With a voice that feels both classic and brand new, rising country artist John Foster is making serious waves on American Idol Season 23. And it’s not just the judges who are noticing—Foster’s impromptu cover of Garth Brooks’s “The Dance” has taken the internet by storm, earning praise for its nearly pitch-perfect delivery and heartfelt emotion.
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In a stripped-down moment that has quickly gone viral, the Louisiana teen performed the country classic with nothing but his guitar and pure, raw vocals. His honest style, natural charm, and simple performance reminded fans of why they fell in love with country music in the first place.
Watch his cover below.

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While “The Dance” has been covered many times before, Foster’s version hit differently. His take on the 1989 hit doesn’t try to impress with vocal tricks. Instead, he lets the lyrics speak—and that may be exactly why so many people are listening. Foster’s clean tone and emotional honesty have country fans saying he’s a breath of fresh air in today’s music scene.
But just as fast as his star is rising, so are the online rumors.

John Foster Addresses Rumors About His Age, Hometown, and Music Industry Ties
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Since his breakout audition aired, fans on social media have been full of questions—and theories—about Foster’s background. The most widespread rumors suggested he was secretly signed to Sugar Hill Records and even related to country legend Dwight Yoakam.
Foster didn’t stay quiet. Instead, he addressed everything head-on in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“I’m not related to Dwight Yoakam,” he wrote. “Nor am I currently signed under any record label. There was some misinformation that Dwight Yoakam signed me under Sugar Hill Records. That’s not true.”
Fans also had questions about his age and hometown, prompting him to clear the air once and for all.
“I am 18 years old (not 24),” he clarified. “I was born and raised in Louisiana. My hometown is Addis, LA. I’m not from Benton, Kentucky (I’ve never even been to Kentucky, but I hope to visit someday).”https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJA5F3KJFkI/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsflash24h.com&rp=%2Fthawashington%2Fyoung-country-singer-john-foster-sings-the-dance-and-steals-hearts-online-with-his-pure-voice-and-honest-style%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwY2xjawKDaMNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHtDx2tvy8OlYp1oeREnS6ctPZWzXWQg1o51N#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1447.800000000745%2C%22ls%22%3A958%2C%22le%22%3A1429.0999999996275%7D
The honesty didn’t go unnoticed. In an era where rumors can spread faster than the truth, Foster’s decision to speak up showed fans that he’s not only talented—he’s real.
“If you see something about me that’s not from my page (with the blue checkmark), there’s a chance it may not be true,” he added. “I hope this helps y’all to know me better as a person, now that y’all know more about my music.”
Looking Ahead on Idol and Beyond
Following his emotional Top 12 performance honoring Carrie Underwood, Foster has only built more momentum. Fans across the country are rooting for him not just because he’s talented—but because he’s honest, grounded, and incredibly likable.
Whether he wins American Idol or not, one thing’s for sure: John Foster is a name we’ll be hearing for a long time