Celebrity
John Foster Returns To Louisiana — Gets Overwhelmed As Hometown Crowd Cheers Him On
When John Foster returned to his hometown of Brusly, Louisiana, with only a few days to go before the American Idol Season 23 finals, he was hailed with an extraordinary reception.
The 18-year-old finalist, who is already well-known throughout America, spent Wednesday getting back in touch with the people and locations that influenced his path and expressing gratitude in the only way he knows how: via song.
From School Hallways to Stadium Cheers
The day started with two emotional stops: Brusly High School, where he graduated as co-valedictorian barely a year ago, and the primary school where his 4-year-old sister, Presley, attends.
A full-scale pep rally with marching band performances, applauding kids and teachers fighting back tears ensued on the football pitch.
School secretary Aimee Rabalais remarked, “It’s nice to be in the news for something happy,” alluding to the town’s recent tragedies, which included the death of two cherished pupils in an accident in 2022.
The enthusiasm of the audience never wavered in spite of the intense 90-degree Louisiana heat. “We love Brusly!” and “Geaux John Foster!” they exclaimed proudly.
Foster, who was far wiser than his years, said as he stood on the pitch:
“If you want to lead a successful life… listen to your teachers. Leave a legacy.”
A Hero Honored at the Capitol
Foster travelled across the Mississippi River from Brusly to the Louisiana State Capitol, where a resolution was passed by the House of Representatives in his honour.
“Sometimes I think people get tired of hearing me talk about Louisiana,” he joked. “But it’s who I am.”
Standing ovations greeted his statement, demonstrating that the only thing that can rival his passion for his home state is Louisiana’s love for him.
A Parade Fit for a Prince
Foster cruised through Addis on a crawfish float, waving and throwing beads as thousands of people lined the streets for a homecoming parade across the river.
Fans wore unofficial merchandise and waved signs. One of the now-famous banners said:
“If George Strait is the King of Country, John Foster is the PRINCE!”
A Waterfront Concert to Remember
Boats lined the bayou, as people waited on lawn chairs and blankets at Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park. There were flags flying. Sno-cones melted. People’s hearts grew.
Chants of “John Foster!” reverberated across the sea as Foster arrived by boat just after 8 p.m.
“I’ve played a lot of places,” he said as he stepped on stage, “but nothing like this.”
His setlist included:
- “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” (Alan Jackson)
- “Jailhouse Rock” (Elvis Presley)
- “I Told You So” (Randy Travis)
- “Neon Moon” (Brooks & Dunn)
He wrote his own song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” for friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who perished in a 2022 crash. That was the moment that stunned the gathering.
Overcome your feelings, Foster stopped and started crying.
“Sorry about that,” he said, his voice cracking. “So many emotions.”
He closed the night on a high with Garth Brooks’ Louisiana favorite, “Callin’ Baton Rouge.”
“I love y’all so much. Thank you.”
Fans applauded and waved as he departed the pier by boat, and he responded with a thumbs up and a heart sign, which represents the love shared by a little town and its growing star.
One Final Performance, One Final Vote
On Sunday, May 19, at 8 PM ET, ABC will broadcast the American Idol Season 23 finale, where John Foster will compete live.
Up to 30 votes may be cast by fans, but only during the live show.
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