With confidence far beyond his 18 years, American Idol Season 23 runner-up John Foster captivated the audience at the BMG Takeover concert during CMA Week in Nashville. Held on June 4 at the iconic 6th & Peabody venue, the showcase featured a dozen Idol alumni, but Foster’s set emerged as the night’s defining moment.
Opening with a lively, faithful cover of Alan Jackson’s honky-tonk staple “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” Foster immediately commanded the stage. His blend of twang and polish recalled classic country stylings, yet his delivery was fresh—earning cheers and singalongs from the packed crowd. For many in attendance, it felt like a full-circle moment: a young artist paying tribute to one of the genre’s greats while stepping into his own spotlight.
But it was Foster’s original ballad, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” that left the most lasting impression. Introduced midway through his set, the song unfolded slowly, with lyrics steeped in sincerity and melody marked by aching restraint. By the final verse, the crowd had fallen silent—listening intently—and then erupted into applause. Several audience members were visibly moved, with one longtime attendee describing it as “the kind of song we’ll still be talking about five years from now.” Online, fans were even quicker to anoint it: “a future country classic.”
Though he narrowly missed winning Idol—placing second behind Jamal Roberts—Foster has shown no signs of slowing down in his post-show ascent. Just days before the BMG Takeover, he released a striking one-take performance of “Amazing Grace” on Instagram. The video, featuring verses sung partially in Cajun French, was widely shared and praised for its emotional depth and cultural reverence. “It’s His Grace that’s brought me this far,” Foster wrote in the caption—striking a humble tone that has become part of his growing appeal.
The BMG Takeover performance comes on the heels of another major appearance: a Memorial Day weekend slot at the Cajun Country Jam in Denham Springs, Louisiana. There, Foster told the crowd that “this is just the beginning”—a phrase that now feels less like a promise and more like a fact.
Industry insiders and country fans alike are beginning to take note. In Nashville, reaction to Foster’s set was immediate, with several in attendance noting his “natural presence” and “authentic voice.” The performance has already sparked speculation about a debut album and future tour dates. If the BMG Takeover was intended to showcase the next wave of Idol talent, John Foster made it clear he isn’t just in the wave—he may very well be leading it.
As the CMA Fest kicks off and country’s biggest stars take the spotlight, John Foster is proving he belongs among them—not as an Idol contestant, but as an artist in his own right.
