‘American Idol’ Top 3: Did John Foster Get Through?

John Foster, an 18-year-old Louisiana college student who made it into the top 5 of “American Idol” season 23, vied for viewers’ votes again on May 12, 2025. It was the second of two Disney nights, during which Foster had to perform two tune from Disney’s vast song catalog. Viewers had less than two hours to vote for their favorites during the show, determining who would make it through to the top 3 of season 23.

SPOILER ALERT: Do not continue reading if you do NOT want to know whether Foster made it into the top 3.

Voting closed during the final commercial break, and the results were handed over to host Ryan Seacrest to reveal which members of top 5 would advance to the top 3. So did Foster make it through? YES, Foster made it through!

John Foster’s 1st Song on the May 12 Live Show Was a ‘Good Time,’ Carrie Underwood Said

The 18-year-old loved visiting Disneyland with his family and said during the May 12 show that walking through the French Quarter reminded him of being back home in Louisiana.

Foster then sang “The Bear Necessities” from “The Jungle Book.” The song started out slower than usual, but then he smiled and kicked it up a notch, picking up the tempo of the playful song. The crowd and judges clearly enjoyed it, with Bryan telling him he’s figured out a look and sound that people love. Richie said Foster’s “likability” is off the charts, and Underwood said that his song “was just a good time,” and that she enjoyed hearing a song from her childhood redone that way.

The Judges Loved John Foster’s 2nd Tune of the Evening, ‘Rainbow Connection’

For his second Disney song of the night, Foster worked with guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda on “Rainbow Connection” from “The Muppet Movie.” He said he loves Willie Nelson’s version, but Miranda said he sounded like he was copying Nelson’s rendition rather than bringing himself to the song. Miranda helped him use the lyrics to tell a story, and to connect with how his own dreams are coming through.

Foster performed the song with his acoustic guitar, sitting on a stool at center stage. Bryan told him, “Listen, everybody’s gunning for one another and everybody’s doing great.” He said that the song was “authentically you” and that he was glad he didn’t copy anyone.

Richie said he’s “totally in love with the timber of your voice” and noting he’s a true “stylist” because his voice is so recognizable. Underwood said she recalled that she had a “diamond in the rough” before her and that she had to convince her fellow judges of his future stardom — and she said that “if you’re not careful, you could win this whole thing.”