“Everybody’s doing great” American Idol judge Luke Bryan comments on John Foster’s performance that earned him a Top 3 spot 

John Foster, the 18-year-old college student from Louisiana, officially sang his way into the American Idol Season 23 Top 3 during Disney Night on May 12, 2025. The live episode had contestants performing two Disney classics, while fans across the country raced to get their votes in during a tight two-hour window.

After a suspenseful pause heading into the final commercial break, host Ryan Seacrest returned with the news: John was moving on. The moment capped off an emotional night for the young singer, who’s quickly become a fan favorite.

During his second performance of the night, John Foster delivered a heartfelt version of “Rainbow Connection” that earned praise from judge Luke Bryan, who reminded viewers just how tough the competition had become.

“Listen, everybody’s gunning for one another and everybody’s doing great,” Bryan said.

He called Foster’s performance “authentically you” and applauded him for staying true to his own voice instead of mimicking others. The Disney-themed episode was a big moment for Foster, showing off both his range and growing confidence as he prepared to head into the American Idol finale with serious momentum.

American Idol star John Foster’s journey to the Top 3

John Foster kicked off Disney Night on American Idol with a jazzy spin on “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, starting slow before turning up the tempo and getting the crowd clapping along.

The Louisiana native, feeling right at home after a stroll through Disneyland’s French Quarter, brought charm and playfulness to the stage. Lionel Richie called his "likability off the charts," while Carrie Underwood simply summed it up:

"That was just a good time."

Later, under the guidance of guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda, Foster swapped jungle vibes for something a bit more sentimental “Rainbow Connection” from The Muppet Movie.

Trading spectacle for simplicity, he sat center stage with just his guitar and let the lyrics do the heavy lifting. It was a stripped-down, heartstring-tugging moment that earned him a well-deserved spot in the Top 3. Kermit would be proud.

What were the judges’ views on John Foster’s performance?

The judging panel's feedback confirmed Foster's growth throughout the competition. Richie declared he was "totally in love with the timber of your voice," noting that Foster had developed into a true "stylist" with an instantly recognizable sound.

Underwood reminded viewers of her early advocacy for Foster, recalling that she had seen "a diamond in the rough" when he first auditioned.

Her prophetic comment:

"if you're not careful, you could win this whole thing"

Suggests Foster may indeed be on track for the crown.

As the competition narrows down to just three contestants, Foster's evolution from Louisiana college student to potential American Idol winner continues to unfold, with his undeniable style and growing confidence making him a formidable contender for the title.

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You can watch American Idol Season 23 live on ABC every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with new episodes available for streaming the next day on Hulu.

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