Los Angeles, California – On May 12, 2025, American Idol Season 23 reached a fever pitch as the Top 5 contestants took the stage for the second Disney Night, vying for a coveted spot in the Top 3 finale. Among them was 18-year-old John Foster, a country-singing biology major from Addis, Louisiana, whose performance of “The Bare Necessities” from Disney’s The Jungle Book left the audience roaring with applause and the judges beaming with pride. As Foster secured his place in the Top 3 alongside Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts, his rendition of the 1967 classic became a defining moment in his American Idol journey, showcasing his ability to blend old-school country charm with a playful, universal appeal that has fans believing he could take home the crown.
A Star on the Rise
John Foster’s path to the American Idol Top 3 has been a remarkable one, marked by raw talent, heartfelt storytelling, and an unwavering connection to his roots. Hailing from the small town of Addis, Louisiana, Foster first caught the attention of judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie during his audition in Nashville. Performing Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time,” the then-18-year-old impressed the panel with his neo-traditional country sound, earning a unanimous “yes” to advance to Hollywood. His audition was a nod to his Southern heritage, complete with personalized coolers of Cajun food for the judges—a gesture that showcased his warmth and authenticity.
Foster’s journey through the competition has been a steady ascent. From Hollywood Week to the Top 20, he consistently won over viewers with performances that highlighted his versatility and emotional depth. One of his most memorable moments came during the Top 20 round on April 20, when he performed an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” dedicated to his late friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022. The performance moved Foster to tears, and Carrie Underwood praised the “wonderfully throwback” quality of his voice, noting its rarity in modern country music. Luke Bryan, who had initially seen Foster as a wildcard, declared that the performance erased any doubts about his place in the competition.
As the weeks progressed, Foster continued to shine, advancing through the Top 14, Top 10, Top 8, and Top 7 rounds with a combination of classic covers and original songs. His ability to connect with audiences was evident in his social media presence, where he frequently topped polls for best performances, and in the real world, where he was recognized by fans during a visit to Disneyland—a moment he described as surreal in an interview with NOLA.com. By the time the Top 5 episode rolled around, Foster had solidified his status as a fan favorite, with a sound that judge Lionel Richie described as “instantly recognizable” and a likability that resonated with viewers across the country.
Disney Night Magic
The May 12 episode of American Idol, themed around Disney’s heroes and villains, was a pivotal moment for the Top 5 contestants: Foster, Breanna Nix, Jamal Roberts, Slater Nalley, and Thunderstorm Artis. Each performer was tasked with delivering two Disney songs, mentored by the acclaimed Lin-Manuel Miranda, with the public’s votes determining who would advance to the finale. The stakes were high, as only three spots remained for the May 18 grand finale. Adding to the magic of the evening, Season 21 winner Iam Tongi returned to perform “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” a teaser for the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch remake.
For his first performance of the night, Foster chose “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, a song that perfectly suited his laid-back, country charm. Dressed in a pale pink shirt embossed with green leaves, a forest green blazer, and blue jeans, Foster started with the song’s slow verse, seated on a stool with his acoustic guitar. His smooth, jazzy introduction set a relaxed tone, but as he transitioned into the uptempo chorus, he kicked things up a notch, flashing a wide smile that lit up the stage. The performance was a masterclass in balance—playful yet precise, nostalgic yet fresh. Foster’s country spin on the Disney classic gave it a new life, evoking the spirit of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree at Disney World, as noted by TVLine.
The studio audience erupted in applause, and the judges were quick to shower Foster with praise. Luke Bryan told him, “You got the fans and you got us as judges. There’s a reason why you’re getting recognized when you’re at a Disney park—you’ve got a thing, you’ve got a look, you’ve got a sound that you’ve been getting better at week after week.” Lionel Richie emphasized Foster’s likability, saying, “A lot of people think it’s just about singing, but people have to come to like you. And they fall in love with you. You’re doing alright, kid.” Carrie Underwood, who has been a vocal supporter of Foster throughout the season, reflected on how he made the song his own. “I heard what the soundtrack would sound like for a country version of The Jungle Book,” she said. “You took such a fun song that’s a part of my childhood and made it your own, put your spin on it, and it was just a good time.”
Foster’s second performance of the night, “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie, further showcased his versatility. Sitting on a stool with his guitar, he delivered an intimate, heartfelt rendition that highlighted the tender side of his voice. The judges continued to laud his consistency, with Carrie noting that he had been “solid” throughout the competition and Luke praising the strength of his voice and presence. The performance cemented Foster’s place in the Top 3, as announced by host Ryan Seacrest at the end of the episode, with Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts joining him in the finale, while Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis were eliminated.
Fan Reactions and Controversy
Foster’s performance of “The Bare Necessities” quickly became a talking point among fans, with many taking to social media to express their admiration. On X, users wrote, “Pretty sure John Foster just made the song Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book – popular again. #AmericanIdol,” while another exclaimed, “Yasss John Foster you did a GREAT JOB performing ‘The Bare Necessities’ from Disney’s The Jungle Book #DisneyNight.” The sentiment was echoed across platforms, with fans on TVLine declaring, “John Foster should win hands down, such an amazing voice, I would go to his concert.” His ability to infuse a classic Disney song with his neo-traditional country sound resonated deeply, proving his versatility and broad appeal.
However, Foster’s advancement to the Top 3 was not without controversy. Some fans expressed shock and disappointment that Slater Nalley and Thunderstorm Artis, both of whom were seen as strong contenders, were eliminated. On X, fans voiced their frustration, with one user writing, “STOP AMERICA. JOHN FOSTER OVER SLATER NALLEY & THUNDERSTORM? I AM CAPS LOCKING THIS LIKE A MADMAN SO YOU WILL REALIZE HOW NUTS YOU ACTUALLY ARE.” Another commented, “John Foster with his prop guitar and flat voice…over Slater and Thunderstorm who can write their own songs and actually play multiple instruments?! Come on America!!” The backlash highlighted the passionate divide among American Idol viewers, with some questioning whether Foster’s likability and traditional style overshadowed the technical skills of his competitors.
Despite the criticism, Foster’s supporters remained steadfast. His hometown of Addis, Louisiana, has been a pillar of encouragement throughout his journey, with banners proclaiming “We are #AddisProud of you” outside Addis Town Hall. On May 15, Foster returned to Brusly High School, where he graduated as co-valedictorian in 2024, for a hero’s welcome. Addressing students on the football field, he expressed gratitude for the teachers who helped shape him, saying, “I am here because of them.” The town also hosted a community parade, reflecting the electric energy that has swept through West Baton Rouge Parish as they rally behind their local star.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Foster prepares for the American Idol finale on May 18, his journey has already left an indelible mark on the competition. Beyond his musical talent, Foster’s story is one of resilience and purpose. A biology major at Louisiana State University, he has been taking online classes while competing on the show, with dreams of becoming a “singing oncologist.” On May 2, he launched a Facebook fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, writing, “Whether I decide to pursue medicine or music full-time, I will always be involved in fighting for a cure.” His commitment to both music and medicine has endeared him to fans, who see him as a grounded, multi-faceted artist with a bright future.
Foster’s performances, particularly his rendition of “The Bare Necessities,” have showcased his ability to connect with audiences through authenticity and emotion. As Black Star News noted, “While most contestants rely on pure vocal techniques, Foster understands that sprinkling in an occasional moment to resonate is far more important.” Whether he’s belting out a country ballad or putting a fresh spin on a Disney classic, Foster’s storytelling ability has set him apart, making him a leading contender for the American Idol crown.
As the finale approaches, Foster faces stiff competition from Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts, but his hometown and fans across the country are rooting for him to bring the title back to Louisiana. Win or lose, John Foster has already proven that he’s a star in the making, and his performance of “The Bare Necessities” will be remembered as a highlight of American Idol Season 23—a moment that brought the house down and showed the world what a small-town dreamer can achieve.
