They Said No—Twice—Then Idol Producers Changed Their Minds, and John Foster Made Them Regret the Wait. ML
From Rejection to the Grand Ole Opry: John Foster’s Rise from American Idol Underdog to Country Star
Sometimes, perseverance makes all the difference. For John Foster, third time truly was the charm. After being rejected twice by American Idol — once via Zoom during the COVID era and again in person — the singer from Addis, Louisiana, returned in 2024 and earned his golden ticket.
Foster’s journey wasn’t one of overnight success. He built momentum locally, selling out hometown shows and honing his songwriting voice. But everything shifted after a tragic event: the loss of his best friend, Maggie Dunn, in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022. Her death became the inspiration for his heartfelt original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which he performed during Idol Season 23.
The song’s emotional power captured audiences nationwide. His mother, Amanda Benoit, said watching him sing it on television was both painful and moving. “He carried Maggie with him. Every word of that song, she was there,” she said.
Maggie had left Foster a note encouraging him to never give up on his dream: “Your voice is too good to go unheard.” That message became his mission — and helped shape his path forward.
Throughout Idol, Foster impressed judges and fans with classic country covers from Brooks & Dunn, Randy Travis, George Strait, and Toby Keith. Judge Carrie Underwood described him as a “throwback” to 1990s country, a sentiment echoed by viewers who helped push him to the finals. Though he placed second, Foster’s run was hailed as a major breakthrough.
Following the show, Foster made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry on June 7, 2025 — a milestone he called his “number one dream.” “The first time I went to the Opry, I fought back tears because I was so overwhelmed with joy,” he shared on social media.
With additional Opry dates already on the books, Foster’s career is gaining momentum. More than just a runner-up, he’s emerging as a serious new voice in country music.
Back in Louisiana, his family remains in awe. Amanda recalled watching her son clean chicken houses and play at church fairs. “Why me?” she asked. “Why did I get chosen to be his mom?” When he stepped into the Opry circle, she cried. “He earned every bit of it.”
With authenticity, resilience, and the heart behind his story, John Foster is proving he was born for the stage.
