American Idol’s John Foster Pays Emotional Tribute to Toby Keith in Norman, Oklahoma
American Idol runner-up John Foster is quickly proving he’s more than a TV-made talent — he’s a country artist with heart.
After finishing second on the show in 2025, the 19-year-old singer hit the ground running with multiple performances at the Grand Ole Opry and a growing list of shows across the U.S.
This fall, he took a break from the spotlight to give back — and to honor one of his heroes.
🏌️ Singing for a Cause Close to Toby Keith’s Heart
Foster traveled to Norman, Oklahoma to perform at the Toby Keith Foundation’s Schooner Fall Classic, a women’s collegiate golf event benefitting the foundation’s OK Kids Korral — a home-away-from-home for children battling cancer and their families.
Before taking the mic, John stopped at Toby’s memorial. He later shared photos from the visit, writing:
“We were honored to spend a quiet moment at the legend’s resting place — a reminder of the incredible legacy he left behind.”
🎸 A Song That Says It All
That night, Foster performed “Don’t Let the Old Man In” — one of Toby Keith’s most meaningful songs — for Toby’s wife Tricia and daughter Krystal.
Gaylen Martin filmed the emotional performance, later shared by Jerry Broeckert on YouTube. As Foster sang, Tricia and Krystal appeared visibly moved, lowering their heads as his voice filled the room.
When he finished, they smiled through tears. “You did a good job,” Tricia told him. Fans agreed — many saying Toby would’ve been proud.
The moment served as a full-circle tribute to a song born from Keith’s conversation with Clint Eastwood, whose line — “I don’t let the old man in” — inspired one of country music’s most enduring messages.
Keith performed it one final time at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, just months before his passing. For fans and fellow artists alike, the song’s message — to keep going, no matter what — still rings true.
