He may not have taken home the American Idol title, but John Foster is stepping into the spotlight in his own way — and he’s doing it fast. Just hours after the grand finale of American Idol Season 23, which aired on Sunday, May 18, the 18-year-old Louisiana native made it clear: this is only the beginning.

“I’m extremely happy to be here,” Foster shared following the finale. “To be second out of 120,000 people? I’m proud.”

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 A Song from the Heart: “Tell That Angel I Love Her”

John is kicking off his post-Idol journey with the release of his emotional debut single, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The song is a deeply personal tribute to his close friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a car accident.

“I wrote that song by myself, and I think it gives people a real look at who I am — as a writer and as an artist,” he explained.

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The track, which fans are already embracing, marks the start of Foster’s recording career — and he’s not stopping there.

“I love being in the studio. I can’t wait to record a full album,” he said enthusiastically.

 Back to Louisiana: Hometown Celebrations & A Warm Welcome

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Back in Addis, Louisiana, preparations are underway for a grand hometown celebration, complete with a parade and live concert. Foster’s return has sparked excitement throughout his community, and it’s clear he’s a local hero with national reach.

“I’ve been missing my dog,” he added with a smile. “I’m just super excited to get back home.”

 Dancing With the Stars? He’s Not Saying No

While music remains his top priority, Foster isn’t ruling out a future on Dancing With the Stars — a possibility fans are already buzzing about.

“It’s certainly not a no,” he teased.

 Grace in Second Place: A Moment of Humility

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Foster’s grace and composure during the finale won over even more fans. As host Ryan Seacrest announced Jamal Roberts as the winner, Foster smiled, applauded, and embraced the moment with class.

“This season has been unbelievable,” he said. “The Top 24 — that was the most talented group I’ve ever seen. I feel lucky to be part of it.”

 Breanna Nix on Jamal’s Win: “I Knew It All Along”

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Third-place finalist Breanna Nix, a powerhouse vocalist and stay-at-home mom, echoed Foster’s gratitude. She reflected on her journey with peace and pride — and revealed she’d predicted Jamal’s win all the way back in Hollywood Week.

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“I told him, ‘You’re going to win American Idol, dude.’ And I got it on video,” she laughed. “He remembered!”

Her faith in the process — and in her fellow contestants — made her elimination earlier in the finale easier to accept.

“I feel like God ordered every step I took on this show. It was meant to be.”

 What’s Next for Foster & Nix?

Both Foster and Nix are already working on new music. Breanna recently released her debut single “Higher”, and she’s hopeful about returning to Idol in the future — maybe even as a judge or mentor.

“American Idol will always have a huge place in my heart,” she said.

Meanwhile, John Foster is focused on his message to others chasing their dreams.

“Be confident in who you are as an artist. Never accept failure as final. This is only the beginning.”

 Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Begins

John Foster may not have left with the title, but he left with something greater — a national platform, a powerful debut single, and a story that resonates with millions.

As fans eagerly await more music and maybe even a surprise TV appearance, one thing is certain: John Foster’s journey is just getting started.