Introduction
John Foster, the 18-year-old country music star who captured the hearts of America on the most recent season of American Idol, returned to his home state for a powerful and emotional performance at the Paragon Casino Resort on July 5, 2025. Just weeks after his second-place finish on the hit ABC show, the native of Addis, Louisiana, packed the Mary Showroom with one of the largest crowds the venue has seen in years, proving his star power is on a swift and steady rise.
The concert was more than just a musical performance; it was a homecoming celebration. Born and raised in the small town of Addis, Foster grew up working in his family’s meat market and singing in local venues. His journey to the national stage began on American Idol, where his rich, traditional country sound captivated millions. Returning to Louisiana to perform, just a short drive from his hometown, was a moment of true fulfillment for the young artist. “It’s like singing for family,” Foster told the adoring crowd, his signature humility and charm on full display.
The show was part of a festive Fourth of July weekend, with Foster serving as the Grand Marshal of the Marksville parade earlier that day. By the evening, the Mary Showroom was a sea of fans—locals, American Idol devotees, and country music lovers—all eager to witness the rising star in person.
A Night of Heartfelt Music and Emotional Storytelling
Taking the stage at 8:00 p.m. with his guitar, Foster delivered a setlist that blended his beloved Idol highlights with new material, giving fans a glimpse into his bright future. The energy in the room was electric as he kicked off the night with a high-energy rendition of Garth Brooks’ “Baton Rouge,” a song he famously performed in Hawaii during the show’s top 24 round. “Tonight, I wanted to bring a little bit of Baton Rouge to Marksville,” he said to roaring applause.
The evening took a more emotional turn with his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a tribute to his late friend, Maggie Dunn. Performed with just his acoustic guitar, the raw and vulnerable ballad moved many in the audience to tears. Foster’s voice, heavy with emotion, connected deeply with everyone who has experienced loss.
Foster also paid tribute to the country legends who influenced him and his grandfathers who served in the military with a powerful cover of Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.” The patriotic anthem earned a standing ovation and loud cheers as Foster ended the song with a sincere “God Bless America.”
Another highlight was his performance of Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time,” a song that earned him praise from judge Carrie Underwood during his American Idol audition. The audience sang along, and many fans noted that Underwood herself was in the crowd, singing along with them—a clear sign of her continued support. Foster closed the night with a new original song, “Louisiana Rain,” a heartfelt tribute to his home state that had the crowd on their feet. He returned for an encore, performing the crowd favorite, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
The Future is Bright for John Foster
Foster’s stage presence was a masterclass in connecting with an audience, just as judge Luke Bryan noted on Idol, calling his presence “wise and confident beyond his years.” Foster shared stories from his time on the show and spoke passionately about his love for classic country music. “This is what I grew up on. Real country, real stories, and real heart,” he said, introducing one of his original songs. His authenticity and reverence for traditional country have earned him comparisons to legends like George Strait and Randy Travis.
The concert also showcased Foster’s growth as an artist. At one point, he shared a personal moment of self-doubt, saying, “There was a time when I thought I wasn’t good enough. But standing here, surrounded by all of you, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” His powerful words were met with a standing ovation from the crowd.
Since his impressive run on American Idol, Foster has been riding a wave of momentum. His schedule is packed with upcoming concerts, including appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and several music festivals. He has also hinted that he is working on his debut EP, promising more traditional country music to come.
As he told the crowd at Paragon, “This is just the beginning.” With his genuine talent, strong work ethic, and passion for country music, John Foster is undoubtedly on the path to a long and successful career in Nashville and beyond.