The accordion began to play, cheerful and lively, as Wayne Toups stepped into the sunlight with a huge grin. The runner-up of American Idol who had performed at this place many times before. Right beside him stood John Foster, a younger performer, grinning just as widely. Then they called out the first word of the song, “Mahtilda!” and the entire audience moved closer to hear. This was not just two musicians performing. It seemed like they were giving something meaningful to everyone. This was Wayne Toups and John Foster performing live at Jazz Fest 2025.
The music made everyone happy and want to dance. Wayne’s voice was powerful and filled with years of experience. John’s voice was clear and fresh but also filled with feeling. They performed together like they had been partners for a long time. Some moments were fun and made people giggle,but other moments felt really meaningful and important. “Mahtilda” was more than just a tune. It was something to remember, a celebration, and a tale all together. It seemed like the past and the present were singing as one voice.
Finally getting to some of my photos and videos from the amazing Cajun Country Jam this weekend.
Fans clapped in rhythm, some dancing, while others held their phones high to catch every second. But behind the cheers was a quiet awe. For many, this was more than a performance; it was culture, connection and pride rolled into one. A woman near the front said, “This is Louisiana. Right here.” And when John Foster took a brief pause to announce his upcoming Grand Ole Opry debut, the cheers turned into something more profound: joy for what was and hope for what is still to come.
It’s that same fearless spark that John Foster brought to his American Idol Elvis tribute. Dressed in classic style and full of swagger, he tore into “Jailhouse Rock” with a voice that honored the King while keeping true to his country roots. That performance during the Top 14 round lit up the stage and showed America a new side of John.
John Foster’s Elvis Tribute Rocks the Idol Stage | American Idol 2025
What made it work wasn’t just the voice or the moves. It was a joy. He was loose, playful and fully alive in the moment. The judges couldn’t stop smiling. Neither could the audience. It reminded everyone why music matters because it moves, surprises, and sometimes rocks the room.
That’s the gift John Foster brings: heart when it’s quiet, fire when it’s loud. Whether on a festival stage or national TV, he knows how to make a moment stick. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You never know when the next one’s coming.