Before the final votes were tallied, American Idol runner-up John Foster used his voice to honor friends he lost. The 18-year-old country singer first performed his original tune "Tell That Angel I Love Her" during the Easter Sunday special in April.

John Foster ended Season 23 of American Idol as runner-up behind Jamal Roberts, and he’s not looking to let the momentum slow down anytime soon. Following the Sunday, May 18, finale, the teenager already has plans for what’s next.

Louisiana John Foster started things off with a bang, performing his first song of the night, "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)" by the late Toby

In April, “American Idol” hopeful John Foster advanced from the Top 20 to the Top 14 with a performance of his tearjerking original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The 18-year-old Louisiana singer penned the tune about his late friend, Maggie Dunn, who died during his junior year of high school.

Jamal Roberts and John Foster were the final two on Season 23 of American Idol, with the winner announced during the live Sunday, May 18, finale. Ryan Seacrest was standing next to the final two contestant on stage as he announced the results of the nationwide vote.

American Idol season 23 finale aired on May 18, 2025, and crowned a winner in Jamal Roberts. However, John Foster, who was the second in line, has gained immense popularity through his Idol journey, with almost half of America rooting for his win.

After, Foster took the stage to perform six songs for a large crowd of eager listeners — many of which he covered on the show. First, he sang "Don’t Rock the Jukebox" by Alan Jackson, followed quickly by Elvis classic “Jailhouse Rock."