John Foster’s 10-Second Hug with Katy Perry at Idol Finale Has Everyone Asking: “What Did She Whisper in His Ear?” 👀❤️

The American Idol Season 23 finale on May 18, 2025, was a night of emotional highs, show-stopping performances, and a few unforgettable moments that set social media ablaze. Among them was a heartfelt 10-second hug between runner-up John Foster and outgoing judge Katy Perry, which left fans buzzing with one burning question: What did she whisper in his ear? The tender moment, captured on live television, has sparked endless speculation on platforms like X, with fans dissecting every frame for clues about the exchange. As Foster prepares to release his debut solo album, featuring a surprising duet with Carrie Underwood, this viral moment has only amplified the excitement surrounding the 18-year-old Louisiana native’s meteoric rise.

The Finale Moment That Stole Hearts

The American Idol Season 23 finale was a three-hour spectacle filled with powerful performances, celebrity appearances, and the crowning of Mississippi’s Jamal Roberts as the winner. John Foster, the 18-year-old country crooner from Addis, Louisiana, secured the runner-up spot with a trio of performances that showcased his traditional country roots and emotional depth. His rendition of Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” earned a standing ovation, while his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” dedicated to his late friend Maggie Dunn, left the audience in tears. But it was a quieter moment after the results were announced that stole the show.

As host Ryan Seacrest declared Roberts the winner, Foster stood graciously by his side, his calm demeanor reflecting the humility that has endeared him to fans. After congratulating Roberts, Foster made his way to the judges’ table, where Katy Perry, in her final appearance as an Idol judge, opened her arms for a hug. What followed was a 10-second embrace that felt deeply personal, with Perry whispering something in Foster’s ear as the cameras zoomed in. The moment was fleeting but electric, prompting an outpouring of reactions on X, where fans posted comments like, “What did Katy say to John?! I need to know!” and “That hug was everything. You can tell she believes in him.”

Who Is John Foster?

For those who haven’t followed Foster’s Idol journey, the 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, has quickly become a fan favorite for his neo-traditional country style and heartfelt storytelling. A 2024 graduate of Brusly High School and a biology student at Louisiana State University, Foster dreams of becoming a “singing oncologist” while pursuing his music career. His Idol audition, where he performed Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time,” won over judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, who praised his “instant identity” voice.

Foster’s performances throughout the season, including covers of George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart” and Randy Travis’ “I Told You So,” showcased his ability to blend classic country with modern appeal. His original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written for his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who died in a 2022 car accident, became a defining moment, earning him a spot in the Top 20 and cementing his reputation as a storyteller. With a record deal reportedly in the works and a debut album set to drop this fall, Foster is poised for stardom, but it’s his genuine personality that has fans—and apparently Katy Perry—rooting for him.

The Hug Heard ‘Round the World

The hug between Foster and Perry came at a pivotal moment in the finale, just after the winner was announced. Perry, who had been a judge on Idol for seven seasons, was visibly emotional as she bid farewell to the show. Her connection with Foster had been evident throughout the season, particularly during his Top 20 performance of “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” when she praised his “sweet, tender side” and traditional country style. As Foster approached the judges’ table, Perry stood to embrace him, and the cameras captured her whispering something in his ear while gently holding his face.

The moment lasted just 10 seconds, but it was enough to send fans into a frenzy. On X, users speculated wildly about what Perry might have said. Some theorized she offered words of encouragement, with one fan posting, “Katy probably told John he’s gonna be a star. That hug was so real.” Others wondered if it was a personal message, with comments like, “Did Katy just give him her number or what?! That whisper was intense!” The lack of audio clarity only fueled the mystery, as the show’s sound mix didn’t capture the exact words. A few eagle-eyed fans even claimed to have lip-read phrases like “I’m so proud” or “Keep going,” but no official confirmation has surfaced.

Why the Moment Resonated

The hug’s emotional weight can be traced to Perry’s history with Idol and Foster’s journey on the show. Perry, who announced her departure from the judging panel earlier in the season, has been known for her heartfelt connections with contestants. Her replacement by Carrie Underwood for Season 23 marked the end of an era, and her emotional investment in Foster was clear. Foster, for his part, has spoken about the judges’ impact on his growth, calling Perry “a superstar who made me feel seen.”

The moment also resonated because of Foster’s authenticity. Throughout the season, he remained true to his roots, performing traditional country songs and sharing personal stories about his hometown and his late friends. His ability to connect with audiences, combined with Perry’s genuine affection, made the hug feel like more than a formality—it was a passing of the torch from one music icon to a rising star. As one X user put it, “Katy’s hug with John was like her saying, ‘You’ve got this.’ It’s giving mentor vibes.”

What Did She Whisper? The Theories

While neither Foster nor Perry has publicly revealed the exact words exchanged, fans and media outlets have offered plenty of theories based on context and body language. Here are some of the most popular speculations circulating on X and in recent reports:

Words of Encouragement: Many believe Perry offered praise for Foster’s journey, possibly telling him he’s destined for greatness. Given her comments throughout the season about his growth and unique voice, she might have said something like, “You’re a star, keep shining.”

A Personal Connection: Some fans speculate Perry referenced Foster’s emotional performances, particularly “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” With Maggie Dunn’s mother, Erin Martin, in the audience during the finale, Perry might have acknowledged the song’s impact, perhaps whispering, “Maggie would be proud.”

Career Advice: With Foster’s debut album on the horizon, Perry could have shared industry wisdom, such as, “Stay true to yourself,” echoing advice he received from fellow Louisianan and Idol alum Laine Hardy.

A Lighthearted Moment: A few fans on X suggested Perry might have cracked a joke to ease the tension, with one user theorizing, “She probably said, ‘Don’t cry, you’ll ruin my makeup!’” Given Perry’s playful personality, this isn’t entirely out of the question.

Without confirmation, the mystery remains, but the moment has only deepened fans’ admiration for both Foster and Perry. In a recent interview with TV Insider, Foster didn’t address the whisper directly but expressed gratitude for the judges’ support, saying, “Katy, Carrie, Luke, and Lionel—they believed in me when I didn’t always believe in myself.”

What’s Next for John Foster?

The buzz around the hug comes at a time when Foster is gearing up for a major milestone: his debut solo album, set to release this fall. The album, which features a highly anticipated duet with Carrie Underwood on a reimagined version of “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” has fans eagerly awaiting its drop. Foster has teased that the record will blend his traditional country influences with fresh sounds, promising “something real, raw, and from the heart.”

In the meantime, Foster is promoting his single “Tell That Angel I Love Her” and preparing for potential tour dates, including a possible spot on the American Idol live tour. He’s also been active on social media, thanking fans for their support and hinting at more surprises to come. “Y’all aren’t ready for what’s next,” he posted on X, fueling excitement about his future projects.

The Lasting Impact of the Moment

The 10-second hug between John Foster and Katy Perry has become one of the defining images of the American Idol Season 23 finale, a testament to the show’s ability to create emotional connections that resonate with viewers. While the exact words Perry whispered may remain a mystery, the moment encapsulates Foster’s journey from a small-town dreamer to a national sensation. As he steps into the next phase of his career, fans will undoubtedly continue to speculate, celebrate, and support the young artist who has already left an indelible mark on country music.

For now, the question lingers: What did Katy Perry whisper to John Foster? Until we get an answer, fans on X will keep theorizing, and Foster will keep singing, proving that sometimes, a hug can say more than words ever could.