John Foster Lights Up Disney Night with “Almost There” on American Idol 2025

With charm, energy, and hometown pride, John Foster’s Disney Night performance was a defining moment in American Idol Season 23.

Wearing his signature cowboy hat and a sparkling gold suit jacket, 18-year-old John Foster took the American Idol 2025 stage on May 11 and transformed Disney Night into a celebration of Southern spirit, vocal strength, and pure charisma. His vibrant rendition of “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog wasn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it was a bold declaration of who he is and where he’s headed.

The Louisiana native’s performance arrived during the show’s first-ever two-night Disney special, and from the moment he snapped his fingers and stepped into the spotlight, Foster commanded the stage with confidence and joy. Working with guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda, Foster was encouraged to “lean into your inner rock star”—advice he clearly embraced.

“Charisma, charisma, charisma. That’s why you’re almost there,” said Luke Bryan, echoing what everyone in the room was feeling.

As the audience clapped and sang along, the energy became so electric that even Lionel Richie had to wait before offering feedback. “The crowd said it all for me,” he finally said, smiling. Carrie Underwood applauded Foster’s unwavering authenticity, highlighting the personal connection he brings to every performance.

Foster’s version of “Almost There” wasn’t just musically strong—it was emotionally meaningful. The Mother’s Day-themed episode was designed to honor family roots, and for Foster, this Disney classic became a personal anthem of ambition and perseverance. Backed by his recent Disneyland trip and energized by thoughts of a potential hometown visit, Foster delivered a performance that was both polished and heartfelt.

A Top 7 to Top 5 Turning Point

With voting open for under two hours during the live broadcast, fans were urged to act quickly. As host Ryan Seacrest later revealed, only five contestants would move forward after this episode. For Foster, the stakes were sky-high—but his performance may have been the push he needed to break into the Top 3 and earn that hometown hero moment.

As American Idol 2025 races toward its finale, John Foster’s performance of “Almost There” stands as one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of the season.