John Foster, an 18-year-old singer from Addis, Louisiana, has reached the Top 10 on the current season of "American Idol." Support for the country artist is visible throughout his hometown on the west bank of the Mississippi River.
Locals often refer to the contestant by his full name, John Foster Benoit. Foster is his middle name, shared with his father and grandfather. Family friends note the connection between his name and local businesses bearing the Benoit name.
Signs urging residents to vote for the singer are posted along La. 1. Communities in West Baton Rouge Parish, including Addis, Brusly, and Port Allen, express pride in his advancement in the competition.
Foster, a freshman at Louisiana State University, performed Randy Travis’s “I Told You So” to secure his spot in the top group. His performances feature an old-country twang and mannerisms. He dedicated the Randy Travis song to judge Carrie Underwood.
Beyond his music, Foster is pursuing a biology degree and plans to become an oncologist. He continues taking online courses while competing on the show.
Sources who know him describe him as polite, well-mannered, and humble. He was co-valedictorian at Brusly High School. He volunteered locally, ran a Bible club, and played music at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Earlier in April, he sang his original song, "Tell That Angel I Love Her." The song was a tribute to friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who died in a 2022 vehicle wreck.
Linking his medical aspirations to community action, he recently started a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Using an autographed photo as a raffle prize, he quickly surpassed his initial goal.
He has addressed online discussion about his background, confirming his age is 18 and stating he was born and raised in Louisiana, not Kentucky. He also clarified he is not related to Dwight Yoakam and is not signed to a record label.
Foster is scheduled to perform in upcoming live episodes airing on May 4 and 5.
Addis Mayor David Toups commented on the local reaction. “You’re beaming with pride,” Toups said. “Not only is he just from here, he’s like family as well.”
