Carrie Underwood, the country music icon and American Idol Season 4 winner, has always been a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists. Now, as a judge on American Idol Season 23 in 2025, she finds herself in a unique position—mentoring and witnessing the rise of a young talent who has captured her heart in a deeply personal way. John Foster, the youngest contestant of the season at just 18 years old, has not only impressed the judges with his emotional voice but has also forged a special connection with Underwood. “He reminds me of my son,” Underwood shared in an interview with People magazine on April 30, 2025, her voice thick with emotion. As Foster approaches the pinnacle of the competition, it seems that no one is more moved or prouder than Underwood, who sees in him not just a contestant, but a reflection of her own family and a bright future for country music.

John Foster, hailing from Addis, Louisiana, stepped onto the American Idol stage with a dream as big as his heart. Born on July 9, 2006, Foster grew up in a close-knit family in West Baton Rouge Parish, where music was a constant presence. His earliest memories, as shared in a Billboard interview on April 29, 2025, include listening to swamp pop artist Roland Doucet on weekend mornings at his family’s bayou camp. A self-proclaimed lover of traditional country, Foster’s musical influences—George Strait and Willie Nelson—reflect a deep appreciation for the genre’s roots. His first American Idol performance, Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” set the tone for his journey, showcasing a voice that Underwood described as “wonderfully throwback” during the Top 20 round on April 20, 2025, according to Gold Derby. Despite her initial critique that she wanted to hear more vocal range, Underwood quickly became one of Foster’s biggest advocates, drawn to his sincerity and authenticity.

From the outset, Foster’s performances stood out for their emotional depth. During the Top 20 “Songs of Faith” episode on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, he performed an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” dedicated to his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically died in a car crash in 2022. The song moved Foster to tears, and Underwood, visibly touched, praised his traditional style, noting, “It’s something that’s lacking in country music today,” as reported by The Things on April 25, 2025. She added, “I love that in this song, we got to hear a sweet, tender side of your voice that honestly I didn’t know you had.” Luke Bryan, another judge, admitted that Foster had been a “wildcard” for him but that this performance erased all doubts about his place in the competition. The moment was a turning point, cementing Foster’s status as a fan favorite and earning him a spot in the Top 14.

Underwood’s connection to Foster deepened as the competition progressed. In a roundtable interview with People after the Top 12 reveal on April 28, 2025, she shared why Foster held a special place in her heart. “He’s so sweet and fresh-faced, and he’s one of those people that I feel like… doesn’t even really know how good you are,” she said. She went on to note his remarkable growth, saying, “Week to week, we have watched him progress so much.” But it was her personal revelation that struck a chord: “I feel like he kind of reminds me of my oldest son.” Underwood, a mother to Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 6, with her husband Mike Fisher, found in Foster a reflection of her son’s innocence and potential. This maternal instinct seemed to guide her mentorship, as she consistently offered Foster constructive feedback while cheering him on with a warmth that went beyond her role as a judge.

Foster’s journey on American Idol was marked by performances that showcased both his traditional country roots and his ability to connect emotionally with the audience. During the Top 10 round, as reported by American Songwriter on May 2, 2025, he performed Randy Travis’ “I Told You So,” a song Underwood herself had covered on her 2007 album Carnival Ride. Knowing the significance of the song to Underwood, Foster felt the pressure but rose to the occasion, even walking toward the judges’ panel to sing directly to her. “The fact that she was sitting there on the panel… the pressure was on,” Foster admitted. “She has such a great version of the song, but I knew that I had to sing to her and let America know my passion for the song and music by connecting with her.” His performance earned high praise, with Underwood feeling like a “proud mom” watching him shine.

As Foster advanced to the Top 7, his choice of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” during the Judges’ Song Contest, as noted by American Songwriter on May 6, 2025, further solidified his bond with Underwood. The song, which Foster dedicated to his girlfriend Brooklyn, was Underwood’s pick for him—a choice he correctly guessed. “That was absolutely perfect,” Underwood remarked after his performance. “It felt comfortable. It felt genuine.” Luke Bryan echoed her sentiments, noting, “It was the perfect song for you… You’re singing better and better every week.” Foster’s ability to channel his emotions into his performances, combined with his old-school country style, made him a standout, even amidst rumors on social media that questioned his age and background, which he addressed in a Facebook post, as reported by ScreenRant on May 4, 2025.

By the time Foster reached the Top 5, Underwood’s admiration for him had grown even more evident. On May 12, 2025, during the Disney-themed episode, Foster performed “Rainbow Connection,” prompting Underwood to make a bold prediction, as reported by MassLive on May 13, 2025. “If you ain’t real careful, you might just win this whole thing,” she marveled, recalling his audition where she felt she had “a diamond in the rough” in front of her. Lionel Richie praised Foster’s “instant identity,” saying, “I know that’s you on your first note. That’s what makes an artist.” Foster’s journey culminated in the Top 3, alongside Jamal Roberts and Breanna Nix, during the finale on May 18, 2025. Although he ultimately placed second to Roberts, as reported by The Washington Post on May 19, 2025, Foster’s impact was undeniable.

For Underwood, watching Foster’s rise was more than just a professional milestone—it was a deeply personal experience. Her emotional investment in his journey was evident in every critique, every standing ovation, and every moment she cheered him on. In the finale, as Foster performed Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” Underwood was visibly moved, according to EntertainmentNow on May 19, 2025. She gave him a standing ovation, and her pride was palpable as she watched the young man she had mentored take the stage with confidence and heart.

Foster’s journey on American Idol 2025 was a testament to his talent and authenticity, but it was also a story of the profound connection he forged with Underwood. As the youngest contestant, he brought a fresh-faced sincerity that reminded Underwood of her own beginnings—and of her son’s innocent spirit. Now, as Foster steps into the spotlight as a promising young star in country music, it’s clear that Underwood’s pride in him runs deep. “I can’t wait to see what he does and what America thinks!” she shared in a post on X on March 24, 2025, early in the competition. As Foster approaches glory, it’s not just his voice that shines brightly on the country music stage—it’s the legacy of a mentor’s belief in him, a belief that has moved Underwood more than anyone else.