Sunday night’s American Idol episode delivered one of the most emotional moments of Season 23, as John Foster honored his mom with a powerful and heartfelt performance of Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe.”
With Mother’s Day falling on the same night as the second part of the Idol’s Disney Week, the show took a heartfelt turn. Each of the Top 7 contestants chose a song to dedicate to their mothers or mother figures — and Foster’s performance stood out as a deeply moving tribute that left both viewers and judges in tears.
A Mother’s Day Moment That Stopped the Show
The night began with joyful Disney-inspired performances, mentored by the legendary Lin-Manuel Miranda, who guided the contestants through iconic songs from the Disney universe. But when the second hour began, the tone shifted — and so did the emotional weight.
As host Ryan Seacrest announced the start of the Mother’s Day segment, judge Carrie Underwood warned viewers and fellow judges that she’d “probably cry through the whole thing.” And she wasn’t alone.
When it was his turn to perform, John Foster stepped forward to deliver “Believe” — a haunting country ballad originally released by Brooks & Dunn in 2003. The song is widely considered one of the most emotional pieces in modern country music, touching on faith, loss, and the deep bonds that define us.
“My Mom Is My Faith”
Ahead of his performance, Foster revealed why the song meant so much to him — and why he chose to sing it for his mother on this special night.
“It’s a song that’s very rooted in faith, which is how I see my mom. She’s my faith,” Foster shared.
“My prime faith is Christianity, and my mom has built that over so many years. I am so eternally grateful.”
The moment grew even more emotional when Foster’s mother appeared in a video segment and shared:
“I was born to be a mom, and I’m so glad that he’s mine.”
Tears flowed — both onstage and across living rooms everywhere.
Foster Advances to the Top 5 After Powerful Tribute
Foster’s performance of “Believe” earned praise from both the judges and the audience, and when results were announced at the end of the night, he advanced into the American Idol Top 5 — bringing him one step closer to the Season 23 finale.
But this wasn’t the first time John Foster left viewers in tears.
A Voice That Carries Grief, Faith, and Love
Earlier in the season, during the Top 20 round, Foster stunned the audience with an original song he wrote called “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The song was a tribute to Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, two of his friends who tragically lost their lives in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022.
At the end of that deeply emotional performance, John looked into the camera and said, “I love you, Maggie.”
Though the live crowd’s applause drowned out the line in real time, the families watching at home heard it loud and clear.
“I didn’t hear him say ‘I love you, Maggie’ when I was there live,” Maggie’s mom Erin Martin told local news station UWK.
“But when I got home and watched it again, I heard it — and it meant the world to me.”
A Star on the Rise With a Heart That Shines
As American Idol 2025 heads into its final stretch, John Foster continues to prove that he’s not just a strong vocalist — he’s a powerful storyteller who connects deeply with his audience.
Whether honoring friends lost too soon or celebrating the unwavering love of his mother, Foster brings a raw emotional honesty to the stage that few others can match.
His Mother’s Day performance of “Believe” was more than a cover — it was a prayer, a thank you, and a moment that every viewer will remember long after the season ends.
