John Foster’s Tearful Tribute to His Mom Steals the Show on American Idol

Sunday night’s episode of American Idol delivered one of the most emotional moments of Season 23, as John Foster took the stage to honor his mother with a powerful rendition of Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe.”

With Mother’s Day falling on the same night as the second half of Disney Week, the show took a heartfelt turn. Each of the Top 7 contestants picked a song dedicated to the most important women in their lives — and Foster’s performance stood out, bringing both judges and fans to tears.

A Mother’s Day Moment That Stopped Everything

The episode kicked off with high-energy, Disney-inspired numbers, guided by guest mentor Lin-Manuel Miranda. But in the second hour, the vibe shifted. Host Ryan Seacrest introduced the Mother’s Day segment, and judge Carrie Underwood warned, “I’ll probably cry through the whole thing.” She wasn’t wrong.

When it was his turn, John Foster performed “Believe” — a haunting 2003 ballad by Brooks & Dunn known for its themes of faith, loss, and lasting love. It was a bold choice, and he delivered it with raw emotion.

“My Mom Is My Faith”

Before his performance, Foster shared why the song was so personal to him.

“It’s a song that’s very rooted in faith, which is how I see my mom. She’s my faith,” Foster said.
“My prime faith is Christianity, and my mom has built that over so many years. I am so eternally grateful.”

Then came a touching video segment featuring his mom:

“I was born to be a mom,” she said. “And I’m so glad that he’s mine.”

It was the kind of TV moment that hits hard — and stays with you.

Advancing to the Top 5

The performance earned a standing ovation and emotional praise from the judges. When the votes were counted, John Foster moved on to the Top 5, keeping his momentum going as the finale approaches.

But this wasn’t the first time Foster left the audience speechless.

A Voice That Knows Grief, Faith, and Love

Earlier this season, during the Top 20 round, Foster performed an original song he wrote called “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” It was a tribute to Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, two close friends who died in a car crash on New Year’s Eve 2022.

After finishing the song, Foster quietly looked into the camera and said,
“I love you, Maggie.”

In the studio, the applause was so loud that many missed it — but those watching at home didn’t.

“I didn’t hear him say ‘I love you, Maggie’ when I was there live,” Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, told local station UWK.
“But when I got home and watched it again, I heard it — and it meant the world to me.”

A Star With a Story to Tell

As American Idol 2025 heads toward its final weeks, John Foster is proving he’s more than just a great singer. He’s a storyteller — someone who sings from a place of real emotion, real experience, and real heart.

Whether he’s honoring lost friends or thanking his mom on Mother’s Day, Foster brings an authenticity to the stage that’s hard to ignore.

His performance of “Believe” wasn’t just a song. It was a prayer, a tribute, and a moment of connection that will stay with viewers long after the season wraps.

Watch John Foster’s emotional take on “Believe” — and see why so many are calling him one of the most heartfelt voices American Idol has ever seen.