The 18-year-old finalist, now a household name across America, spent Wednesday reconnecting with the people and places that shaped his journey — and saying “thank you” in the only way he knows how: through music.
From School Hallways to Stadium Cheers
The day began with heartfelt stops: first at the elementary school where his 4-year-old sister, Presley, is a student, then at Brusly High School, where he graduated as co-valedictorian just one year ago.
What followed was a full-scale pep rally on the football field, complete with marching band performances, cheering students, and teachers holding back tears.
“It’s nice to be in the news for something happy,” said school secretary Aimee Rabalais, referencing the town’s recent tragedies — including the loss of two beloved students in a 2022 accident.
Despite the sweltering 90-degree Louisiana heat, the crowd’s energy never dipped. They shouted, “Geaux John Foster!” and “We love Brusly!” with pride.
Standing on the field, Foster shared words far wiser than his years:
“If you want to lead a successful life… listen to your teachers. Leave a legacy.”
A Hero Honored at the Capitol
From Brusly, Foster crossed the Mississippi River to the Louisiana State Capitol, where the House of Representatives passed a resolution in his honor.
“Sometimes I think people get tired of hearing me talk about Louisiana,” he joked. “But it’s who I am.”
His remark drew a standing ovation — proof that his love for his home state is matched only by Louisiana’s love for him.
A Parade Fit for a Prince
Back across the river in Addis, thousands lined the streets for a homecoming parade, where Foster rode through town on a crawfish float, waving and tossing beads.
Fans waved signs and wore unofficial merch. One now-iconic banner read:
“If George Strait is the King of Country, John Foster is the PRINCE!”
A Waterfront Concert to Remember
At Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park, crowds waited on blankets, lawn chairs, and boats lined along the bayou. Flags flew. Sno-cones melted. Hearts swelled.
As Foster arrived by boat just after 8 p.m., chants of “John Foster!” echoed across the water.
“I’ve played a lot of places,” he said as he stepped on stage, “but nothing like this.”
His setlist included:
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“Don’t Rock the Jukebox” (Alan Jackson)
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“Jailhouse Rock” (Elvis Presley)
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“I Told You So” (Randy Travis)
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“Neon Moon” (Brooks & Dunn)
Then came the moment that silenced the crowd — his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her”, written for friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, lost in a 2022 crash.
Overcome with emotion, Foster paused, tears flowing.
“Sorry about that,” he said, his voice cracking. “So many emotions.”
He closed the night on a high with Garth Brooks’ Louisiana favorite, “Callin’ Baton Rouge.”
“I love y’all so much. Thank you.”
As he left the dock by boat, fans waved, cheered, and he replied with a heart sign and a thumbs up — a symbol of mutual love between a small town and its rising star.
One Final Performance, One Final Vote
John Foster will compete live in the American Idol Season 23 finale airing Sunday, May 19, at 8 PM ET on ABC.
Fans can vote up to 30 times — but only during the live broadcast.
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