John Foster Opens Up About the Early Days That Built the Star Fans See on American Idol. ML

Long before the bright lights of American Idol, John Foster was just a teenager helping out at his family’s meat market in the small town of Addis.

Now, the young singer has reached the Top 3, and the community that raised him is planning a parade to celebrate the hometown star.

At Benoit’s Country Meat Block, just outside Baton Rouge, pride runs deep. The store was founded by Foster’s grandfather, John Benoit Sr., in 1982 and has become a beloved staple for the tight-knit town. It’s the same place family and friends first saw Foster’s talent.

“His grandfather, Mr. John Benoit Sr., owns it. His father works here, his aunt works here, his other aunt works here, his sister has worked here, he’s worked here… so, it’s a big family affair and everybody joins in,” said Blake Sarradet, a longtime family friend and worker at Benoit’s Country Meat Block.

Before the cameras and the bright lights, Foster was helping customers and learning the value of hard work in the same building that proudly displays signs of his growing fame.

“We’ve always seen the talent. We always knew it was there,” said Sarradet.

Still, not everyone saw this coming. One of his former middle school teachers recalled hearing him sing for the first time. However, she said she wasn’t too surprised given his work ethic as a student.

“We talk about it constantly in school. The kids are excited. Everybody in the community has been talking about it,” said Kimberly Revelle. “He truly deserves to win.”

A parade celebrating Foster will take place Wednesday, May 14, starting at 5 p.m. in Addis near the RaceTrac on LA 1.

Following the parade, Foster will ride a boat down Bayou Plaquemine around 7 p.m., with a concert to follow at 7:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park. Gates for the concert will open at 6:30 p.m., and security checks will be in place.