With his smooth country vocals and old-school charm, Louisiana’s John Foster is proving he’s a rising star worth watching. The 18-year-old singer wowed fans with his heartfelt cover of Brooks and Dunn’s classic hit “Believe,” delivering a performance that felt every bit as polished and powerful as a track straight off the radio.
Watch his cover below.
@officialjohnfoster This is the song that I sang during the Idol Arena round (what an amazing song 🤯)! It unfortunately didn’t air, but it got me to the Showstoppers round (which l’m so excited for America to see)! Stay tuned! #americanidol #johnfoster #idol
Foster’s take on the emotional ballad was more than just a cover — it was a moment. His warm, rich tone and near-perfect pitch captured the spirit of the original while giving it a youthful, fresh twist.
For many viewers, it sounded like a professionally produced studio recording, and fans quickly took to social media to share their excitement and ask where they could buy his music.
(If the TikTok video above isn’t working, please check out the video below)
The buzz around Foster isn’t just about this one performance. Earlier this week, he earned a major vote of confidence from America, securing a spot in American Idol’s top 14 during Monday night’s episode. The teen from Addis, Louisiana, celebrated his advancement by performing “Neon Moon,” another Brooks & Dunn favorite, lighting up the stage with a mix of classic country vibes and confident stage presence.
His spot in the top 14 came by way of America’s vote, and for good reason. Foster has consistently shown a mix of raw talent and maturity that feels rare for an 18-year-old. His ability to bring emotional depth to songs, combined with a natural star quality, is making a strong impression across the country music scene.
While John Foster’s star continues to rise, LSU student Baylee Littrell — son of Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell — saw his American Idol journey come to an end this week. Littrell, 22, performed a stirring version of John Legend’s “All of Me” in hopes of earning a judges’ save, with Carrie Underwood praising his growth throughout the competition. Despite the compliment, he was one of six contestants sent home.
As Foster continues forward in the competition, fans are eagerly waiting to hear what he’ll sing next — and many are already imagining his voice on their favorite country radio station. If his cover of “Believe” is any sign of what’s to come, the future is looking bright for Louisiana’s newest country star.
American Idol returns this Sunday at 7 p.m. on ABC, where Foster will continue to show the world exactly why he belongs on that stage.
