John Foster didn’t just show up for the “American Idol” Season 23 finale — he delivered a trio of performances that reminded everyone exactly why he made it to the final three. With heart, grit, and that unmistakable Southern charm, the 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, turned the stage into a showcase of who he is and where he’s headed.
⬇️ Watch his performances below! ⬇️
Patriotism with Purpose
Kicking things off, John took on Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” a bold, personal choice selected from his list of favorites by mentor Jelly Roll. He dedicated it to both of his grandfathers, military veterans who were proudly sitting in the audience, and it showed. You could feel the meaning behind every line.
The performance hit hard; in a good way. It earned a standing ovation from the judges, with Lionel Richie calling it “the perfect song,” Carrie Underwood saying she was proud of his growth, and Luke Bryan pointing out how far he’s come in stage presence. It was classic John: unapologetically country, proud of his roots, and all heart.
Soulful Simplicity
For his second performance, John leaned into the nostalgia with a warm, crowd-pleasing version of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” It was pure comfort; no flashy tricks, just steady vocals and sincerity that radiated through the screen.
The song felt like a thank-you to his hometown, the fans, and everyone who’s followed his Idol journey. And let’s be real: choosing a song that’s beloved across generations was a smart move. It reminded people that John’s strength isn’t just in his voice… it’s in how he makes you feel when he sings.
A Personal Tribute
John closed out his “Idol” journey with the kind of performance that sticks with you, singing his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” that was written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn. This is a tribute that’s been close to his heart throughout the season and he chose to perform it again in the finale.
The moment was stripped down, raw, and deeply personal; John let the emotion lead. His vocals were steady but vulnerable, carrying the weight of the lyrics without ever tipping into melodrama. You could tell this one mattered, not just to him, but to the fans who’ve followed his story.
The audience was visibly moved, and the judges looked like they felt every word. It was a gutsy call to end the night with something original instead of a fan-favorite cover, but it paid off.
Bonus: The Final 3 Opener
Before the solos even started, John Foster joined fellow finalists Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts to open the show with a high-energy, harmony-filled performance of Queen’s iconic anthem “We Are the Champions.” Yep, big shoes to fill, but the trio pulled it off with power and heart.
The performance wasn’t just about vocals (though, let’s be real, they delivered). It was a moment of camaraderie, celebrating how far they’d all come in the competition. No one was holding back, but no one was outshining either; it was a true team effort that set the tone for a night of showstoppers.
Want to know how it all played out (and see who won)? Check out our live finale coverage.
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John Foster’s Performances From the 2025 ‘American Idol’ Finale