John Foster, Addis native and American Idol top three finalist made it back home. He was escorted through a parade to celebrate with all his supporters right in West Baton Rouge.
“It’s so crazy because we kept saying, okay, I hope he makes the top 24, I hope he makes the top 20, then it became where we were, like oh my gosh, he may do this,” said Dawn Shipp, a fan of Foster.
Shipp has been watching Foster since he was playing at local restaurants in Addis, but now everyone is watching him become a national star.
“We have spread this out through so far because we have traveled an hour and a half to be here and support him, so we are very excited for John Foster and what is to come in the future for him,” added Shipp.
He’s using more than his music to bring fans from all over Louisiana.
“It’s more than exciting, that southern charm, charisma, intelligence, heart,” said Phyllis Lavene.
Lavene came from New Orleans to see his hometown parade, because there is nothing like watching a rising star right here in your backyard. The fans in Addis are so proud to see their local star shine and show pride in where he is from.
“It was fun because he’s from our hometown, and it’s just fun that he wants to celebrate with us,” said Chloe Carpenter.
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Carpenter and her mom Alysse Vallet live on the parade route in Addis, she says it’s fun to see the kids light up and see that anything is possible, even in a small town.
“We’re excited for the kids to get to experience it, and it’s great really to see the whole community come out to support him. And the fact that he’s local and went to school right here with kids and friends, it’s just exciting,” explained Vallet.
