On any given Monday in Addis, Louisiana, Benoit’s Country Meat Block serves up a plate lunch of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dessert for $10.99—but lately, every meal comes with a side of pride, thanks to “American Idol” standout John Foster. Just half a mile from the Mississippi River, the family-run Cajun shop is buzzing—not only with the aroma of boudin and gumbo, but with excitement over one of their own taking the national stage.

Foster, whose grandparents come from Church Point and Lawtell, has strong Louisiana roots and even brought boudin, jerky, and Benoit’s signature seasoning to his Idol audition in Nashville. According to his grandmother Verbie Benoit, Luke Bryan loved the seasoning so much he was licking it off his fingers backstage. Verbie, 75, never expected the national attention but says John keeps surprising her with new layers of talent. She’s packed her suitcase and rosary and is heading to Hollywood with 31 family members to watch him perform in the Top 10. “I pray for him—not to win—but for God to be with him,” she said.

Despite his rising fame, John remains grounded. He’s a biology student at LSU, taking classes online, and hopes to become an oncologist. A former co-valedictorian, he’s not only smart and talented but, as his grandmother says, “a good Christian boy.” One teacher once said he’d be governor; his family joked he’d be president.

Behind the meat counter in Addis, longtime employees like Rick Bourgoyne and Blake Sarradet proudly point out that “Foster” is his middle name—his full name is John Foster Benoit III. They’ve watched him grow up, work holidays at the store, and credit his musical start to his uncle, local musician Gaylen Martin. Even newer employees, like Regina DeBenedetto, are all in—voting for him 30 times and urging others to do the same. “He listens, he learns, and he brings it on stage,” she said.

Whether John ends up a star or a doctor, the folks at Benoit’s know one thing for sure—he’s got the right ingredients: talent, humility, and a dash of Cajun spice.