Just five days before the American Idol Season 23 finale, John Foster returned home to Louisiana for a hero’s welcome that was nothing short of spectacular. The Top 3 finalist made appearances in Addis and Plaquemine on May 14, drawing an estimated crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 fans, making it one of the largest hometown visits Idol producers have seen in recent years.
The whirlwind celebration, organized in just over a day by officials from Iberville and West Baton Rouge parishes, included a packed schedule. Foster visited his alma mater, Brusly High School, and was honored with a resolution by the Louisiana House of Representatives in Baton Rouge. A parade in Addis followed, culminating in an emotionally charged concert at the Mark A. “Tony” Gulotta Waterfront Park in Plaquemine.
Arriving by boat on Bayou Plaquemine, Foster was met with thunderous applause and received multiple keys to the city. The crowd, energized and emotional, watched him perform a setlist that included country classics like Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” and Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon.”
One of the night’s most powerful moments came when Foster performed his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” dedicated to his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who died in a tragic crash in 2022. Tearfully recalling the pain that inspired the song, Foster told the crowd how music became his refuge in the darkest moment of his life. Overcome with emotion, he paused during the performance and apologized, saying, “I blame American Idol—they made me such a mush.”
Despite the emotional weight of the moment, Foster regained his composure and ended the night on a high note with “Calling Baton Rouge,” which had the crowd singing along as fireworks filled the sky.
Throughout the event, Foster expressed deep gratitude to his hometown supporters, saying, “I can only do it if I have you all behind me. You’ll never know how grateful I am.”
Local officials were equally moved. Plaquemine Mayor J.B. Barker likened Foster to a young Elvis, saying, “He is the real thing—he checks all the boxes.” Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle called it a flawless night, especially considering the event came together in just seven hours.
The hometown celebration cemented Foster’s status not just as a top contender on American Idol, but as a beloved son of Louisiana whose talent, humility, and emotional authenticity have made him a star in the eyes of many—win or lose.
