BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Addis’ American Idol star John Foster is back in Louisiana for his first performance since the season ended at the Cajun Country Jam in Denham Springs.

Foster was the runner-up but still captivated the nation with his old-school country sound. Since November, Foster has been non-stop, building a massive fan base and making his home state proud. He tells WAFB that he’s done a good job at sticking to his core values: faith, family, and love.

“You know I missed my people, I have friends, I call them friends, all around America, but my true people, my community, is Louisiana,” Foster said. I’ve changed for the better, I have more confidence, I have just more stage presence and charisma, but the core of me, the part of me that loves everybody and is deeply rooted in my faith has not changed and I deeply hope and pray that it will not change ever and I do not believe it ever will.”

And while life in the spotlight may not be for everyone, Foster was made for it. He says he’s here for the long haul and won’t forget where he belongs.

“I absolutely adore this life, you know someone people don’t like this some people don’t like the running around and the constant phone calls and what not—I love it. This is what I’m meant to be, and I genuinely believe that god has called me for this to be somebody that shares the music with the millions,” Foster said. “I will forever be a Louisiana boy, and I’ll die in Louisiana if I have anything to do with it.”

Fosters’ next stop will be Nashville in June at the historic Grand Ole Opry, achieving a lifelong dream of many musicians at just 18 years old.