John Foster turned 19 on July 9, and he celebrated his birthday performing at the Grand Ole Opry. The “American Idol” season 23 runner-up took to Instagram to share his gratitude for getting to play country music’s biggest stage.

“I’m glad I was able to hold back my tears until I was walking off stage—because the moment I stepped out of view, they started flowing,” Foster captioned a series of photos of himself at the venue.

It seems the audience was just as delighted to take in Foster’s performance as he was happy to perform. “To receive a standing ovation on the biggest stage in country music … on my 19th birthday is a feeling I’ll never forget,” the singer wrote.

He continued, “If there’s one thing I’m feeling right now, it’s ‘Why Me, Lord?’ Glory be to God!” Foster received a lot of love in the comments, including happy birthday wishes from his fellow “Idol” contestants Breanna Nix and Amanda Barise.

From Karaoke to The Grand Ole Opry

This was not the first time Foster graced the Opry stage, as he made his debut there on June 7. “This has been my #1 dream ever since I started music, and now, because of your support, my dream will come true!” Foster said in an Instagram post ahead of his first Opry show.

It’s hard to believe, but Foster wasn’t always so sure of his star quality. He appeared in “Local on 2” on July 9 to talk about his musical journey, revealing that even at age 15 he never thought he’d actually become a musician.

“…on one fateful night when the power went and nobody could see my face because the lights were out … I karaoked in front of ten of my family members … They thought it was the best thing they ever heard,” Foster shared.

The singer also explained that he got his first guitar in 2021 and from there his singing and songwriting became more than just a hobby. “From then on it just was a slow build …,” Foster said.

Foster’s Other Career Plans

Foster, who graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class, has studied biology at Louisiana State University, and has a back-up plan in case music doesn’t work out. “… I’ve always wanted to be a physician …,” he explained. “That’s been my career path, that’s technically still my career path.”

The budding country star shared that no matter which path he chooses to take, he knows what he’s meant to do. “I have this very, very certain feeling inside of me that I’m put on this earth to heal,” Foster said. “Healing is my mission.” Be it through music or medicine, Foster is already well on his way.