As Season 23 of American Idol progresses, the excitement continues to build. On April 20, the show aired its 10th episode, featuring 12 of the Top 24 contestants showcasing their talents once again at the stunning Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii. This episode was particularly pivotal, as two contestants were set to be eliminated from the competition, narrowing the field down to 20 hopefuls.
Among those captivating the audience was John Foster, a standout performer who delivered an emotional rendition of his original composition titled Tell That Angel I Love Her. The 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, not only impressed viewers but also made a lasting impression with his heartfelt performance.
Profile: John Foster – Rising Star in Country Music
Before stepping onto the American Idol stage, John Foster was already making waves as a recording artist. His Instagram profile (@officialjohnfoster) leads to his official website, johnfmusic.com, where he presents himself as a dedicated Nashville recording artist committed to the country music genre.
On his website, John expresses his passion for understanding the rich history of country music, its iconic figures, and the unique elements that define the genre:
“He enjoys learning the vast history of the genre, its notable figures, and the intricacies that make it so unique and lovable.”
Influenced by legendary artists such as George Strait and Willie Nelson, John has shared stages with well-known musicians like John Schneider and Doug Stone. Notably, he received the Traditional Songwriter Award in 2022 from Showtreff International for his poignant song, Someone To Sing To. In addition to his musical ventures, he excelled academically, graduating as the Valedictorian of his class at Brusly High School in 2024.
John identifies as a devout Catholic Christian, which he refers to in his bio:
“His servant.”
This faith may have influenced his powerful performance themed around Songs of Faith, which resonated with many viewers. The song he performed, Tell That Angel I Love Her, holds personal significance, stemming from the grief he experienced following the loss of two friends.
Judges’ Feedback on John Foster’s Performance
Leading up to John’s emotional performance in episode 10, host Ryan Seacrest highlighted that the song was dedicated to his late friend, Maggie, further intensifying the moment with John’s visible emotion.
Post-performance, the judges praised John’s unique style. Carrie Underwood commended him for bringing a nostalgic quality to his music, noting that it is increasingly rare in today’s country scene:
“There’s something so wonderfully throwback about your voice. It’s something that’s lacking in country music today. You keep it very traditional.”
Lionel Richie recognized John’s “instant identity,”encouraging him to maintain his unique sound, while Luke Bryan remarked on the raw emotion he conveyed, referring to it as the “starwash.”
For ongoing updates about John Foster and his journey on American Idol, fans can follow him on Instagram at @officialjohnfoster.