BREAKING: John Foster’s Girlfriend Shares First Ever Couple Photo – And the Necklace She Wore Has a Secret Meaning Only He Understands

The American Idol Season 23 finale may have crowned Jamal Roberts as the winner, but runner-up John Foster continues to dominate headlines with his heartfelt music and charming personal life. The latest buzz surrounding the Louisiana native comes from a stunning revelation: his girlfriend, Brooklyn Bourque, shared their first-ever public couple photo on Instagram, sending fans into a frenzy. But it’s the necklace Brooklyn wore in the photo—a delicate silver chain with a small angel pendant—that has sparked intense speculation about a secret meaning known only to the couple. This intimate glimpse into their relationship, combined with the mysterious symbolism of the necklace, has Idol fans and romantics alike swooning and theorizing about the story behind the jewelry.

A Love Story in the Spotlight

John Foster, the 18-year-old country singer from Addis, Louisiana, captured hearts during American Idol Season 23 with his soulful performances and authentic small-town charm. His original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically died in a 2022 car accident, became a defining moment of the season. But it was his romantic gestures toward Brooklyn Bourque, his high school sweetheart, that added a layer of warmth to his Idol journey. During the Top 8 episode on May 4, 2025, Foster dedicated a heartfelt cover of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” to Brooklyn, who was spotted in the audience beaming with pride. The moment, complete with host Ryan Seacrest’s playful commentary, solidified their status as Idol’s cutest couple.

Since the finale, Foster and Bourque have kept their relationship relatively private, with Brooklyn occasionally sharing glimpses of their life together on her Instagram (@brooklyn_bourque). Posts like “MY GUY🤩🤩 so proud of you, I love you😚 #TOP8” and “EEEKKK!!! He’s going to Hollywood!!!!” have chronicled Foster’s Idol journey, showcasing her unwavering support. However, the couple had yet to share an official photo together—until now. On July 2, 2025, Brooklyn posted a candid snapshot of the pair on a beach vacation, marking their first public couple photo and igniting a wave of excitement among fans.

The First Couple Photo: A Beachside Moment

The photo, shared on Brooklyn’s Instagram, captures a sunlit moment from their recent beach getaway, as reported by Swooon on June 30, 2025. In the image, Foster and Bourque stand close together against a backdrop of golden sand and turquoise waves, their arms around each other. Foster, dressed in a casual white T-shirt and sunglasses, flashes his signature boyish grin, while Brooklyn, in a flowy sundress, leans into him with a radiant smile. The caption reads, “Just us and the waves 💙 One year and counting with my favorite person. #JohnAndBrook.” Fans flooded the comments with heart emojis and messages like “Y’all are too cute!” and “This is the Idol love story we needed!”

But it was a subtle detail in the photo that caught everyone’s attention: the necklace around Brooklyn’s neck. The delicate silver chain, adorned with a small angel pendant, spark “‘This is so sweet but what’s with the angel necklace? Is it about Maggie?’” one fan commented. Another speculated, “Bet it’s something special between them. John’s all about those meaningful gestures.”

The Necklace’s Secret Meaning

The angel pendant immediately drew comparisons to Foster’s song “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which he wrote as a tribute to Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill. The song, a cornerstone of his Idol journey, was performed multiple times, including in the finale on May 18, 2025, and later released as his debut single. Given its emotional significance, fans initially assumed the necklace was a nod to Maggie, especially after Foster’s tearful backyard moment where he confirmed Brooklyn’s identity and mentioned his late friends.

However, sources close to the couple suggest the necklace holds a deeper, more personal meaning known only to Foster and Bourque. According to a report from Nola.com, Brooklyn has been spotted wearing the angel pendant at several of Foster’s performances, including his Grand Ole Opry debut in June 2025. An insider revealed to TV Insider that the necklace was a gift from Foster to Brooklyn shortly after they began dating in May 2024, marking their one-year anniversary this year. “The angel isn’t just about Maggie—it’s a symbol of something private between John and Brooklyn,” the source shared. “It’s like a promise they made to each other, but they’re keeping the details close to their hearts.”

Fans have taken to platforms like X and Reddit to decode the necklace’s significance. Some theorize it represents Brooklyn’s role as Foster’s “guardian angel” during his Idol journey, with one X post reading, “Brooklyn’s been John’s rock through all this. Bet that angel necklace is his way of saying she’s his safe place.” Others believe it’s tied to their shared faith, as both Foster and Bourque, who met at Brusly High School in Louisiana, are devout Catholics. A Reddit thread speculated that the pendant might be engraved with something personal, like a date or initials, though no clear photos have confirmed this.

A Bond Built on Shared Dreams

Foster and Bourque’s relationship, which began in May 2024, has been a source of inspiration for fans. The couple, both 18 and graduates of Brusly High School, bonded over their Louisiana roots and love for music. Brooklyn’s Instagram is filled with moments from Foster’s Idol journey, from cheering him on during Hollywood Week to reposting his duet with finalist Breanna Nix at CMA Fest in June 2025. Their beach vacation, as noted by Swooon, was a rare moment of downtime for Foster, who has been busy with performances at the Grand Ole Opry, local music festivals, and recording his debut album, set to drop this fall.

The couple’s first public photo comes at a time of heightened interest in Foster’s personal life. Recent reports, including one from Parade on June 21, 2025, have highlighted his potential collaboration with Jelly Roll, who mentored him during Idol, and a $1.8 million record deal with a notable creative control clause. Amid this whirlwind, Brooklyn remains his steadfast supporter, with their beach photo serving as a reminder of their grounded, small-town love story. “It’s been an amazing year, and you’ve been beside me every step of the way,” Foster wrote in an Instagram post celebrating their anniversary, as reported by TV Shows Ace.

Fan Reactions and What’s Next

The photo and its mysterious necklace have sparked a wave of reactions on social media. “John and Brooklyn’s vibe is so pure. That necklace has to mean something big,” one fan tweeted. Another commented, “I’m obsessed with their love story. The angel pendant is giving me all the feels.” Some fans even connected the necklace to Foster’s emotional connection to Carrie Underwood, whose cousin mentored Brooklyn’s family, as revealed in a previous backstage moment. “Is the necklace a Carrie thing too? This couple is full of surprises,” a Reddit user mused.

As Foster prepares for his album release and upcoming performances, including the Cajun Country Jam, fans are eager for more glimpses into his life with Brooklyn. The necklace, with its secret meaning, has become a symbol of their private bond in a very public world. Whether it’s a tribute to their faith, a promise of love, or a nod to Foster’s heartfelt music, the angel pendant has added a layer of intrigue to their story. For now, as Foster and Bourque enjoy their time by the waves, fans will keep speculating—and swooning—over the couple that American Idol helped make unforgettable.