Did John Foster Win ‘American Idol’ 2025?

Country crooner John Foster has been charming fans throughout season 23 of “American Idol,” and judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie. But was the 18-year-old from Addis, Louisiana, able to garner enough votes to win the grand finale on May 18, 2025?

Spoiler Alert: If you do not want to know who won season 23 of “American Idol,” do not read any further.

Since Foster’s audition aired in early March, the college freshman became a fan favorite, staying true to his country roots and earning many comparisons to country greats like Dwight Yoakam and George Straight. Was it enough to make Foster the season 23 winner? No, John Foster took second place. He came in behind Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix took third place.

John Foster Had Huge Hometown Support During ‘American Idol’ Journey

Foster — whose full name is John Foster Benoit III — has become so popular in his native Louisiana that his town put up a road sign to celebrate their claim to fame.

When returned to Addis for his hometown visit on May 14, he saw billboards and posters supporting him everywhere, according to Baton Rouge station WBRZ, which said he’d become “one of the most recognizable faces in Louisiana.”

The country singer represented his state and family right from the start, delivering coolers full of Cajun delicacies from his family’s meat shop —Benoit’s Country Meat Block — to the judges when he auditioned.

Foster has had a huge support system behind him, with dozens of family members heading to Los Angeles for each round of the competition, according to The Advocate. They want viewers to know that he’s deeply committed to his family, faith and helping others.

Ahead of the finale, he told Baton Rouge’s WBRZ, “My hometown visit was proof of the fact that even if I were to be eliminated at number 3, I would forever have a place in the industry somewhere. Addis, Brusly, Plaquemine, Port Allen, Baton Rouge, you’ve been supporting me in my early days while I was still honing my artistry in those bars, restaurants, and venues.”

“I’ve been saying since I won the golden ticket that I feel like I’ve won,” Foster added. “To think that I’ve continued to progress, all the way up to the top three, is amazing.”