expected to be announced on May 12, he’ll earn a hometown visit that typically includes a parade, a mini-concert, and all the fanfare of a community welcoming home its rising star.
Until then, John Foster continues to make his mark not just as a vocalist, but as a young man rooted in family, tradition, and heart.
