John Foster: Choosing a Dream Over Love for American Idol

John Foster, 27, from Texas, once had a stable life: a job as a sound technician, a small apartment, and a four-year relationship with Emily—the woman he was engaged to and planned to marry by the end of the year.

But one email changed everything.

It was an invitation to audition for Season 23 of American Idol. John had submitted a recording nearly a year ago and forgotten about it. Now, he had a choice to make: stick with his “stable” life plan or risk everything for a long-shot dream.

Emily wasn’t on board. She wanted a husband, not an artist chasing uncertainty.
“You’re throwing away our future for a contest!” she shouted during their final argument.

John packed his bags in silence. He left the engagement ring on the kitchen table.

He flew to Los Angeles alone. No Emily, no family sending him off—just his old guitar and a dream that never really died.

On the American Idol stage, when asked why he came, John simply said,
“I’ve given up a lot to be here. I’m not wasting this chance.”

He chose to sing “Let Her Go” by Passenger.

And the room went completely silent.