Eighteen-year-old John Foster is quickly becoming a household name now that he’s reached the top 10 on Season 23 of American Idol. But for those back home in Addis, Louisiana, there’s one detail they’d like to clear up: his name.
The rising country star was born John Foster Benoit, family and friends told The Advocate on May 1. He chose to drop his last name for his budding music career — but he didn’t leave his roots behind. During his American Idol audition, Foster honored his family by bringing coolers full of Cajun favorites from Benoit’s Country Meat Block, the family meat shop, for judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood.
Rick Bourgoyne, a longtime family friend and employee at the shop, said, “I told his daddy, ‘I hope people don’t think Foster’s his last name — he is a Benoit, and this is Benoit’s.’ His middle name is Foster, just like his dad and grandfather. He’s the third.”
As Foster’s national profile grows, he’s been quick to address a few rumors circulating online. On April 30, he posted to Facebook to clarify details about his age and background. Despite some reports claiming he’s 24 and from Kentucky, Foster confirmed he’s 18 and born and raised in Louisiana.
“I’ve never even been to Kentucky,” he wrote. “But I hope to visit someday.”
He also responded to comparisons with country legend Dwight Yoakam, writing, “I’m not related to Dwight Yoakam, nor am I currently signed under any record label (there was some misinformation that Dwight Yoakam signed me under Sugar Hill Records).”
“I hope this helps y’all to know me better as a person, now that y’all know more about my music,” he added.
Still Chasing His Dream — In Music and Medicine
Despite his rising fame, Foster is staying grounded. In his Idol audition, he told judges he plans to become an oncologist — a goal he’s still actively pursuing. Even while competing, he’s been taking online classes through Louisiana State University, majoring in biology.
“He’s deeply committed to his family, his faith, and helping others,” his grandmother Verbie Benoit told The Advocate. That commitment recently translated into action, as Foster launched a Facebook fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on May 2. Offering a signed photo in a raffle, he set a modest $500 goal — but raised nearly $3,500 in under 24 hours.
“As many of you know, I’m currently studying to become an oncologist,” Foster wrote. “Whether I decide to pursue medicine or music full-time, I will always be involved in fighting for a cure.”
