The glitter of the American Idol stage has taken a sharp turn into scandal this week, as Top 3 finalist John Foster finds himself embroiled in controversy that has fans divided and social media ablaze. The 18-year-old Louisiana native, once celebrated for his tender vocals and boy-next-door charm, is now under fire—accused of cheating, lying about his age, and being “overrated” by critics and Idol viewers alike.
It all started when a viral video began circulating online, raising questions about John’s real identity. Some fans claimed he was not 18 as stated, but actually 24 years old, and that he already had ties to a record label—a clear violation of the show’s rules. Others speculated he was from Benton, Kentucky and connected to country legend Dwight Yoakam.
But John was quick to respond. In a rare public Facebook post, he set the record straight:
“I am 18 years old (not 24). I was born and raised in Louisiana. My hometown is Addis, LA. I’m not from Benton, Kentucky… I’m not related to Dwight Yoakam, nor am I currently signed under any record label.”
Still, the damage may have already been done. While judges like Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie have praised his Disney Night performances (“Rainbow Connection” and “The Bare Necessities”), some Idol fans weren’t buying the hype.
💬 “John is incredibly overrated,” one viewer wrote. “Why are the crowd AND the judges so gaga for him?”
💬 “It’s cheesy,” another commented. “He’s got charm but this is a singing competition, not a high school talent show.”
Despite the criticism, Foster remains a strong contender heading into the finale, with a growing fanbase that continues to support his journey. But with allegations swirling and the pressure mounting, the question remains:
Will John Foster rise above the noise—or will the scandal cost him the crown?
🎥 Watch the full video here and decide for yourself;
