# John Foster Shines on American Idol with “Callin’ Baton Rouge”
On April 14, 2025, John Foster brought the house down on *American Idol* Season 23 during the Top 24 round. Performing at the beautiful Aulani resort in Kapolei, Hawaii, the 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, sang Garth Brooks’ lively country song “Callin’ Baton Rouge.” His energy and strong voice had the crowd cheering and clapping along.
John picked a fun, fast song that showed off his singing skills and how well he can connect with an audience. The judges loved it! Carrie Underwood said, “That was such a great way to kick off the evening. You threw caution to the wind!” Luke Bryan called it a “Hawaiian hoedown,” and Lionel Richie said, “You’re going to be a national hero. That’s the right song and the right tempo. You’re a natural.”
Mentored by Josh Groban and *Idol*’s Artist in Residence, Jelly Roll, John decided to step out of his comfort zone. He usually plays his guitar while singing, but for this performance, he set it aside for part of the song to focus on his voice and stage moves. Fans on X noticed the change, with one saying he sounded even better without the guitar, calling it a smart move to show his growth as a performer.
If you missed John’s exciting performance or want to watch it again, you can find the full video on YouTube. Search for “John Foster Callin’ Baton Rouge American Idol 2025” to see him light up the stage!
John’s journey on *American Idol* is just getting started, and with his talent and charm, he’s one to watch. Keep voting for him to help him move forward in the competition!
