John Foster is more than just a rising country star. The 18-year-old American Idol hopeful recently made the season’s Top 10, and his fan base continues to grow more and more.

A small town boy turned burgeoning superstar, the teenager is certainly one to watch on the show. Keep reading for three quick facts about the singer.

John Foster Comes from a Small Louisiana Town

Foster was born in raised in Addis, Louisiana, a town of less than 7,000, where his family owns Benoit’s Country Meat Block. The town has totally embraced Foster’s American Idol journey, his grandmother, Verbie Benoit, told The Advocate.

“Every week, it’s better and better. I didn’t know he had more talent to show us, but he does. I pray for him—not necessarily for him to win,” she said, “but for God to be with him,” she said. “”He has such a good head on his shoulders that I don’t think that he could ever stray from anything good. He’s just that kid.”

He’s Studying to Be an Oncologist

The Advocate reported that Foster was the co-valedictorian of his high school class when he graduated last year. Now, in his second semester of college, Foster is studying biology with the hopes of being an oncologist. In a recent Facebook post, Foster wrote about his professional ambitions.

“As many of you know, I am currently studying to become an oncologist (a physician who treats cancer),” he wrote. “Whether I decide to pursue medicine or music full-time, I will always be involved in fighting for a cure.”

He’s Thankful to Carrie Underwood

During a recent Idol episode dedicated to iconic moments in the show’s history, Foster dedicated his performance of “I Told You So,” which Underwood performed with Randy Travis years ago on the show, to the judge.

“This is my way to say, ‘I love you, Carrie. Thank you for all the support,” he told the cameras.

Underwood was properly moved by the tribute, gushing, “I’m blushing!”

After the performance, Underwood further reflected on Foster’s Idol journey.

“He’s so sweet and fresh faced and he’s one of those people that I feel like… don’t even really know how good you are kind of thing,” Underwood told People. “Week to week, we have watched him progress so much. We were talking after his performance, me, Luke [Bryan] and [Lionel Richie] and we were just saying he’s probably the one that has grown the most since he’s been here.”

She added, “I feel like he kind of reminds me of my oldest son. When he’s over there singing to me, I kind of feel like a proud mom. He’s very good.”

In a Facebook post, Foster noted, “It was such an honor to pay tribute to the incredible Carrie Underwood. She’s been my voice on the judge’s panel, and I hope that my performance last night gave her the respect that she deserves.”