John Foster Brings America to Tears With Soul-Stirring John Denver Tribute on ‘American Idol’

John Foster just wowed on the American Idol stage. During the season finale of American Idol, the teenage country singer followed up his Toby Keith cover with a performance of a John Denver classic.

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Foster showed off his vocal chops when he sang “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which Denver released in 1971. The teen’s classic country voice paired perfectly with the track, and showed why many are favoriting him to win big.

The judges were once again impressed with the showing, and Underwood praised his “great song choice.”

Whether or not that happens is up to America, as the country has to decide between Foster, Breanna Nix, and Jamal Roberts as its season 23 champion.

John Foster’s New Single

While the artists have largely focused on covering other singers’ tracks during the competition, one of Foster’s breakout moments came when he sang an original song.

Now, that track, which is titled “Tell the Angel I Love Her,” is Foster’s new single. He wrote the song song in honor of two late friends, who tragically died in a car accident.

“I wrote this for the two sweet angels that were tragically taken from us on New Year’s Eve,” Foster said. “Maggie was one of my best friends and Caroline was a good friend of mine who I regret not knowing even more. Until we meet again. So much love to everyone.”

In an Instagram post announcing his new single, Foster said, “It’s been the most instrumental song that I’ve ever sang in my entire life.”

John Foster Opens Up About His American Idol Journey

As his Idol journey comes to a close, Foster reflected on what it has all meant to him.

“I’ve been saying since I won the golden ticket that I feel like I’ve won,” Foster told the ABC affiliate in Louisiana. “To think that I’ve continued to progress, all the way up to the top three, is amazing.”

As for how he’s handling his overnight fame, Foster said that his faith has been key.

“I’ve just kind of had to make sure that I’m staying centered on myself and my faith and knowing that I have a purpose here and that’s why I’m here,” Foster told nola.com. “And that’s what’s keeping me straight and that’s all I can do.”