In just a week, Louisiana singer John Foster could become the next “American Idol.”
Foster, 18, of Addis, moved two steps closer to the title on Sunday night’s show after the remaining seven contestants in the ABC singing competition were trimmed to five.
Joining LSU pre-med student Foster in the top 5 are: stay-at-home mom Breanna Nix, of Denton, Texas; Jamal Roberts, Meridian, Mississippi, a teacher; musician Thunderstorm Artis, Haleiwa, Hawaii; and high school student Slater Nalley, Atlanta.
‘American Idol’ artist-in-residence Jelly Roll takes a selfie with ‘Idol’ contestants including Louisiana’s John Foster, far right, during Monday’s show.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY ERIC McCANDLESS/DISNEY
Award-winning multi-hyphenate artist Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “In the Heights,” Moana”) mentored the contestants last week at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California.
On the first of two “Disney nights” on “Idol,” country singer Foster, minus his trusty guitar, performed “Almost There” from the Louisiana-connected 2009 animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” The romantic musical, set in New Orleans, centers around Tiana, a determined waitress who dreams of owning her own restaurant. Creators were heavily inspired by “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” the late Leah Chase, in shaping the Tiana character.
“Let’s embrace your inner rockstar because you have your guitar to the side,” Miranda encouraged Foster before his song.
“I have never before performed a Disney song in front of any kind of audience,” Foster said. “When I sing this song, I’m gonna be thinking a lot about my hometown, my home state. We’re almost there. Yeah, let’s go.”
‘American Idol’ finalists, Slater Nalley, from left, Thunderstorm Artis and Louisiana’s John Foster perform ‘Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day’ during the show’s ‘Judges’ Song Contest’ episode on Monday. ‘Idol’ judge Luke Bryan recorded the song in 2015.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY ERIC McCANDLESS/DISNEY
With his parents and several family members in the audience’s front rows, his mom holding a sign that read “I Believe in You, Son,” Foster heard from the judges.
“Wait a minute. Stop. Who do you think you are?” judge Lionel Richie said, “I mean, that was amazing. I don’t want take up too much time because the crowd said it all for me (with their claps and cheers). Thank you so much.”
Judge Carrie Underwood also approved.
“You’re another one that it’s like no matter what you do, John Foster is John Foster in whatever genre, like you brought it to you. You still sound like you, and they were loving it. Thank you so much, so much,” she said.
“Charisma, charisma, charisma,” judge Luke Bryan chimed in. “That’s why you’re still in this thing and that’s why you’re ‘almost there.'”
Before leaving the stage, Foster explained that he didn’t have to tug on his ear Sunday night during his performance (as a sign of love to his grandmother), because she had surprised him by flying out to Hollywood to join his other family and friends at the show.
Later in the Mother’s Day episode, Foster sang “Believe” to his mother, Amanda Benoit. The 2005 song is by country duo Brooks and Dunn. Kix Brooks is also a Louisiana native.
“American Idol” returns at 7 p.m. Monday, when America will select the top 3, who will head into the Sunday, May 18 finale.
Watch ‘American Idol’
Monday, 7 p.m. Central
ABC (streams next day on Hulu)
