An American Idol runner-up has a shocking past with the show, which has now been revealed by his mother. American Idol season 23 featured host Ryan Seacrest and judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood. During the finale, Jamal Roberts was crowned the winner, while John Foster placed second, and Breanna Nix placed third.

An American Idol runner-up has a shocking past with the show, which has now been revealed by his mother.

In an interview with Unfiltered with Kiran, John’s mother, Amanda Benoit, revealed that he’d auditioned for American Idol twice before finally making it to the judges in season 23. In 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, John auditioned for the show, but he didn’t make it very far.

Amanda explained, “He didn’t make it past the open call that first time. But I’ll never forget how excited I was. I left work early that day. We had everything set up, and my heart was pounding. I just had so much faith in him—even when he didn’t quite believe in himself yet.”

The following year, John auditioned again, and he made it through the first rounds. However, he was eliminated before he could sing before the judges, Lionel, Luke, and Katy Perry. At that time, though, John’s local shows were selling out and his confidence grew. In 2024, John was invited back for American Idol season 23, and the rest is history.

He didn’t make it past the open call that first time. But I’ll never forget how excited I was. I left work early that day. We had everything set up, and my heart was pounding. I just had so much faith in him—even when he didn’t quite believe in himself yet.

What John Foster’s Previous American Idol Auditions Mean

John’s Rejections Were The Best Thing For Him

John turned 19 on June 6, which means that he was only 15 when he auditioned for American Idol in 2021. He was most likely too young to succeed on the show, especially because his mother stated that he didn’t fully believe in himself yet. This means that it was a good thing that American Idol rejected John twice before he was ready because he commanded the stage during season 23.

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In addition, Carrie was a huge supporter of John during American Idol season 23. She was clearly rooting for him throughout the entire competition, so it seems that the stars aligned when John finally made it through to the judges and Carrie, a fellow country star, had joined the panel.

Our Take On John Foster’s Previous American Idol Auditions

John Worked Hard To Get Where He Is Today

I didn’t know that John had previously auditioned for American Idol twice, so it was a surprise to me to hear it because he’s such a natural on stage. I didn’t expect to hear that he was ever rejected from the show. I’m so happy that he didn’t give up because he has the potential to become one of the most successful American Idol contestants of all-time.

John’s original song, “Tell that Angel I Love Her,” which he wrote for his late friend, Maggie Dunn, is such a beautiful song, and has been a big hit for him. John has also already performed at the Grand Ole Opry, which was a dream come true for him.

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John made it through to the judges at American Idol at the perfect time. He’s worked so hard to get where he is today, and he deserves so much praise. He’s an authentic country singer who has what it takes to become a major superstar with his extraordinary vocals and phenomemal stage presence. I can’t wait to see what John does next.