John Foster, a standout contestant from American Idol, delivered a heartfelt and electrifying performance of Dwight Yoakam’s Guitars, Cadillacs as a tribute to his “uncle” and musical inspiration.
Watch his performance below. Foster’s rendition, performed at home in response to fans comparing him to Yoakam, offered a true taste of country music. His smooth voice and passionate delivery immediately captivated even those who don’t typically listen to the genre.
Throughout his journey on American Idol, Foster has consistently wowed with his growth as a performer—a quality that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the judges. Carrie Underwood, a fan of the 18-year-old’s emerging talent, recently praised him in a roundtable interview with PEOPLE, describing him as “sweet and fresh-faced” and acknowledging his consistent improvement each week.
“He’s probably the one that has grown the most since he’s been here,” Underwood shared, adding that she believes the Idol audience “loves him.” Foster’s success on the show is a point of pride for Underwood, who revealed that he reminds her of her oldest son, Isaiah. “When he’s over there singing to me, I kind of feel like a proud mom,” she said. Foster’s performance on April 28, where he sang Randy Travis’ I Told You So, highlighted his country roots, and the moment was particularly emotional for him as he sang directly to Underwood. Foster shared that Underwood’s iconic version of the song inspired him to cover it, saying, “The pressure was on. She has such a great version of the song but I knew that I had to sing to her.”
In previous performances, Foster has also made an impact with his original songs, including the heartfelt Tell That Angel I Love Her, which he wrote following the sudden loss of a friend in 2022. His dedication to storytelling through music has earned praise from fans and judges alike, with Lionel Richie remarking that Foster is a rare talent who deeply connects with his audience.
With his impressive journey on American Idol, it’s clear that this up-and-coming country artist is destined for greatness, and fans can expect more unforgettable performances from him as the competition progresses.
