Introduction
When John Foster first appeared on the American Idol stage, his journey didn’t start with unanimous support — not even from the judges’ panel. Luke Bryan, one of the show’s country music authorities, hesitated during Foster’s audition, questioning whether the Louisiana native had the vocal strength and finesse to stay in the race.
But all of that changed on the Top 8 live show aired May 5, 2025. With a stunning performance of George Strait’s classic love ballad “I Cross My Heart,” Foster not only won over the audience but completely turned the tide of his Idol narrative.
A Performance That Redefined His Journey
What began as a gentle, heartfelt dedication to his girlfriend unfolded into a powerhouse performance marked by emotional depth and vocal clarity. The audience responded with overwhelming applause — and more importantly, so did the judges. Even Luke Bryan, who had once been skeptical, publicly acknowledged that he had gotten Foster all wrong.
“I was scrolling through TikTok,” Bryan shared, “and came across a clip of me saying I wasn’t sure you had the vocals. And man, I’ve never been more wrong. You’ve completely proved me wrong tonight.”
From Question Mark to Front-Runner
This wasn’t the first time Foster challenged expectations. Back during the Top 14 round, he performed an original song that impressed Bryan enough to say, “You’ve kind of been a wildcard for me this whole time. But what you just did there removed all doubt.”
Since then, Foster has steadily earned a reputation as one of the most consistent and emotionally resonant performers in Season 23. His transformation from underdog to standout has been one of the season’s most compelling storylines.
The Judges’ Song Contest: Carrie Underwood’s Hidden Contribution
This week also featured the return of the Judges’ Song Contest — a fan-favorite twist in which each judge secretly selects a song for the contestants. The catch? Contestants don’t know which judge picked which song.
Foster chose “I Cross My Heart,” a selection later revealed to be from Carrie Underwood. The choice couldn’t have been more fitting. His emotional interpretation aligned perfectly with his voice and personal story, making it one of the evening’s standout moments.
Each time a contestant picked a song, the judge who chose it earned a point. By the end of the episode, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were tied with three points each, edging out Underwood by just one point.
Who Made It to the Top 7?
Host Ryan Seacrest shared that each finalist had received over a million votes. As names were revealed one by one, the following contestants advanced:
- Slater Nalley
- Thunderstorm Artis
- Gabby Samone
- Breanna Nix
- Jamal Roberts
- John Foster
That left Mattie Pruitt and Josh King in the bottom two. Because Bryan and Richie tied in the Song Contest, they were tasked with making the save. Although they asked Underwood to help make the decision, she declined, not wanting to be responsible for sending someone home.
Ultimately, Mattie Pruitt was saved as the final wildcard, and Josh King was sent home.
What’s Ahead: Disney Magic and Mother’s Day Tributes
With the Top 7 now confirmed, the competition heads to Disneyland for a special two-night live event next Sunday and Monday in celebration of Mother’s Day. Themed performances, nostalgic Disney classics, and heartfelt dedications are expected to take center stage as the road to the grand finale draws closer.