Louisiana’s John Foster advanced to American Idol’s Top 5 after a heartfelt Disney performance and a moving tribute to his mother for Mother’s Day.
American Idol is nearing its finale, and John Foster from Louisiana is still standing strong. The 18-year-old singer from Addis has officially secured a spot in the Top 5 after a standout week of performances that showcased both his vocal range and his personal charm.
Sunday night’s episode saw the competition narrow from seven contestants to five, moving Foster just one step closer to possibly becoming the next American Idol. Joining him in the Top 5 are Breanna Nix of Denton, Texas; Jamal Roberts, a teacher from Meridian, Mississippi; Thunderstorm Artis, a musician from Haleiwa, Hawaii; and high schooler Slater Nalley of Atlanta.
Mentored by multi-talented artist Lin-Manuel Miranda at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, Foster stepped out of his comfort zone for “Disney Night” by setting aside his trusty guitar and performing “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog. The performance marked the first time Foster had ever sung a Disney song in front of an audience.
“I have never before performed a Disney song in front of any kind of audience,” Foster shared. “When I sing this song, I’m gonna be thinking a lot about my hometown, my home state. We’re almost there. Yeah, let’s go.”
With his parents and several family members seated front and center—his mom holding a sign that read “I Believe in You, Son”—Foster belted out the animated classic, delivering an energetic performance that drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd and glowing praise from the judges.
Lionel Richie was the first to react: “Wait a minute. Stop. Who do you think you are? I mean, that was amazing. I don’t want to take up too much time because the crowd said it all for me. Thank you so much.”
Carrie Underwood, who chose George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” for Foster to perform during Monday’s “Judges’ Song Contest” episode, was also thoroughly impressed. “You’re another one that it’s like no matter what you do, John Foster is John Foster in whatever genre,” she said. “You still sound like you, and they were loving it. Thank you so much, so much.”
Luke Bryan echoed the sentiment with, “Charisma, charisma, charisma. That’s why you’re still in this thing and that’s why you’re ‘almost there.’”
In a touching personal moment, Foster explained he didn’t need to tug on his ear—his usual onstage gesture for his grandmother—because she had flown out to Hollywood to surprise him in person. Later in the episode, he honored another important woman in his life with a heartfelt Mother’s Day performance of “Believe”, originally by Brooks & Dunn. The dedication to his mom, Amanda Benoit, carried special meaning as Kix Brooks, one half of the duo, is also a Louisiana native.
The journey continues Monday at 7 p.m. Central on ABC, when America will vote to determine the Top 3 who will move on to the American Idol finale, airing Sunday, May 18. With two powerful performances behind him and his home state rallying support, Foster is closer than ever to a life-changing win.
