American Idol runner-up John Foster is wasting no time making moves after his whirlwind journey on Season 23. The 18-year-old singer from Addis, Louisiana, just announced that his first public appearance post-Idol will be at the Cajun Country Jam in Denham Springs — a major festival taking place May 23–25 at Pards North Park. He revealed the news in a May 20 social media post, also teasing fans with a special half-off ticket code (“FOSTER”).
Foster told fans he is confirmed to perform on Sunday, with a possible Saturday appearance still in the works. While the official festival schedule hasn’t yet listed him, buzz is already building for his set — a homecoming moment sure to be packed with emotion and local pride.
Addressing the Finale Envelope Speculation
Foster has also spoken out about the moment that sparked fan theories: when Idol host Ryan Seacrest announced Jamal Roberts as the winner. Some sharp-eyed viewers claimed they saw Foster glance at the winner’s name inside the envelope just before the announcement — suggesting he may have known the result early.
But Foster shut that down in an exclusive with TV Insider. “I was in a total blur,” he explained. “I knew I was at peace with being runner-up. Jamal is such an incredible performer. I was at peace. I really was. It’s a true honor to be runner-up.”
True to form, Foster kept things graceful and focused on gratitude. In a May 19 Instagram post, he reflected:
“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends. I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me.”
A Future on Dancing with the Stars?
Now that he’s tasted the spotlight, could we see Foster trade the mic for dance shoes? When asked about potentially joining the next season of Dancing with the Stars, Foster told TV Insider:
“I never really thought about that. I’ll tell you this – it’s certainly not a no.”
With Season 34 of DWTS still shrouded in secrecy, it’s not out of the question that Foster could end up on the cast. His combination of charm, humility, and natural performance energy would certainly make him a fan favorite.
New Music and What’s Next
Foster also has a new single in the works: “Tell That Angel I Love Her” — a deeply personal ballad he wrote in memory of a close friend who died in a car accident. “It gives people a great idea of who I am as a writer,” he said. “It’s not just about the voice — it’s about the story.”
Though Foster didn’t win the Idol crown, he’s emerging as a star in his own right, drawing praise from fans and fellow artists alike for his maturity, talent, and sincerity. And with more performances, recording plans, and possible TV appearances on the horizon, his post-Idol journey is just beginning.
