ADDIS, La. (WAFB) – Louisiana’s own John Foster is the runner-up of American Idol, Season 23.
The three remaining contestants gave their final performances in a star-studded night with music legends and top stars.
The finalists opened the show singing together Queen’s classic, “We Are the Champions.”
In the end, Jamal Roberts from Mississippi received more votes and was crowned American Idol.
John Foster performed a number of songs in the finale.
He performed Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” and sang Randy Travis’ “Deeper than the Holler” in a duet with Idol judge Luke Bryan.
Halfway through the finale, the Top 2 contestants were announced, leaving John fighting for the title against fellow southerner, Jamal Roberts, who is from Mississippi.
Sunday night’s American Idol finale also featured a segment from John’s Welcome Home parade in his hometown of Addis, La. and his free waterfront concert at Bayou Plaquemine held Wednesday night.
The rising star tossed Mardi Gras beads from a giant crawfish float as the parade rolled down First St.
John Foster, Addis native and American Idol top three finalist made it back home.(WAFB)
He then hopped on a boat cruising the bayou to the stage. He performed a number of songs bringing Addis to tears with his original, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written for his friend Maggie Dunn, who was killed in a crash during a police pursuit.
John ended his hometown performance with fireworks while singing the capital city anthem, Callin’ Baton Rouge.
Take a look at fan photos from his hometown visit in our 9Reports section below:
Watch WAFB stories, interviews, and continuing coverage of John Foster’s American Idol journey below:
GET TO KNOW JOHN FOSTER
The 18-year-old from Addis, La. graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 2024 at Brusly High School.
He’s currently studying biology at LSU with hopes of going to medical school and becoming an oncologist.
According to his X account, he is “Louisiana Proud.” He’s an LSU fan and a Saints fan.
According to his website, he is a devout Catholic Christian and incorporates his faith into all aspects of his life, including his music.
Foster describes his country music style as Neo-Traditional, influenced by George Strait, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, and Willie Nelson.
Early on in the competition, American Idol’s judges compared his looks and sound to 90s country music superstars.
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