John Foster Shocks America: Small-Town Singer Soars Into Idol Top 3—Hometown Erupts With Parade Plans and Massive Concert Celebration!

BRUSLY — From valedictorian speeches to standing ovations, John Foster is officially hitting all the high notes. The 2024 Brusly High School graduate has just made the Top 3 on American Idol — and his hometown is rolling out the red carpet as he prepares to return this week for a special hometown celebration complete with a parade this Wednesday.

The day will begin with a parade at 5:00 p.m. along First Street in Addis, LA, where everyone is encouraged to show their appreciation and support for John’s achievements. Parade watchers are encouraged to arrive early and wear hometown colors to line the streets with pride.

Following the parade, the celebration continues in Plaquemine with a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the scenic Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park, located at57845 Foundry Street. Gates open at 6:30 PM.

Boats are welcome to join the celebration from Bayou Plaquemine.

“We’re super excited and super proud of John Foster. He is definitely representing our communities really well—and representing the state of Louisiana as well,” Addis Mayor David Toups tells UWK. “We know it’s a community effort around here, so we’re excited and we’re hoping for big things.”

Foster, known for his stellar academics with a GPA over 4.0 and a 33 on the ACT, is now gaining national attention for his musical talent — and his rise has the entire Towns of Brusly & Addis beaming with pride.

“He was an easy student. He was the co-valedictorian and made a 33 on the ACT. I’d say that’s a pretty good student,” said Brusly High Principal Walt Lemoine. “Last year, this time, he was giving his valedictorian speech in the gym. And this year? He’s one of the final three on American Idol. That’s incredible.”

The energy on campus and across town has been electric. Between spring sports, graduation, and now national television buzz, Principal Lemoine says the excitement is contagious.

“This time of year is already hectic — graduation, spring sports, award ceremonies. But now, you add in John’s success on Idol, and it’s like a celebration everywhere you turn,” he said. “At our last awards night, we recognized one of our teams for reaching the semifinals, and the crowd cheered. Then we mentioned voting for John, and the place just erupted again.”

Brusly, a town that’s grown in recent years, but still holds tight to its small-town heart, is ready to welcome Foster home in a big way. Plans for his visit this week include a pep rally at the school, a community parade on Wednesday, and plenty of chances for fans and neighbors to show their love.

The school has already sent home video release forms to parents so the students can be on camera during John’s visit.

While the town has weathered its share of hardships in the past, this moment is all about hope, joy, and celebrating one of their own who dared to dream big — and is now making it happen on a national stage.

“Brusly may be growing,” Lemoine said, “but we’re still a close-knit community. And seeing John chase his dream and make it this far? It’s just something really special.”

As John Foster returns home this week, the message from Brusly is clear: We’re proud of you, we’re rooting for you, and we’ll be voting all the way to the finale.