Fans who tuned into the American Idol Season 23 finale not only saw Jamal Roberts crowned the winner but were also treated to emotional clips from the Top 3 contestants’ hometown visits—a long-standing tradition that has spanned both the FOX and ABC eras of the show.
John Foster returned to Addis, Louisiana, Jamal Roberts went home to Meridian, Mississippi, and Breanna Nix received a hero’s welcome in Denton, Texas. Each celebration included hometown parades and concerts, allowing communities to honor their finalists in heartfelt, local style.
John Foster’s visit was packed with stops full of pride and Louisiana spirit. He began the day visiting his sister Presley’s elementary school and his own alma mater, Brusly High School, where he delivered an inspiring message to students during a pep rally on the football field. He told the crowd, “If you wish to lead a successful life, if you wish to leave a greater legacy, listen to your teachers.” The marching band played while cheerleaders rallied around their hometown star.
Foster also made his way to the Louisiana State Capitol, where he serenaded state lawmakers in the House chamber with a soulful rendition of “Amazing Grace,” including a portion in Cajun French. “I am truly proud of this great state,” he said. “I think sometimes they get tired of me talking about Louisiana so much—but it’s who I am.” Governor Jeff Landry issued an executive order declaring May 14 as John Foster Benoit Appreciation Day, a moment that cemented the 18-year-old’s place in the hearts of Louisianans.
The hometown parade rolled through downtown in true Louisiana fashion, with John riding in a giant crawfish float and tossing beads to the crowd. The celebration continued into the evening with a massive outdoor concert at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park, where a sign reading “Congratulations to our hometown hero” set the stage.
Foster arrived by boat and performed a set of six songs, including country classics like Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” Randy Travis’ “I Told You So,” and Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” But it was his emotional performance of his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her”—written in memory of his friend Maggie Dunn, who was killed in a car accident—that brought the crowd to tears. He previously performed John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Roads” during the finale as a tribute to his home.
In an interview with WBRZ, Foster reflected on the significance of the visit. “My hometown visit was proof of the fact that even if I were to be eliminated at number 3, I would forever have a place in the industry,” he said. “Addis, Brusly, Plaquemine, Port Allen, Baton Rouge—you’ve been supporting me in my early days while I was still honing my artistry in those bars, restaurants, and venues.”
Looking ahead, Foster is already planning his next steps. Following the May 18 finale, he’s focused on promoting “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” the deeply personal single he wrote himself. “I’m going to push that out as much as possible,” he told TV Insider. “I think it gives people a great idea of who I am as a writer… as an artist.”
He’s also eager to get back in the studio to work on his debut album. “I love being in the studio,” he said, hinting that more original music is on the way. As for the idea of joining Dancing with the Stars—a show known for featuring country stars—Foster said, “I never really thought about that. I’ll tell you this—it’s certainly not a no.”
But first, he’s looking forward to a small but meaningful reunion. “I’ve been missing my dog and so I’m super excited to get back home,” he said with a big smile.
Even after coming in second place, Foster remained gracious and optimistic. “I’m extremely happy to be here,” he said after the finale. “It’s been such an incredible season. The talent this year has been incredible. To think that I’m No. 2 out of 120,000 [contenders] and out of the Top 24? I mean the Top 24 [this season] were the most incredible 24 I’d ever seen in my life.”
