In Addis, Louisiana, where Monday’s lunch special at Benoit’s Country Meat Block features meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dessert for just $10.99, something extraordinary is cooking — and it’s not just the gumbo. This small Cajun town is glowing with pride as one of their own, American Idol Top 10 finalist John Foster, continues to captivate the nation.
Tucked just a half-mile from the Mississippi River, Benoit’s has long been known for its boudin and jerky. But these days, it’s better known as the hometown spot of a rising star. John Foster Benoit III — known to America simply as John Foster — has stepped into the spotlight without ever forgetting where he came from.
At his Idol audition in Nashville, John brought more than just talent — he brought a taste of home. With a plate of boudin, a pack of jerky, and a bottle of Benoit’s own Cajun seasoning, he gave the judges a sample of his roots. According to his grandmother Verbie Benoit, judge Luke Bryan even licked the seasoning off his fingers backstage.
Now 75, Verbie has packed her suitcase and rosary beads to fly to Hollywood alongside 31 family members to watch her grandson perform live. “I don’t pray for him to win,” she says with a smile. “I pray that God is with him.”
John’s warm vocals and emotional performances have made him a fan favorite, but his dreams stretch beyond music. A biology student at LSU, he’s juggling online classes with his Idol journey, driven by a long-term goal of becoming an oncologist. Once co-valedictorian of his high school, John is remembered for his humility and intelligence. “One teacher once said he’d be governor,” Verbie laughs. “We used to joke that he’d be president.”
To folks in Addis, though, he’s still the same young man who worked holidays behind the meat counter at Benoit’s. Longtime employees like Rick Bourgoyne and Blake Sarradet proudly explain that “Foster” is actually his middle name, and that he was raised with values, a strong work ethic, and a deep love for music — something he shares with his uncle, local musician Gaylen Martin.
Even newer staff like Regina DeBenedetto are fully on board. “I voted 30 times,” she says, beaming. “He listens. He learns. And when he steps on that stage — he delivers.”
In an era where stardom can come and go in a flash, John Foster is building something lasting. Whether he takes the American Idol title or returns to the classroom, his blend of authenticity, talent, faith, and Cajun heart has already won over America — and secured his place in the hearts of the people back home.
As they say in Louisiana, he’s got all the right ingredients — and just enough spice to make the whole country take notice.
