With his smooth and soulful voice, Louisiana's John Foster has made it into the finale of "American Idol," which will air live from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
From his small-town roots in Addis to the national stage, Foster’s journey thus far has been fun to watch. He is dynamic and likable, with an appeal that intersects authenticity, charm and versatility.
He is confident but not cocky and comes across as genuine and grounded — a small-town Louisiana kid with big talent and humble roots.
Louisiana's John Foster sings 'The Rainbow Connection' on Monday's 'American Idol' before learning he was heading to the 'Idol' finals.
He appeals to a range of viewers. Older fans appreciate his mannerly, respectful and clean-cut demeanor, not to mention his throwback performances (like his Elvis tribute). Younger fans are drawn to his energy, style and relatability — a college student chasing a dream.
In Louisiana, folks see him as one of their own, carrying culture and pride into a national spotlight.
Here are five things to know about the rising singer:
LSU fan and relative of John Foster, Lee Erie (left), holds one of the signs that he and others in his section where waving between innings to support the American Idol contestant on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
1. He was co-valedictorian of his high school class.
Foster graduated as co-valedictorian of Brusly High School’s Class of 2024, alongside Emrie LeBlanc.
2. He just finished his freshman year at LSU.
Foster is a biology major at LSU and has plans to attend medical school. His goal: to become an oncologist.
Benoit's Country Meat Block in Addis is the family business of "American Idol" John Foster.
3. His family owns a Cajun meat market.
Foster’s grandparents started Benoit's Country Meat Block in 1982. The West Baton Rouge Parish store has been open since 1982 in Addis, where they sell Cajun classics like boudin, stuffed deboned chicken, beef jerky and boudin balls.
The family recipes are rooted in Foster's grandparents deep Cajun roots in Lawtell and Church Point.
His personal favorites? Pepper jack boudin balls, crawfish étouffée and chicken and sausage gumbo.
"American Idol" sensation John Foster stands in the middle of 45 friends and family who have traveled, most from Louisiana, to watch him live and in person on the singing competition.
4. He’s the middle child and an only son.
Foster has two sisters: Elizabeth, 29, and Presley, 4. His younger sister was named in honor of Elvis Presley — fitting, given his energetic rendition of “Jailhouse Rock” on "American Idol."
Foster is named after his father and grandfather; his full name is John Foster Benoit III.
He has many cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives. Many in his family have traveled to Hollywood to cheer him on in "American Idol."
Signs for American Idol finalist John Foster line the front of Brusly High School on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Brusly, Louisiana.
5. His girlfriend is a former cheerleader.
Foster has been dating Brooklyn Bourque, a former Brusly High cheerleader, for about a year.
You can vote up to 30 times during Sunday’s live show (from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) to help Foster win American Idol.
- Text 13 to 21523 (up to 10 times)
- Vote at americanidol.com (up to 10 times)
- Vote on the American Idol app (up to 10 times)