John Foster, the 18-year-old country music prodigy from Addis, Louisiana, has been a standout contestant on American Idol Season 23 in 2025, captivating audiences with his traditional country sound and heartfelt performances. But it was during the Top 7 round on May 5, 2025, that Foster delivered a moment that melted hearts across the nation, serenading his high school sweetheart, Brooklyn Bourque, with a rendition of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.” The performance not only showcased Foster’s vocal talent but also highlighted the deep bond he shares with Bourque, who has been by his side throughout his Idol journey. This emotional moment, filled with love and authenticity, solidified Foster’s place as a fan favorite and a rising star in country music.
Foster’s journey on American Idol began with his audition, where he performed Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” earning a golden ticket to Hollywood despite initial hesitations from judge Luke Bryan. Born on July 9, 2006, Foster grew up in West Baton Rouge Parish, a small community where music was a constant presence in his life. In an interview with Billboard on April 29, 2025, he shared memories of listening to swamp pop artist Roland Doucet at his family’s bayou camp, alongside traditional country influences like George Strait and Willie Nelson. These roots shaped Foster’s musical style, which judge Carrie Underwood described as “wonderfully throwback” during the Top 20 round, noting its rarity in modern country music.
As Foster progressed through the competition, his performances consistently reflected his authenticity and emotional depth. During the Top 20 “Songs of Faith” episode on April 20, 2025, he sang an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” dedicated to his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically died in a 2022 car crash. The performance moved Foster to tears, and Underwood praised his traditional style, saying, “I love that you keep it very traditional,” as reported by The Things on April 25, 2025. This sincerity carried him to the Top 14, where he covered Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon,” securing his spot with America’s votes.
By the time Foster reached the Top 10, his charm and talent had won over both judges and fans. On May 4, 2025, during the “Ladies’ Night” episode, he performed Bonnie Raitt’s “Something to Talk About,” a choice that highlighted his versatility. After the performance, Luke Bryan pointed out the enthusiastic cheers from a group of girls in the audience, to which Foster revealed, “That’s my girlfriend, my cousin, and a few friends back there making all the noise,” as noted by Swooon on May 4, 2025. This casual mention broke hearts across the country, as fans learned that the young singer was taken. His girlfriend, Brooklyn Bourque, a fellow Brusly High School graduate, has been a constant source of support throughout his Idol journey.
The following night, during the Judges’ Song Contest on May 5, 2025, Foster delivered the performance that would become one of the most memorable moments of the season. Host Ryan Seacrest presented Foster with three song options: “Two Dozen Roses” by Shenandoah, “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait, and “Crazy” by Willie Nelson. “George Strait is my biggest influence in music,” Foster shared in an interview with Soap Central on May 7, 2025. “I have listened to him ever since I came out the womb.” He chose “I Cross My Heart,” a timeless ‘90s country ballad, and dedicated it to Bourque, who was in the audience, front and center.
“I’ve never been able to perform a love song that I’ve actually meant,” Foster said before his performance, as reported by The Advocate on May 6, 2025. “I’m now dating someone, we’ve almost been dating for a year now. I’m really excited to take the stage again. Brooklyn, this one’s for you.” As he began to sing, Foster’s smooth, poised vocals filled the room, his stage presence exuding charm and authenticity. The camera panned to Bourque, who stood just in front of the stage, jumping and screaming with excitement alongside a group of friends. Foster’s eyes locked with hers as he sang the final line, “You’ll never find a love as true as mine,” a moment that left the audience—and viewers at home—swooning.
Underwood, who had selected the song for Foster, was visibly moved by his performance. “That was absolutely perfect,” she said, as reported by Soap Central on May 7, 2025. “It felt comfortable. It felt genuine.” She later revealed that watching Foster perform made her feel like a “proud mom,” a sentiment tied to her personal connection to the young singer, whom she said reminded her of her own son. Luke Bryan echoed her praise, noting Foster’s consistent improvement: “It was the perfect song for you… You’re singing better and better every week.” Lionel Richie added, “I know that’s you on your first note. That’s what makes an artist,” according to MassLive on May 13, 2025.
Bourque’s presence in Foster’s Idol journey has been a constant source of inspiration. The couple, who graduated from Brusly High School in May 2024, have been together for nearly a year, though the exact timeline of their relationship remains private. Bourque has documented their journey on her Instagram, @brooklyn_bourque, where she boasts over 1.3k followers. After Foster’s audition aired, she posted, “EEEKKK!!! He’s going to Hollywood!!!! SO proud and grateful to be by your side on this awesome journey,” as shared by EntertainmentNow on May 6, 2025. She attended Hollywood Week in January and the Hawaii round in February, filming at Disney’s Aulani Resort, cheering Foster on every step of the way.
Following the Top 8 episode on May 4, 2025, Bourque celebrated Foster’s advancement with a rare photo of him without his signature cowboy hat, captioning it, “MY GUY🤩🤩 so proud of you, I love you😚 #TOP8,” as noted by TV Insider on May 5, 2025. The post showed the couple sharing a kiss, a testament to their strong bond. Fans on social media have called them “the cutest couple” and “goals,” with many admiring Bourque’s unwavering support. During the Top 7 performance, when Seacrest asked Bourque how she felt about Foster’s serenade, she replied breathlessly, “I don’t even know. It’s so good!” according to MyForeignHalf on May 12, 2025.
Foster’s journey continued to the Top 5, where he performed “Rainbow Connection” during the Disney-themed episode on May 12, 2025. Underwood predicted, “If you ain’t real careful, you might just win this whole thing,” as reported by MassLive on May 13, 2025. He ultimately made it to the Top 3, alongside Jamal Roberts and Breanna Nix, during the finale on May 18, 2025. Although he placed second to Roberts, as reported by The Washington Post on May 19, 2025, Foster’s impact on the show was undeniable. His performances, including Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” earned standing ovations, with Underwood’s pride evident throughout.
The serenade to Bourque remains a defining moment of Foster’s Idol journey, encapsulating the emotional authenticity that has made him a beloved contestant. As he steps into the next chapter of his career, Foster carries with him the support of his hometown, his fans, and his biggest cheerleader, Brooklyn Bourque. Their love story, rooted in small-town Louisiana and blossoming under the Idol spotlight, has given fans a reason to root for Foster—not just as a singer, but as a young man whose heart shines as brightly as his voice.
