It’s the comment fans never expected — and it’s raising eyebrows everywhere. Former American Idol finalist John Foster has stunned the internet by saying he was “meant to be the runner-up” all along.
In a cryptic but emotional interview, Foster revealed he always felt like the cards were stacked, hinting that his journey on Idol may not have been entirely in his control.
“Looking back,” he said, “I wasn’t supposed to win. And honestly, I think they knew that from the beginning.”
Now, Idol fans are demanding answers: Was this fate, strategy — or something much deeper?

John Foster watches Jamal Roberts

Eighteen-year-old country crooner John Foster thinks he was meant to be the runner-up on season 23 of “American Idol,” telling fans it was all part of God’s plan. The college freshman from Addis, Louisiana, took second place on May 18, 2025, behind winner Jamal Roberts, a 27-year-old soul singer, teacher and dad of three from Meridian, Mississippi.

Although Foster posted his gratitude for the experience on social media right after the live finale ended, he issued a lengthier statement on May 19, sharing a letter to fans who were disappointed he didn’t win the title.

He captioned a screenshot of a letter he signed by writing, “After gathering my thoughts, here is my latest message to my family! ❤️”

“No words can describe how I truly feel, but I hope that these will try,” the letter started in bold letters. “I can vividly remember that feeling of ‘I’ll never be good enough’ in my early days of Idol, and I can gladly say that I proved myself wrong.”

John Foster Says He Gained Friends & Confidence Through ‘American Idol’ Journey, Which Started in 2024

The season 23 “American Idol” contestants spent nearly a year connected to the show and each other, with many auditioning virtually for producers in the summer of 2024. Those who were lucky enough to make it through to audition live in front of judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie did so in the fall of 2024.

Those who earned tickets to Hollywood, like Foster did, showed up for a week of intense competition in late January. He and 23 other hopefuls then made it to the Hawaii round at Disney’s Aulani Resort in mid-February, before the show even began airing in early March.

Through it all, Foster said in his letter, he saw himself grow as an artist and person, writing, “I’ve gained friends, confidence, life skills, and most importantly, I’ve gained you, my family. My gratitude will NEVER be fully expressed, but I hope to show it by working hard to give you some new country music and show dates as soon as I can.”

In bold lettering, Foster wrote, “God has a reason for me being runner-up, and I will always trust His plan!”

“This is merely a first step into what He has in store for me,” Foster continued, “and I cannot wait to see what likes ahead. I love you!”

John Foster Says He’s ‘Praying’ for ‘American Idol’ Winner Jamal Roberts

(Disney/Christopher Willard)AMERICAN IDOL – “818 (Disney Night #2)”
In the caption of his post, Foster also acknowledged Roberts and third place finisher Breanna Nix, writing, “I also want to send a very heartfelt congratulations to all of my fellow finalists, especially Jamal, his family, and his community; he is an incredible performer with whom I’m honored to have shared a stage. I’ll certainly be praying for him as he continues his journey. 🙏”

Within 24 hours, Foster’s post had received over 28,000 likes and more than 1,100 fans had commented, praising him for handling his runner-up status with grace and declaring that he has a big career in country music ahead of him.

One fan predicted, “You are about to land a contract in Nashville like no other, my friend!! That is what is in God’s plan!! God bless you and we are so proud! I look forward to seeing you open up for Luke Bryan soon!!!”

“You will go further than any winner has,” another fan predicted. “You will be as famous as Carrie Underwood. GOD makes NO MISTAKES! I can’t wait to listen to all of your music.”

Someone else wrote, in a comment that drew nearly 500 likes, “At the young age of 18, you are a class act. Your faith and humility will take you far, my friend. I look forward to hearing all of your new music!”