john foster

In just one week’s time, we will know the name of our American Idol season 23 winner. But first, the Top 7 must make it through Disney Night. With Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda there to offer advice, the remaining finalists traveled to Disneyland Resort for two nights of themed music. Singing for his life in the competition, American Idol favorite John Foster brought a little Cajun flair to Disneyland.

John Foster Takes On ‘Princess and the Frog’ Tune On ‘American Idol’
A biology major at Louisiana State University, John Foster hasn’t strayed too far from his country roots during his time on American Idol. It’s served him well so far. Last week’s stunning cover of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” landed him in the Top 7.

This week, Foster again paid homage to his Cajun origins by performing “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog. Set in Roaring ’20s New Orleans, the 2009 film centers around Tiana, a hard-working waitress who kisses a prince-turned-frog, only to become an amphibian herself.

“Whoa! John’s got that Louisiana swag and Scotty McCreery’s voice,” declared one viewer.

Another added, “Wow. If you told me John recorded that song for the movie, I’d believe you. It fit him like a glove.”

In true Louisiana fashion, Foster didn’t show up to his audition empty-handed. The 18-year-old strolled onto set with coolers full of boudin and other Cajun delicacies from his family’s store, Benoit’s Country Meat Block in Addis.

Although he would go on to deliver a flawless rendition of Alan Jackson’s 1991 hit “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” Foster’s party favors certainly didn’t hurt his chances. But will he move on to the Top 6?

John Foster Comes From a Singing Family
Hailing from a town of less than 7,000, John Foster has had every single one of them in his corner along this American Idol journey.

“Every week, it’s better and better,” his grandmother, Verbie Benoit, told The Advocate. “I didn’t know he had more talent to show us, but he does.”

Foster credits his musical journey to one family member in particular—his uncle, Galen Martin.

“I wouldn’t be a musician if it weren’t for my Uncle Galen,” Foster said. “He pushed me from day one when I was 15 years old. He showed me my first four chords on the guitar—the chords to ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’—and he’s supported me ever since.”