John Foster American Idol finalist may not have taken the top prize in Season 23, but he’s stepping into the spotlight with momentum and big plans. Just hours after the Sunday, May 18 finale, the Louisiana teen is already mapping out what comes next — and it’s all about passion, purpose, and a bit of hometown love.
He’s kicking things off with his debut single, “Tell That Angel I Love Her” — a heartfelt song he penned in memory of his late friend, Maggie Dunn, who tragically died in a car accident. “I’m going to push that out as much as possible,” he says. “I wrote it entirely on my own, and I think it really reflects who I am, both as a songwriter and as an artist.” He’s already eager to return to the studio. “I just love recording,” he adds. “I’m so ready to put out a full album.”
John Foster American Idol Finalist Finds Strength in Loss
Back in Louisiana, his community is planning a heartfelt celebration, complete with a parade and concert — a hero’s welcome for the young talent who won America’s affection. While he’s not ruling out an appearance on Dancing With the Stars — “It’s definitely not a no,” he teases — his immediate plans are more personal. “I’ve missed my dog so much,” he laughs. “I’m just so excited to be back home.”
Foster took the finale results in stride, beaming even as host Ryan Seacrest announced Jamal Roberts as the winner. “I’m honestly just grateful to be here,” he shared. “This season was incredible. The talent? Unbelievable. To place second out of 120,000? To even be in the Top 24, which was stacked? I’m proud.”
John Foster American Idol Experience Opens New Doors
Third-place finisher Breanna Nix also reflected on her journey. Unlike Foster, she was eliminated earlier in the evening but felt at peace. “I believe every step I took on this show was guided,” she said. “I even had a feeling I’d be the first to go in the finale, and I was okay with that.”
Nix, a powerhouse vocalist and stay-at-home mom, said she knew Roberts would win from the start. “I’ll never forget hearing him during Hollywood Week. I just knew. I even told him — and recorded it — that he’d win. After he did, I reminded him of that moment, and he remembered.”
Both Foster and Nix know that winning isn’t everything. Past American Idol stars like Jennifer Hudson and Clay Aiken proved that. “I already feel like a winner,” said Nix. “My first single, ‘Higher,’ is out now. It’s surreal. So many new opportunities are coming my way.”
And if the show ever invites her back? “Absolutely — I’d love to return as a judge or mentor. American Idol will always hold a special place in my heart.”
As for John Foster American Idol runner-up, he’s got some advice for future contestants: “Believe in who you are as an artist. Never see failure as the end. This is just the beginning. Keep pushing forward.”
