American Idol season 23 runner-up John Foster has announced a major career milestone that’s been a dream for him since he started playing music. During the American Idol season 23 finale, Jamal Roberts won, while John placed second, and Breanna Nix placed third. John, an 18-year-old college student from Addis, Louisiana, was a frontrunner in the competition for the whole season due to his old-school country music style and his charming personality. He’s now released his single, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which he wrote for his late friend, Maggie Dunn, and sang on the show.

American Idol season 23 runner-up John Foster has announced a major career milestone that’s been a dream for him.

In an Instagram post, John announced that he’ll be making his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 7, 2025. John wrote, “Tonight I had the pleasure of singing with Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan, and I’m incredibly honored to announce that I will make my Opry debut on Saturday, June 7th!”

John shared that he’s wanted to perform at the Grand Ole Opry since he first started singing and playing music. He explained, “The first time I went to the Opry, I fought back tears because I was so overwhelmed with joy. As an amateur country music historian, there is no more significant place to my passion (country music) than the Grand Ole Opry. This has been my #1 dream ever since I started music, and now, because of your support, my dream will come true! I will NEVER be able to express my gratitude! Glory be to God!”

Tonight I had the pleasure of singing with Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan, and I’m incredibly honored to announce that I will make my Opry debut on Saturday, June 7th!

The first time I went to the Opry, I fought back tears because I was so overwhelmed with joy. As an amateur country music historian, there is no more significant place to my passion (country music) than the Grand Ole Opry. This has been my #1 dream ever since I started music, and now, because of your support, my dream will come true! I will NEVER be able to express my gratitude! Glory be to God!

What John Foster’s Grand Ole Opry Debut Means For His Post-American Idol Career

John Has A Bright Future Ahead Of Him

Throughout American Idol season 23, John stole hearts with his country style and kind personality. He sang many songs by country music legends, including “Callin’ Baton Rouge” by Garth Brooks, “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn, “I Told You So” by Randy Travis, “Something to Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt, “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait, “Believe” by Brooks & Dunn, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” by Toby Keith and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver.

As American Idol season 23 judge Carrie Underwood pointed out, John was a throwback to ’90s country, reminding her of singers such as Dwight Yoakam, and he seemed to be exactly what American Idol viewers were longing for, as they continuously voted him through the competition. John’s ability to sing these classic country songs and make them his own proves that he could someday take a place among the icons who originally sang them. His Grand Ole Opry debut means that he’s on his way to becoming a country music superstar.

Our Take On American Idol Runner-Up John Foster Making His Grand Ole Opry Debut

John Has The Potential To Be One Of The Most Successful American Idol Contestants

Country music singers have always done well on American Idol, and Carrie was the first of them to skyrocket to superstardom. Since then, the show has launched the incredible careers of other country singers, including Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Kellie Pickler, and Gabby Barrett, among many others. John has the talent to join these alums and become one of the most successful American Idol contestants. It’ll be an asset to him that Carrie is one of his biggest fans as well.

It’s amazing that John is already making his Grand Ole Opry debut just a few weeks after the American Idol finale. This is a fantastic sign that he’s already being accepted by the country music industry. It’s beautiful to hear how much making his Grand Ole Opry debut means to him and that his dream came true. John has a spectacular voice and is so comfortable on stage that his American Idol performances felt like his own concerts. John is one of the best American Idol country singers of all-time, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.