A New Country Star Is Born: Meet John Foster At just 18, John Foster from Benton, Kentucky stole the spotlight on American Idol 2025 with an emotional original ballad dedicated to two best friends he lost in a tragic car accident at 16. His heartfelt performance left the audience in tears and the judges in awe. Wearing dusty cowboy boots and strumming his guitar with soul, Foster’s smooth, country-strong voice delivered lines like: “Heaven knows I miss her, tell that angel I love her…” —moving Lionel Richie to tears and prompting Carrie Underwood to declare: “Y’all, we just found the future of country music!” 🎧 Listen now 👇

**John Foster Brings America to Tears, Then Lights Up the Stage on *American Idol***

18-year-old Louisiana native and LSU student John Foster has quickly become a fan favorite on *American Idol* Season 23, winning hearts with his emotional depth and classic country sound.

On April 20, 2025, during the show’s Easter “Songs of Faith” episode, Foster performed his original tribute, *“Tell That Angel I Love Her,”* honoring his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who died in a 2022 car accident. The touching performance brought judges and viewers to tears. Carrie Underwood called his voice a “wonderful throwback,” while Luke Bryan said the song erased any doubts about his talent.

The next night, Foster proved his range with a crowd-pleasing rendition of Brooks & Dunn’s *“Neon Moon,”* earning a standing ovation and praise for his pure country tone and stage presence.

Blending heartfelt storytelling with classic country flair, Foster has cemented himself as one of the top contenders this season. Fans and judges alike can’t wait to see what he brings next.