At just 18 years old, LSU student John Foster is making waves on American Idol with a voice that’s hard to forget. Representing his home state of Louisiana, Foster delivered a powerful and emotional performance during the show’s Easter “Songs of Faith” episode that left both fans and judges in tears.

He performed an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” as a tribute to his late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill. The heartfelt ballad deeply moved judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—each visibly emotional by the end.

Carrie Underwood called his sound “beautifully throwback,” while Luke Bryan praised his raw emotion and sincerity, saying, “You’ve got the kind of soul country music needs right now.”

But Foster didn’t stop there. The very next night, he wowed the audience again with a spot-on, nostalgic rendition of Brooks & Dunn’s classic hit “Neon Moon.” The performance earned him a standing ovation and showcased his range as both a songwriter and performer.

Foster’s combination of heartfelt lyrics, old-school country charm, and authentic storytelling is winning over America—one performance at a time.

Check out his emotional tribute and standout cover below to see why everyone’s talking about John Foster.