Tears Flow on American Idol Stage as John Foster and Luke Bryan Deliver Heartfelt Tribute to Randy Travis—Their Soulful “Deeper Than The Holler” Performance Moves Judges and Fans Alike

Country music took center stage during the American Idol Season 23 finale as finalist John Foster teamed up with judge Luke Bryan to deliver a heartfelt rendition of Randy Travis’s classic “Deeper Than The Holler.”

On Sunday, May 18, millions of viewers watched as Foster — hailed throughout the competition as Idol’s most authentic country hopeful — stepped out of the spotlight briefly to share it with country superstar Luke Bryan for one of the night’s most nostalgic and celebrated moments.

A Pure Country Moment on Idol’s Biggest Night

After Bryan performed his latest single “Country Song Came On,” he welcomed Foster to the stage for their duet, honoring the legendary Randy Travis with a faithful and down-to-earth performance of “Deeper Than The Holler.”

The pairing felt natural: Foster, with his throwback twang and vintage country tone, was the perfect partner for Bryan’s mainstream polish. Together, they channeled the spirit of ‘90s country — a fact not lost on viewers.

“John Foster sounds more country than Luke Bryan! He’s got that 90s sound and it’s GREAT,” one fan wrote on social media.

The performance was widely praised online, with many calling it one of the most authentic moments of the finale.

Foster’s Finale Journey: Four Songs, One Statement

John Foster performed four times during the American Idol Season 23 finale:

Group Performance: “We Are the Champions” (Queen) with Jamal Roberts and Breanna Nix
Solo: “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” (Toby Keith)
Solo: “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (John Denver)
Duet: “Deeper Than The Holler” (Randy Travis) with Luke Bryan

Each song choice solidified Foster’s identity as a proud country artist, with roots firmly planted in the traditions of the genre.

A Journey Built on Authenticity and Growth

From his very first audition — where he sang Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time” — John Foster captured the attention of judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie. While Luke Bryan initially expressed hesitation, saying he wasn’t sure Foster had what it took, the young artist steadily earned his respect.

Following Foster’s Top 8 performance of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart”, Luke Bryan publicly admitted:
“No one has ever proved me more wrong. I am so proud of you.”

That authenticity and growth continued through to the finale, where Foster’s ability to embody the soul of classic country music resonated deeply with fans and viewers alike.

Watch John Foster and Luke Bryan sing “Deeper Than The Holler” in the video below.