Introduction
John Foster Honors His Heroes with Unforgettable American Idol Finale Performance
In a moment that brought the entire nation to its feet, 18-year-old John Foster delivered one of the most powerful performances of the American Idol 2025 finale—a heartfelt tribute to his military veteran grandfathers that left the judges teary-eyed and the audience roaring with pride.
Hailing from Louisiana and raised on country grit and family values, Foster has been a standout contestant since the early weeks of the competition. On May 18, during the Season 23 finale, he chose a song that wasn’t just musically bold—it was personally sacred. Performing Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” Foster transformed the stage into a declaration of heritage, sacrifice, and patriotism.
Mentored by country star Jelly Roll, Foster shared in rehearsals that both of his grandfathers served in the military—and that this performance was his way of honoring them. When showtime arrived, he took the stage guitar in hand, his grandfathers watching proudly from the crowd. From the very first note, it was clear this wasn’t just another performance—it was a statement from the heart.
The judges were unanimous in their praise. Lionel Richie called it “the perfect choice,” joking that Foster could run for office. Luke Bryan was blown away by Foster’s growth, saying he had never looked more confident or commanding. And Carrie Underwood, visibly emotional, beamed with pride: “That was everything. I’m so proud of you.”
But beyond the vocals, beyond the standing ovation, it was the why behind the song that made it unforgettable. Foster’s tribute wasn’t about winning votes—it was about saying thank you. Thank you to his grandfathers. Thank you to veterans everywhere. Thank you to those who made it possible for a small-town kid to dream big.
As the crowd erupted in applause, Foster looked out and said humbly:
“It would be the absolute honor of a lifetime if they think this little ol’ boy from Louisiana could be the next American Idol.”
Watch the full performance below—and prepare to be moved.