"He pushed me from day one": American Idol Season 23 finalist John Foster opens up about his musical inspiration

American Idol Season 23 finalist John Foster appeared in an American Songwriter interview on May 15, 2025. During the interview, the ABC show's Top 3 contestant talked about his musical inspiration.

Fans who might not know, John Foster's musical inspiration is his uncle, Gaylen. John revealed that he wouldn't be a musician if it weren't for his uncle. Since the beginning, he has supported John and even taught him his first four chords. John Foster was 15 years old when his uncle Gaylen started supporting him.

"I wouldn't be a musician if it weren't for my Uncle Gaylen. He pushed me from day one when I was 15 years old. He showed me my first four chords on the guitar — the chords to 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' — and he's supported me ever since," said John Foster.

American Idol Season 23: John Foster reveals his musical inspiration

During his recent interview with American Songwriter, American Idol Season 23 finalist John Foster talked about the beginning of his musical journey. He was 15 when his Uncle Gaylen Martin, a local musician, showed him the chords of a guitar.

Viewers witnessed how John Foster's family, friends, and the Addis community have been supporting him. With all of them, his uncle Martin has also been there. His uncle revealed that John has had "vocal talent" and that became obvious from his young age.

Sharing more with the local news, Martin recalled how John Foster developed his music and wanted to learn the guitar. At the time, he gave a "few tips and tricks" to John and taught him a few chords.

"It just progressed on, and he took an interest in wanting to learn to play guitar. You know, I gave him a few tips and tricks and taught him a few chords," said Martin Gaylen

He added that John was like a "sponge." Whenever he taught John, he would "absorb" it. American Idol Season 23 finalists' uncle mentioned that since he started teaching chords to John, the rest is "history."

"Everything I tell him, he's like a sponge, he absorbs it. And you know, the rest is history," he added.

Referring to witnessing John Foster on national television, Martin said that it has been "nothing short of amazing." He added that John has been a "very teachable" kid since he was young. Whatever he taught him, John would "get it" the next day. He called John's journey from his early days learning the guitar to the American Idol Season 23 finalist "unbelievable."

Fans from across the world are eagerly waiting to see what the future holds for John Foster, including the highly anticipated American Idol Season 23 finale.

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ABC will premiere the American Idol Season 23 finale on May 18, 2025.

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