One week after being named the runner-up of “American Idol” season 23, John Foster is pinching himself over the opportunities that keep rolling in. On May 24, 2025, the 18-year-old country crooner shared some of the invitations he’s received that he can hardly believe.

The first, Roberts shared that day on social media, was “the pleasure of singing with Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan” at the Cajun Country Jam in his native Louisiana. The second pinch-me-moment, which he first shared onstage with Morgan, is that he’ll make his own Opry debut on June 7.

Performing at the Grand Ole Opry “has been my #1 dream ever since I started music,” he told fans in his May 24 Instagram post.

John Foster Says He ‘Fought Back Tears’ the 1st Time He Went to the Opry
“The first time I went to the Opry, I fought back tears because I was so overwhelmed with joy,” Foster wrote on Instagram, so excited to share his June 7 appearance. “As an amateur country music historian, there is no more significant place to my passion (country music) than the Grand Ole Opry.”

Foster continued, “This has been my #1 dream ever since I started music, and now, because of your support, my dream will come true! I will NEVER be able to express my gratitude! Glory be to God! ❤️”

Fans and friends from “American Idol” were thrilled to hear Foster will get to live out that dream, including finalist Thunderstorm Artis, who wrote, “Brother!!! Congratulations!!! I’ll have to come watch for sure.”

Top 14 finalist Amanda Barise commented, “That’s incredible 👏👏👏👏👏”

Another fellow finalist, Victor Solomon, wrote, “Yessirrr proud of you man!!!!🤲🏽🖤”

Breanna Nix, who placed third but will make her Opry debut the night before Foster’s, wrote to Foster, “LETS GO ❤️🔥”

The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, with each live show it stages honoring country music stars of the past, present, and future. Multiple artists perform at each show, including one or more Opry members — stars who were hand-selected to be part of the historic venue’s elite “family” of artists.

At the time of publication, the other performers scheduled to appear alongside Foster on June 7, according to the website, were all Opry members: Bill Anderson, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Mark Willis.

A couple of days before that dream come true, Foster will reunite in Nashville with many of his “American Idol” peers at a June 4 showcase concert in Nashville. The June 4th lineup includes winner Jamal Roberts, Nix, Foster, Artis, Gabby Samone, Kolbi Jordan, and “Idol” stars from past seasons, too.