Introduction
John Foster, the 18-year-old country music sensation who captured hearts as the runner-up on American Idol’s 23rd season, is swiftly cementing his place in the music industry. Fresh off his May 2025 Idol journey, the Louisiana native made a notable appearance on the Fable House podcast on June 18, 2025. During the interview, Foster shared exciting updates on his music career and teased a potential collaboration with country superstar Jelly Roll, who also served as his mentor on the show.
New Music and Renewed Confidence
Foster is poised to make waves with new music, promising to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners. His signature deep voice, classic country roots, and newfound confidence are all key ingredients in his upcoming projects. The American Idol experience was a true breakthrough for Foster. Hailing from Addis, Louisiana, the biology major with aspirations of becoming a singing oncologist first impressed judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with his audition. Initially planning to perform Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” Foster switched to Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time” at Underwood’s request, a move that showcased his raw vocal range and earned him a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Throughout the season, he solidified his status as a traditional country artist with a throwback flair, performing everything from Jamey Johnson’s “In Color” to Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon.” A defining moment came with his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written for his friend Maggie Dunn, who passed away in a 2022 car accident. The heartfelt track soared to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 2025.
“American Idol is the reason I’m here today,” Foster shared with Fable House. “It propelled me further than I ever imagined I could go professionally. I’m not a TV guy; I’m a music guy.”
Nashville Bound and Studio Sessions
With the intense spotlight of American Idol now behind him, Foster is channeling his energy into songwriting and recording. “I’m just writing. I’m now in discussions with recording. I’m going to be returning to Nashville very soon, and I’m going to be having conversations with a lot of people about the fact that we are going to make a lot of music very soon, and I believe that people are going to really enjoy it,” he revealed, his excitement palpable.
This newfound confidence marks a significant shift for the young artist, who admits to being his own worst critic. “I am typically very critical of both myself and my work,” he confessed. “But I am confident and excited because when you are put with the right people, these really professional people in Nashville, I think they are going to bring out the best in me, and I might actually like my own stuff.” His time in Nashville’s thriving music scene has allowed him to hone his craft and forge connections with influential figures, filling him with optimism.
Foster hinted that listeners can anticipate new music “really soon,” suggesting a debut single could be released before the end of summer 2025, though he remained tight-lipped about specific projects.
The Jelly Roll Connection: A Dream Collaboration?
The most exciting revelation from Foster’s podcast appearance was a hint at a potential collaboration with Jelly Roll, the multi-genre country artist who served as an artist-in-residence for Season 23. Foster shared a behind-the-scenes Instagram post from April 2025, revealing the friendship they forged during their time on American Idol. The photo, taken during a duet rehearsal, was captioned: “I had reached a point of mental and physical exhaustion, and suddenly you presented yourself to improve our spirits. A genuinely remarkable individual.”
While Foster remained coy about working with Jelly Roll’s label or directly collaborating, he didn’t deny the rumors. With a grin, he added, “Perhaps that is the case. It appears that there are a few distinct individuals approaching me from a variety of different directions. It’s all really impressive, though. Not much that stands out and nothing that I can really comment on, but it’s really fantastic stuff. I had the good fortune to have developed a relationship throughout his life who is a tremendous.”
As the singer of “Save Me,” Jelly Roll’s unfiltered candor and genre-bending style resonated deeply with Foster, who described his own music as heavily influenced by classic country but with a contemporary emotional depth. Fans are already buzzing with excitement about a possible duet, with some speculating that a collaboration between Foster and Jelly Roll could blend Foster’s traditional country twang with Jelly Roll’s gritty, soulful edge. One supporter posted, “John Foster and Jelly Roll. I can’t wait to see that become a smash success.” Another commented, “If J’s voice meets Jell’s vibe, I’m already streaming it.” While there’s no formal confirmation, the undeniable chemistry between the two, evident during their interactions on American Idol, suggests a potential game-changer.
A Busy Schedule and Enduring Spirit
Foster’s post-Idol schedule has been packed. A significant milestone, which he called a “dream come true” on Instagram, was his performance at the Grand Ole Opry on June 7, 2025, shortly after the show concluded. He is also scheduled to make a comeback to the Opry on July 9, his 19th birthday, an event that has left fans emotional. “I knew you was special from the beginning,” one fan commented, referencing their shared connection to country music. Furthermore, Foster has participated in local music festivals and is slated to sing at the Idol Alumni Concert in Nashville on June 4, alongside Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts and finalist Briana Nicks.
Beyond music, Foster’s story is one of perseverance. He addressed internet speculation about his age and record deal status in an April 30, 2025, Facebook post, clarifying, “I am 18 years old, not 24. It was in Louisiana that I was born and raised. In the event that you come across information about me that is not on my page, there is a possibility that it is not accurate.” His journey through Idol wasn’t without its difficulties, but he received an outpouring of support from followers who posted messages like, “We love you, our Louisiana guy. Keep going after the things you want.” His genuineness, coupled with his musical ability, has won over an ever-expanding fan base.
A Unique Blend of Classic and Contemporary
Foster’s performances on American Idol showcased his range. From a honky-tonk rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About” to the emotionally charged “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” his vintage style was consistently commended by the judges. Underwood specifically noted, “There’s something charmingly throwback about your voice. There is a deficiency in this particular aspect of contemporary country music.” This unique combination of traditional country music and contemporary storytelling is what sets Foster apart, and his upcoming songs are anticipated to mirror that signature sound.
While gearing up for his Nashville music sessions, Foster is also juggling his college academics, with aspirations of becoming a physician specializing in cancer research. “Music and medicine are my passions,” he shared in an interview. His down-to-earth charm, evident during his American Idol audition where he brought coolers of Cajun food for the judges, shines through in his social media presence, with fans celebrating his humility.
Foster’s determination to push boundaries while staying true to his roots mirrors Jelly Roll’s own career, which transitioned from rapper to country star. Their mutual sincerity could lead to a song that combines Foster’s traditional country heart with Jelly Roll’s raw, redemptive storytelling. Fans are already discussing the possibility of a duet at the Country Music Awards or a joint single release in the latter half of 2025.
For now, Foster is concentrating on producing music that truly resonates with him. As he stated on the show, “I want to make songs that mean something.” He continued, “Music that tells a story, similar to the songs that I grew up listening to.” With the support of prominent Nashville producers and a mentor like Jelly Roll, Foster’s future looks incredibly bright. Fans can follow his journey on Instagram or Facebook, where he has assured them that more information will be coming soon. “I’m just getting started,” he told Parade.