John Foster, the 18-year-old country singer from Addis, Louisiana, who captured hearts on “American Idol” Season 23, is coming home. After soaring to the Top 3, Foster’s hometown of West Baton Rouge Parish is throwing a hero’s welcome with a parade and concert on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, just days before he takes the stage for the grand finale on Sunday, May 18. The LSU freshman and Brusly High School valedictorian has the community buzzing, with officials, neighbors, and fans rallying to make his homecoming unforgettable. As preparations heat up, Foster’s journey: from local dive bars to national spotlight, promises a celebration steeped in Louisiana pride, with his eyes set on being the next “American Idol.”
A Parish Pulls Together
West Baton Rouge is in overdrive, transforming Addis into a stage fit for its rising star. “You can feel the buzz throughout the whole west side and even in south Louisiana,” Plaquemine Mayor JB Barker told WAFB. Workers are stringing banners, setting up barricades along First Street, and prepping a waterfront stage at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park for Foster’s concert. Parish President Jason Manola expects over 5,000 attendees, a massive turnout for a town of 7,532, with government agencies coordinating logistics, from police to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, per The Advocate. Locals are painting signs, like one reading “John Foster Benoit, from Addis to Idol!” while Brusly High’s principal, Walt Lemoine, noted the “electric” vibe, with students and alumni donning hometown colors, WWLTV reported. “Our goal is to make this the most special day of John Foster’s life,” Manola said.
The Parade and Concert Extravaganza
The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, with a parade rolling down First Street in Addis, starting near the RaceTrac off LA-1. Foster, who wowed “Idol” judges with songs like “The Bare Necessities” and “The Rainbow Connection” on Disney Night, will ride through, waving to fans lining the streets. Addis Police are closing First Street at 4 p.m., advising alternate routes like Sid Richardson Road, per WBRZ. Then, in a quintessentially Louisiana twist, Foster will hop on a boat at Bayou Road’s landing, cruising down Bayou Plaquemine to the Waterfront Park on Foundry Street. There, at 7:30 p.m., he’ll perform a free six-song concert, gates opening at 6:30 p.m. with security checkpoints and clear-bag policies in place, WAFB noted. “I’ve never heard a man sing as good as him at 18 years old,” local Tommie Rothman told WAFB.
A Star Rooted in Community
Foster’s rise is a hometown tale. The devout Catholic and pre-med student, who dreams of becoming an oncologist, started singing in West Baton Rouge’s dive bars like Side Porch Daiquiris, 973 The Dawg reported. His “Idol” journey, from a Conway Twitty cover at auditions to an original song for his late friend Maggie Dunn, struck a chord nationwide. “He’s like family,” locals told The Advocate, praising his humility and faith. Foster’s performances, like dedicating George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” to his girlfriend, Brooklyn Bourque, earned raves from judge Carrie Underwood, who called him a “diamond in the rough” with a shot to win, per NOLA.com.
Back to the Finale
After Wednesday’s celebration, Foster jets back to Hollywood for the “American Idol” finale on Sunday, May 18, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC, facing off against Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts, WWLTV confirmed. The star-studded night will feature music legends, though names are under wraps, and Foster’s final performance. He will likely sing a country classic or another original, and then he could clinch the title. If he wins, he’d be Louisiana’s second “Idol” champ after Laine Hardy in 2019, 973 The Dawg noted. “Louisiana, I’m coming home for you!” Foster posted on Facebook, vowing to give his all, per WWLTV. As West Baton Rouge cheers, Foster’s ready to make Sunday’s finale a Louisiana-sized moment.
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Triumphant Return: ‘Idol’ Finalist’s Hometown Rolls Out Red Carpet for Parade