The Full List: What John Foster Sang On American Idol And His Shocking Post-Show Career Move

The question "What did John Foster sing on American Idol tonight?" has been one of the most searched queries following his sensational run on the show, and as of December 12, 2025, the answer is a deep dive into an incredible journey of classic country performances. John Foster, the teenage country crooner from Louisiana, captivated millions of viewers and the judges—Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan—with his distinctive, traditional country sound throughout *American Idol* Season 23 (2025). His powerful, yet sincere, vocal delivery and authentic Louisiana charm propelled him all the way to the finale, securing the runner-up position.

His time on the show was marked by a series of high-stakes performances, each one showcasing his range across the country music spectrum, from high-energy honky-tonk anthems to deeply emotional ballads. The cumulative list of his songs provides a perfect playlist for any new fan looking to relive his most memorable moments on the *American Idol* stage.

John Foster: Full Biography and American Idol Profile

John Foster quickly became a fan favorite due to his humble background and undeniable talent. His journey from a small-town Louisiana teen to a national television star is a testament to his dedication to traditional country music.

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• Full Name: John Foster
• Hometown: Addis, Louisiana
• Date of Birth: July 9 or 10, 2006
• Age (During Season 23/2025): 18 years old
• American Idol Season: Season 23 (2025)
• Audition City: Nashville, Tennessee
• Final Placement: Runner-Up
• Family Business: His family owns Benoit's Country Meat Block in Addis
• Signature Style: Traditional Country, Honky-Tonk, and Singer-Songwriter
• Debut Single: "Tell That Angel I Love Her" (Released during the finale)

Foster’s initial audition with Alan Jackson’s "Don't Rock the Jukebox" immediately set him apart, showcasing a voice mature beyond his years and a deep respect for the genre's legends.

Every Must-See John Foster American Idol Performance

John Foster's song choices were a masterclass in country music history, balancing well-known classics with deep cuts. His ability to connect emotionally with the lyrics, regardless of the song's original artist, is what propelled him week after week. Here is a comprehensive list of his most talked-about performances on *American Idol* Season 23 (2025):

The Judges' Favorites and Iconic Covers

These performances were critical turning points, earning him high praise from the judges and securing his spot in the subsequent rounds:

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• "I Cross My Heart" (George Strait): This performance was part of the Top 8 Judges' Song Choice round, where Carrie Underwood selected the George Strait classic for him. Underwood, a former *Idol* winner herself, gushed that his rendition was "absolutely perfect," highlighting his traditional country authenticity.
• "Callin' Baton Rouge" (Garth Brooks): A high-energy, electrifying performance that paid homage to his Louisiana roots and showed his ability to command the stage with a lively, up-tempo number.
• "Jailhouse Rock" (Elvis Presley): A surprisingly successful venture into rock and roll, this performance helped him advance, with judges comparing his stage presence to country icons.
• "Don't Rock the Jukebox" (Alan Jackson): The song that started it all. His powerful audition performance of this Alan Jackson hit impressed the judges and secured his Golden Ticket to Hollywood.

The Emotional Ballads and Finale Moments

Foster was also celebrated for his deeply moving performances, often bringing the audience and even the judges to tears. These songs showcased the raw vulnerability in his voice, solidifying his topical authority in the ballad space.

• "Tell That Angel I Love Her" (Original Song): This was arguably the most impactful performance of his entire run. As his original single, Foster closed out his *Idol* journey with the emotional, self-penned ballad, a performance that resonated deeply with voters and cemented his identity as a genuine singer-songwriter.
• "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" (Toby Keith): As one of his final performances in the finale, this patriotic Toby Keith anthem was a powerful and fitting tribute that resonated with his core audience and showcased his strong vocal control.
• "I Told You So" (Randy Travis): A stunning cover that he dedicated to one of the judges, further demonstrating his range and his commitment to honoring the legends of the genre.
• "Believe" (Brooks & Dunn): Performed during Disney Night (Top 7), this song was a deeply moving rendition that showcased his ability to handle complex emotional themes.

His consistent song selection, which often leaned into the traditional, heartfelt side of country music, distinguished him from other contestants and created a loyal fanbase eager to follow his career outside the competition.

John Foster's Career Trajectory After American Idol 2025

Finishing as the runner-up on *American Idol* Season 23 (2025) was not an ending for John Foster, but a powerful launchpad for his career. His post-show activities show a fast-moving transition from contestant to professional recording artist.

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The Immediate Release of a Debut Single

The biggest and most immediate career move was the official release of his original song, "Tell That Angel I Love Her," immediately following the finale. The song, which had already gone viral due to his performance, quickly became a streaming success, capitalizing on the massive exposure from the show. This move cemented his status as a legitimate singer-songwriter, not just a cover artist.

Major Festival and Performance Appearances

Capitalizing on his newfound fame, Foster wasted no time securing high-profile live performances. One of his first major post-show appearances was scheduled for the Cajun Country Jam in Louisiana in May 2025. Performing at such a large, regional festival is a crucial step for a rising country star, allowing him to connect directly with his core fanbase in the Capital Region and beyond.

Building the John Foster Brand

Foster's journey has been defined by his authenticity and his refusal to compromise his traditional country style, a factor that resonated with millions of viewers who appreciated his sincerity and strong faith. He has successfully managed to turn his second-place finish into a first-class career, focusing on songwriting and developing his unique voice within the modern country landscape.

His future looks bright, with plans to continue writing and releasing music that stays true to the classic country sound he championed on the show. Fans of his work on *American Idol* are now eagerly awaiting a full-length album that will include his original hits and further showcase his evolution as a recording artist.