BRUSLY, LA — From delivering a valedictorian speech in his high school gym to receiving standing ovations on a national stage, John Foster is hitting all the high notes — and his hometown couldn’t be prouder. The 2024 Brusly High School graduate has officially made the Top 3 on American Idol, and this week, he’s headed back to Louisiana for a grand hometown celebration.
The festivities begin on Wednesday with a community parade at 5:00 p.m. along First Street in Addis, where residents and fans are encouraged to arrive early and wear their hometown colors. The event promises to be a joyful outpouring of support, with locals lining the streets to cheer on the young star who’s putting Brusly, Addis, and the state of Louisiana on the map.
Following the parade, the celebration continues in Plaquemine with a special concert at 7:30 p.m. at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park, located at 57845 Foundry Street. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m., and fans arriving by boat are welcome to join the festivities from the water — a fittingly scenic tribute for one of Louisiana’s rising talents.
“We’re super excited and super proud of John Foster,” said Addis Mayor David Toups. “He’s representing our communities — and Louisiana — so well. It’s a community effort around here, and we’re hoping for big things.”
Foster’s rise to national prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Known in high school not only for his musical talent but also for his academic excellence — graduating as co-valedictorian with a GPA over 4.0 and an ACT score of 33 — Foster has become a hometown hero for his achievements on and off the stage.
“He was an easy student — a co-valedictorian, 33 on the ACT. I’d say that’s a pretty good student,” said Brusly High Principal Walt Lemoine. “Last year, he was giving his valedictorian speech in the gym. This year, he’s one of the final three on American Idol. That’s incredible.”
Excitement is building across the Brusly campus and the town at large. With graduation, spring sports, and now the national spotlight shining on one of their own, Lemoine says the energy is contagious.
“This time of year is already hectic — graduation, spring sports, award ceremonies,” he explained. “But now, you add in John’s success on Idol, and it’s like a celebration everywhere you turn. At our last awards night, we recognized one of our teams for reaching the semifinals, and the crowd cheered. Then we mentioned voting for John, and the place just erupted again.”
Though Brusly has grown in recent years, it remains a tight-knit community, and that small-town spirit will be on full display during Foster’s visit. Plans include a pep rally at Brusly High School, the community parade, and numerous opportunities for fans and neighbors to show their support. In anticipation of national TV coverage, the school has already sent home video release forms so students can be featured during Foster’s homecoming.
For a town that has experienced its share of challenges, Foster’s journey is a much-needed moment of hope, joy, and unity — a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets heart and hard work.
“Brusly may be growing,” Lemoine said, “but we’re still a close-knit community. And seeing John chase his dream and make it this far? It’s just something really special.”
As Foster prepares for his final performance on American Idol, his hometown has one clear message: We’re proud of you, we’re behind you, and we’ll be voting all the way to the finale.
