Introduction
John Foster, a rising star on Season 23 of “American Idol,” has become a subject of widespread discussion as he advances in the competition. However, much of the online speculation about him has been inaccurate, prompting the singer to personally clear the air.
One of the primary clarifications revolves around his name. While known as John Foster on the show, his full name is John Foster Benoit. Hailing from Addis, Louisiana, Foster apparently opted to use his middle name for his music career. His connection to the family, however, remains strong, as evidenced by his audition where he shared Cajun delicacies from Benoit’s Country Meat Block, his family’s meat shop. A long-time employee and family friend, Rick Borggo, emphasized the importance of his family name, stating, “I hope people don’t think that’s his last name because he is a Benoit and this store is Benoit’s. His middle name is Foster. Just like his daddy and his grandfathers, he’s the third.”
Foster also addressed inaccuracies regarding his age and background. Despite online claims that he is 24, he confirmed he is indeed 18. Furthermore, he debunked rumors of being from Kentucky, asserting, “I was born and raised in Louisiana. I’ve never even been to Kentucky, but I hope to visit someday.”
Another significant point of clarification concerned his musical connections. While often compared to country legend Dwight Yoakam, Foster explicitly stated, “I’m not related to Dwight Yokum… nor am I currently signed under any record label.” This dispels misinformation that suggested he had been signed to Sugar Hill Records by Yoakam.
Beyond his musical journey, Foster’s commitment to his education and future goals remains unwavering. He is currently taking online classes for his second semester at Louisiana State University, majoring in biology, with an aspiration to become an oncologist. Demonstrating his dedication to this path, Foster launched a successful Facebook fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, quickly surpassing his initial goal by raising nearly $3,500.
With a strong support system, including 31 family members who traveled to Los Angeles for the competition, Foster continues to make strides on “American Idol.” As he progresses, fans are gaining a clearer picture of the young artist beyond his musical talent, learning about his dedication to family, faith, education, and philanthropy.