American Idol standout John Foster delivered a heartfelt and electrifying performance of Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs,” dedicating it to his “uncle” and musical inspiration. The performance, recorded at home in response to fan comparisons to Yoakam, offered a pure, rootsy taste of country that captivated audiences — even those outside the genre’s usual fanbase.

Throughout his Idol journey, the 18-year-old Louisiana native has shown remarkable growth, both vocally and emotionally. His steady evolution hasn’t gone unnoticed by the judges. In a recent PEOPLE interview, Carrie Underwood called Foster “sweet and fresh-faced” and praised his continuous improvement, noting, “He’s probably the one that has grown the most since he’s been here.” She added that he reminds her of her son, Isaiah. “When he’s over there singing to me, I kind of feel like a proud mom.”

That maternal pride was especially evident during Foster’s April 28 performance of “I Told You So” by Randy Travis, a song Underwood famously covered in a 2009 Idol duet with Travis himself. Singing directly to Underwood, Foster confessed he felt the pressure. “She has such a great version of the song, but I knew that I had to sing to her,” he said. The result was an emotional, authentic moment that underscored his deep country roots.

Foster has also resonated with audiences through original music. His moving song “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written after the tragic loss of a friend in 2022, drew praise from Lionel Richie, who called him “a rare talent who deeply connects with his audience.”

With each performance, John Foster continues to prove that he’s not just a contestant — he’s a true country artist in the making. As the competition heats up, fans can expect more unforgettable moments from this rising star.