Before American Idol spotlights and standing ovations, John Foster was just a small-town kid with a big voice, playing at local bars across Louisiana. One of those places; Side Porch Daiquiris in Addis was more than a hangout. It was his training ground. And on March 21, 2025, just weeks before making the Top 10 on Idol, John played his final hometown show there. Locals packed the room, knowing they were witnessing the last of something special before the rest of the world caught on.

The footage from that show is short, just 39 seconds, but it captures the magic. With a cowboy hat low over his eyes and that signature, soulful voice filling the bar, John didn’t look nervous; he looked ready. And it’s clear this wasn’t a one-time spark. As Side Porch manager Brady Creighton said, “That’s the same voice he’s had since he was 16.”

Regulars at Charlie’s Lounge and festival goers from Brusly all say the same thing: John’s been this good for years. From Feast on the Levee to late nights at dive bars, he built his sound one gig at a time. Local fans remember when he’d perform to small crowds and still give it everything like he was on a national stage. Now that he’s on one, they’re not surprised.

Of course, his journey on Idol has been just as exciting. During the May 4 episode, John brought Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” to life with a fun, flirty performance that had the audience and his girlfriend Brooklyn—swooning. It was a full-circle moment, from singing in bars to winning over America.

Earlier this season, his version of “Callin’ Baton Rouge” sealed his spot as a country powerhouse. That night, he wasn’t just performing but was also throwing a party on stage and the audience was invited.