SHOCKING NEWS: In his 60s, Alan Jackson has not fully retired yet, but he has found someone to inherit his country music legacy. Not his own flesh and blood, but this person will be the second golden voice to follow in the footsteps of the legend, Alan Jackson.

John Foster’s Journey to Hollywood: A Golden Ticket with Alan Jackson and Conway Twitty Covers on ‘American Idol’

A Louisiana Touch:
John Foster, an 18-year-old college student from Addis, Louisiana, brought a piece of his home state into the American Idol audition room by sharing his love for Cajun food. He arrived at the audition with small red coolers packed with authentic Cajun delights like jerky and boudin, giving the judges a true taste of Louisiana. As he presented the food, he also shared his ambitions, explaining that he was studying biology on a pre-med track with a dream to pursue a career as a singing oncologist—blending his love for medicine and music.Foster’s musical journey on the Idol stage began with a powerful cover of Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.” With a cowboy hat, a flannel shirt, and blue jeans, Foster’s performance of this iconic country tune showed his natural talent for country music, especially his vocal prowess. He nailed the first verse with ease:

How 'American Idol' Finalist John Foster Paid Tribute To His Roots With  Performance

“Don’t rock the jukebox, I wanna hear some Jones,
‘Cause my heart ain’t ready for the Rolling Stones.
I don’t feel like rockin’, since my baby’s gone,
So don’t rock the jukebox, play me a country song.”

Carrie Underwood’s Request:
Following his performance of Jackson’s classic, Carrie Underwood expressed her appreciation for his rendition, but suggested that Foster perform a song that would better showcase his vocal range. Underwood, who was deeply fond of Alan Jackson’s music after attending his concert in 1994, asked if Foster had another song in mind that might highlight his vocal strengths.Foster responded with a heartfelt cover of Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time.” The song, a fan favorite, gave Foster the chance to really shine, and his country vocals stood out in this performance. To everyone’s surprise, Luke Bryan, one of the show’s judges, joined Foster for a duet of the song, creating an unforgettable moment. The duo’s rendition was a hit, with Bryan adding his signature style to the performance.

American Idol' Finalist John Foster Is About to Live His '#1 Dream' -  Country Now

Judges’ Praise:
After Foster’s duet with Bryan, the judges were full of praise. Carrie Underwood commented on the “sweet spot” in Foster’s voice that the Conway Twitty song revealed. She encouraged him to be himself in future performances while considering how to approach different genres. Lionel Richie also praised his voice and advised him to carve out his unique sound. Luke Bryan added, “I don’t know if vocally you’re there to make it through many rounds of American Idol, but I think you’ve got a nice voice with a lot of great tools.” Bryan went from “no” to “yes,” expressing his belief in Foster’s potential.

Golden Ticket to Hollywood:
Ultimately, John Foster earned three “yes” votes from the judges, securing his golden ticket to Hollywood. Foster was visibly shocked and grateful for the opportunity, especially after his duet with Luke Bryan. In a conversation with Ryan Seacrest, he humbly acknowledged Underwood’s contribution to his success.

Rising Country Star John Foster Honors Toby Keith in Stirring American Idol  Tribute | Music Alley

“I never expected to be doing a duet with Luke Bryan today,” Foster said, adding, “I definitely have Carrie to thank for my audition being a success. That second song really drove it home.”

Foster’s successful audition not only earned him a spot in the Hollywood round but also gave him the chance to showcase his musical talent and gain valuable advice from some of country music’s biggest stars. His journey on American Idol promises to be an exciting one as he continues to pursue his dreams in both music and medicine.

Video