Carrie Underwood Reunites With “American Idol” Finalist John Foster At The Opry
on Sep 15, 2025
John Foster Made A Lasting Impression On Season 23 Of American Idol
The Grand Ole Opry recently hosted a mini American Idol reunion, as judge Carrie Underwood and former finalist John Foster stepped into the circle on the same night.
John Foster competed on Season 23 of Idol this year (2025). The young country artist from Louisiana won America’s hearts with his covers of country classics such as Brooks & Dunn‘s “Believe” and “Neon Moon,” and Garth Brooks‘ “Callin’ Baton Rouge.”
Foster’s most memorable performance came when he performed his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” during the Idol Easter special. He wrote the song in tribute to two of his friends who were killed in a car accident.
RELATED: WHAT DOES THE WINNER OF “AMERICAN IDOL” RECEIVE AS A PRIZE?
Throughout the competition, one of Foster’s biggest fans was judge Carrie Underwood. She spoke about how much progress he’d made since his audition, and how he made her feel like “a proud mom.”
Foster was eventually named the runner-up of the season behind champion Jamal Roberts. Country and Christian singer Brenna Nix came in third place.
Carrie Underwood Cheers On American Idol Runner-Up John Foster From Backstage At The Grand Ole Opry
Foster’s career has flourished since the Idol finale in May. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in June and has since returned to the famous stage multiple times.
During his performance on September 13, Foster had a pretty famous fan cheering him on backstage…Carrie Underwood!
Underwood was scheduled to sing at the Opry that same night. She shared a few videos from his performance on her Instagram Story, writing “Look who I found!” and “So proud of him!“
Underwood also posted a picture of the two of them hanging out together backstage. She wrote, “So great to see @officialjohnfoster and his sweet family at the @opry.”
See some snapshots from Foster and Underwood’s reunion below!
Is Carrie Underwood Returning As A Judge On American Idol?
With 2026 sneaking up on us, Idol is already preparing to showcase a new group of talented singers. The next season will debut early next year, although an exact premiere date has not been revealed.
Longtime host Ryan Seacrest is returning for Season 24. The judges have also been confirmed, with Season 23’s Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood all returning for Season 24.
The judges announced their return in a back-to-school-style video shared on August 25. “Your favorite judges are back and class is in session!” Idol said. Watch that announcement below.
Stay tuned to see if Richie, Bryan, and Underwood find the next John Foster on Season 24 of American Idol!
