How American Idol Finalist John Foster Paid Tribute to His Roots With a Performance That Took the Audience Home With Him. ML
John Foster, an 18-year-old biology major at Louisiana State University, is stealing the spotlight on American Idol. With his small-town Cajun roots and powerhouse voice, he’s danced his way into the Top 7. Now, Foster’s bringing Louisiana’s vibrant spirit to every performance, and fans can’t get enough.
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Last week, for instance, Foster delivered a jaw-dropping cover of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.” That performance clinched his spot in the next round. This week, meanwhile, he dove deeper into his heritage with a heartfelt rendition of “Almost There” from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. Set in the jazzy pulse of 1920s New Orleans, the 2009 film follows Tiana, a determined waitress who becomes a frog after a cursed kiss. As a result, Foster’s soulful take left audiences spellbound.
“John’s got that Louisiana fire and a voice like Scotty McCreery’s,” one viewer raved online. Another added, “He sang it like he was born for that movie. Honestly, it felt tailor-made for him.”
Bringing Cajun Flair to the Stage
At his audition, Foster didn’t just bring his guitar and grit. Instead, he arrived with coolers brimming with boudin and Cajun delicacies from his family’s Benoit’s Country Meat Block in Addis. This bold move, coupled with his flawless performance of Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” won over the judges. Consequently, it set the stage for his meteoric rise.
Hailing from a town of just 7,000, Foster has a tight-knit community cheering him on. “He keeps raising the bar every week,” his grandmother, Verbie Benoit, told The Advocate. “Just when I think I’ve seen his best, he surprises us again.”
Foster’s musical spark, however, comes from his uncle, Galen Martin. “Uncle Galen’s why I’m here,” Foster shared. “At 15, he taught me my first guitar chords—’Take Me Home, Country Roads’—and he’s been my biggest supporter ever since.”
Can Foster Strut to the Top 6?
As American Idol intensifies, Foster’s blend of raw talent and Cajun soul keeps viewers hooked. By weaving Louisiana’s rich culture into every note, he stands out. Now, with the competition tightening, fans are buzzing about whether this bayou star can glide into the Top 6. With his hometown’s support and his uncle’s lessons in his heart, Foster’s poised to keep the good times rolling.
