The Full List: Every Song John Foster Performed On American Idol (Including His Emotional Finale)

The question of "What did John Foster sing tonight on American Idol?" is one that captivated millions of country music fans throughout the 2025 season. The young Louisiana native, known for his traditional country sound and heartfelt storytelling, consistently delivered performances that resonated with the judges and the voting public. While his run on Season 23 of *American Idol* concluded in a stunning runner-up finish to winner Jamal Roberts, his final night on the stage was one of the most memorable of the entire competition, featuring a powerful mix of original work and a tribute to a country legend, solidifying his status as a rising star in the genre.

As of December 12, 2025, John Foster has successfully transitioned from a reality TV contestant to a legitimate touring artist, with major milestones already under his belt. His most recent and most-discussed televised performance was during the *American Idol* Season 23 finale, where he closed out his journey with two distinct and deeply personal song choices that showcased his versatility and emotional depth. This article breaks down his complete song list, his biography, and the latest updates on his burgeoning career.

John Foster: Full Biography and Profile

John Foster quickly became a fan favorite on *American Idol* Season 23, earning praise for his traditional country style and his authentic, down-to-earth demeanor. His journey from a small town in Louisiana to the national stage is a testament to his raw talent and dedication to the genre.

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• Full Name: John Foster
• Born: July 10, 2006
• Age: 18 (during the competition)
• Hometown: Addis, Louisiana
• Season: *American Idol* Season 23 (2025)
• Final Placement: Runner-Up
• Musical Style: Traditional Country, Honky Tonk, Outlaw Country
• Audition City: Nashville, Tennessee
• Debut Single: "Tell That Angel I Love Her"

The American Idol Finale Performance: What John Foster Sang

The "tonight" everyone was asking about refers to the spectacular Season 23 finale, where John Foster delivered two high-stakes performances. These final song choices perfectly encapsulated his journey on the show, blending his personal story with a powerful nod to country music's roots.

1. Original Song: "Tell That Angel I Love Her"

The most emotionally impactful song of the night, and perhaps of his entire run, was his original composition, "Tell That Angel I Love Her." This song was more than just a performance; it was a deeply personal tribute that moved the judges and the audience to tears.

• The Story Behind the Song: John wrote the song for his late friend, Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away. The lyrics served as a heartfelt message to her, making the performance an incredibly vulnerable and authentic moment on the national stage.
• Impact: Performing an original song, especially one with such a profound meaning, in the finale is a massive risk that paid off. It highlighted his talent not just as a singer, but as a genuine country songwriter and storyteller.

2. The Toby Keith Tribute: "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"

For his second song in the finale, John Foster chose to honor the late country music icon Toby Keith with a powerful rendition of "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)." This choice was a perfect fit for John’s traditional, patriotic country sound.

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• Why It Mattered: The performance was a testament to his commitment to classic country values and themes. It showcased his powerful vocal range and stage presence, offering a stark contrast to the emotional delicacy of his original song.
• Judge Reaction: The judges, including Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry, praised his ability to tackle such an iconic and challenging song, further cementing his place as the heir apparent to the traditional country sound in the competition.

John Foster’s Full American Idol Song List and Journey Highlights

John Foster's journey to the finale was paved with memorable performances that spanned traditional country, rock and roll, and even Disney classics. His song choices demonstrated his range and his ability to put a unique country spin on diverse genres.

The Audition and Early Rounds

John introduced himself to America with a nod to country royalty.

• Audition: "Don't Rock the Jukebox" (Alan Jackson) and "Goodbye Time" (Conway Twitty)
• Top 20: "Tell That Angel I Love Her" (Original Song)

The Live Shows: Top 12 to Top 5

As the competition intensified, John leaned into classic country and surprising genre flips.

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• Top 12: "Jailhouse Rock" (Elvis Presley) - A high-energy performance that showed his ability to handle rockabilly.
• Top 8: "Something to Talk About" (Bonnie Raitt) - A genre-bending choice that he successfully country-fied.
• Top 5 (Disney Night): "Almost There" (from *The Princess and the Frog*) - A performance that proved he could adapt his voice to the Disney theme while maintaining his country integrity.
• Top 5 (Country Classics): "I Cross My Heart" (George Strait) - A powerful cover of a country classic that wowed the judges, particularly Luke Bryan.
• Mother's Day: "Believe" (Brooks & Dunn) - A performance dedicated to his mother, showcasing his emotional depth.

Life After Idol: John Foster’s Latest Updates and New Music

Since finishing as the runner-up in the 2025 season, John Foster has wasted no time launching his professional music career. The latest news confirms that his momentum from the show has translated into significant real-world opportunities, proving that coming in second is often just the beginning.

Grand Ole Opry Debut

One of the biggest dreams for any country artist is to step onto the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and John Foster achieved this milestone shortly after the finale.

• Debut Date: June 7, 2025
• Follow-Up Performance: Due to popular demand, he was scheduled for another performance on Wednesday, July 9th. This rapid return to the Opry is a clear indicator of his immediate impact on the country music scene.

New Music and Collaborations

John has been actively working on his debut single and teasing future projects, leveraging the platform *American Idol* gave him. He has been giving updates on new music, confirming that his single "Tell That Angel I Love Her" is his immediate focus.

• Jelly Roll Tease: Perhaps the most exciting news for his fans is the possibility of a major collaboration. John Foster has teased a potential collaboration with the massive country-rock artist Jelly Roll, an announcement that has generated considerable buzz in the music industry and among his fan base.
• Touring and Personal Life: He has been keeping busy with appearances and even shared a rare personal update about taking a vacation with his girlfriend, Brooklyn Bourque, showing a glimpse of life outside the spotlight.

John Foster's time on *American Idol* Season 23 was a masterclass in traditional country music performance. While the question "what did John Foster sing tonight" always referred to his most recent appearance, the final answer—his heartbreaking original song and the powerful Toby Keith tribute—marked not an ending, but the powerful beginning of a promising career. His journey continues to be followed closely by fans eager for his official debut album and the promised Jelly Roll collaboration.