He nearly won the show, but what he’s building next may matter even more. In a recent interview on Q93, John Foster sat down with hometown radio just days after his second-place finish on American Idol Season 23. The 18-year-old from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, opened up about everything from early guitar lessons to self-doubt and how both shaped the voice America came to love.
John talked candidly about starting music at 15 and the struggle of being a perfectionist in a world that rewards vulnerability. He shared how learning to let go made him a better performer, especially during high-pressure moments on live television. And it was not just technical skill that got him to the finale. It was heart. “I realized the best moments come when you stop trying to be perfect,” he said. “And just tell the truth.”
John Foster Interview on Q93
He also praised judge Carrie Underwood, who mentored this season’s contestants with a rare blend of star power and sincerity. “She knew exactly how it felt,” John said. “She treated us like artists, not contestants.” That support clearly left a mark not just on John but on the country community watching his rise. Now, with his first headlining show coming up at Paragon Casino and a seat as co-grand marshal in a hometown music parade, it is clear his roots are just as deep as his ambitions.
One of the performances that defined John’s Idol run came on May 6, when he honored George Strait with “I Cross My Heart.” He sang it for two people: his hero and his girlfriend, Brooklyn. His voice, calm but confident, carried all the soft weight of love and legacy. You could hear both the country tradition he was honoring and the young man trying to find his place inside it. The result was one of the season’s most moving performances.
John Foster Honors George Strait with Tender “I Cross My Heart” | Idol Performance
Carrie Underwood compared his growth to that of her son because it was not just about polish. It was about presence. John proved that sincerity is not a style. It is a strength. And when he stood still under the lights and promised forever through someone else’s lyrics, he meant every word.
John Foster may have been the runner-up, but he is running toward something bigger than a trophy. With his Louisiana roots, a voice built for country classics, and a heart full of gratitude, he is carrying the tradition forward and writing the kind of story country fans will follow for a long time.