Eighteen-year-old country singer John Foster was among the top 10 “American Idol” contestants who performed songs made famous by “iconic women in music,” the theme of the episode that aired live from coast-to-coast on May 4, 2025. Viewers had less than two hours to vote for their favorites during the show, determining who would make it through to the top 8 of season 23.

SPOILER ALERT: Do not continue reading if you do NOT want to know whether or not Foster made it into the top 8.

After voting closed during the final commercial break, host Ryan Seacrest was ready to reveal which members of season 23’s top 10 would advance to the top 8. So did Foster make it through? YES — Foster did make it through to the top 8! And here’s a breakdown of tonight’s full results.

Although Foster has amassed a large following, charming viewers with his classic country sound, the teen from Addis, Louisiana, has a backup plan if music doesn’t work out. He told judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood during his audition that he had dreams of becoming an oncologist.

Even while competing on “American Idol,” he’s been taking online classes for his second semester at Louisiana State University, studying biology, his grandma Verbie Benoit told The Advocate.

On May 2, Foster launched a Facebook fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, writing, “As many of you know, I am currently studying to become an oncologist (a physician who treats cancer). Whether I decide to pursue medicine or music full-time, I will always be involved in fighting for a cure.”

Foster has a huge support system behind him, no matter what path he chooses. The Advocate reported he had family members flying to Los Angeles, ready to cheer him on in the studio audience for the May 4 episode.