Unforgettable Performance: John Foster stuns the Grand Ole Opry with a heartfelt song, all while celebrating his 19th birthday with Carrie Underwood in the front row

American Idol Runner-Up John Foster Shines at Grand Ole Opry, Set for Triumphant Return on His Birthday

Rising country star John Foster is quickly capturing hearts across America, and his journey just hit another unforgettable milestone.

Fresh off his impressive run on Season 23 of American Idol—where the 18-year-old Louisiana native wowed viewers all the way to a thrilling second-place finish—Foster is making waves in the country music scene. Since his Idol days, he’s graced stages alongside legends like Craig Morgan at the Cajun Country Jam in his home state, but nothing quite compared to his recent debut on one of country music’s most hallowed stages: the Grand Ole Opry.

On June 7, during the electrifying CMA Fest weekend in Nashville, Foster stepped into the famed Opry circle. That night, he shared the bill with heavyweights such as Old Crow Medicine Show and the Opry’s longest-serving member, Bill Anderson—a true honor for any artist, let alone one just beginning his journey.

Foster’s performance was nothing short of magical. He paid tribute to country greats with a stirring rendition of Alan Jackson and George Strait’s “Murder on Music Row,” and left the audience spellbound with his heartfelt version of “How Great Thou Art.” The crowd’s response made it clear: a new star had arrived.

And the good news keeps rolling in. Just a week after his Opry debut, Foster announced he’ll be returning to that legendary stage—this time to celebrate his 19th birthday on July 9th. “Playing the @opry was one of the biggest honors of my life,” Foster shared on social media. “Now, I have the pleasure of celebrating my 19th birthday there on July 9th!”

He’ll be joined by Opry favorites The Isaacs and Jamey Johnson, promising another unforgettable night for country fans.

Supporters flooded Foster’s announcement with messages of excitement and pride. “So incredibly happy for you, John Foster! I followed your American Idol journey and I am such a huge fan! Cannot wait til the day I can see you perform and I hope it’s at the Opry,” one fan gushed. Fellow Idol alum Breanna Nix added, “You were made for this! I’m literally so proud of you. Just to think about where you were a few months ago to now. You took a chance and now look! God is so good!”

John Foster’s story is just beginning, and with each performance, he’s proving he’s right where he belongs—center stage, shining bright. We can’t wait to see what magic he brings to the Opry on his birthday and beyond!