Who Is John Foster? What to Know About the ‘American Idol’ & Rose Parade Standout

John Foster brought his old-school country music skillset to Season 23 of American Idol, and now he’s showcasing his talents once again in the 2026 Rose Bowl Parade. The young singer, who was 18 years old at the time of his audition, wowed the judges through Hollywood Week and proceeded to win over America, even if he didn’t win his season (he was the Season 23 runner-up).

Throughout his season on Idol, Foster performed both original songs and classic covers, proving himself time and time again and become a fast favorite for fans of the series. That fame has continued through his post-show career, too.

Scroll down to learn more about John Foster and his musical journey.

Where is John Foster from?

John is from Addis, Louisiana. His roots are important to him, and he paid tribute to them during his Idol audition by bringing the judges Cajun food in their own personalized coolers. He continued to showcase his pride in the Bayou State in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day by appearing in the state’s tribute float.

Louisiana showcases its food culture and community with a float featuring a pelican chef, 100k roses, and John Foster. 🤠 pic.twitter.com/h8HQaDboLf

— Scott 𝕏  (@bullriders1) January 1, 2026

Did John Foster graduate high school?

Yes, John graduated from Brusly High School in 2024 and was even the Valedictorian of his class. Since graduating, he has been pursuing music and considers his style to be “Neo-Traditional.”

Is John Foster religious?

John is a “devout Catholic Christian and incorporates his faith into all aspects of his life, including his music,” according to his website.

What happened to John Foster’s friend Maggie Dunn?

On the April 20 episode of American Idol, John sang an original song called “Tell That Angel That I Love Her.” He got emotional after the performance and revealed that he penned the track after the death of his friend Maggie Dunn in 2022.

Maggie and Caroline Gill were killed in Louisiana on New Year’s Eve after a police officer hit their car while speeding during the chase of a suspect with a stolen car, per WAFB. The officer reportedly ran a red light when he hit the car Maggie was driving. Caroline was sitting in the passenger seat, while Maggie’s brother, who was left seriously injured, was in the backseat.

Maggie’s mom was in the audience during John’s special performance. Afterward, she opened up to Unfiltered With Kiran about her daughter’s friendship with the Season 23 hopeful. “He carries around a letter that she wrote for him,” Maggie’s mom shared. “It was an assignment for a junior English class, and in it, she talks about how he has to keep pushing with this [dream] because he has talent.”

What has John Foster been up to since American Idol?

In addition to appearing in the Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, Foster has spent his post-American Idol career on the way up. His first gig was a show in Nashville, and soon after, he had a dream-come-true stint at the Grand Ole Opry. He went on to release his first music video for “Amazing Grace,” and did several duets with fellow Idol alum Breanna Nix. The singer is now touring, with upcoming stops in Nashville, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Switzerland, New Orleans, and Canada.