LOS ANGELES, CA— In a season packed with breakout talent, dazzling performances, and edge-of-your-seat drama, one moment on American Idol has left millions of viewers—and even the show’s biggest superstar—in tears. Carrie Underwood, the country icon and Idol legend, says she feels like a “proud mom” watching 18-year-old John Foster perform. The reason? It’s a story that’s as heartwarming as it is unforgettable.

A NIGHT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Monday, April 28th will go down as one of the most emotional nights in American Idol history. The Top 10 had just been announced, and the competition was fierce. But when John Foster took the stage to sing Randy Travis’ 1987 classic “I Told You So”—a song Underwood herself made famous again in 2007—something magical happened.

Foster, fresh-faced and visibly nervous, delivered a performance that was both vulnerable and electrifying. As he reached the song’s final chorus, he approached the judges’ table and sang directly to Underwood, locking eyes with his idol. The arena held its breath. When the last note faded, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation. But it was Underwood’s reaction that stole the show.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD: “I FEEL LIKE A PROUD MOM”

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE in a roundtable interview after the show, Underwood, 42, couldn’t hide her affection for the young singer. “He’s so sweet and fresh faced and he’s one of those people that I feel like… don’t even really know how good you are kind of thing,” she said, her voice full of emotion.

Underwood, who shares two sons with husband Mike Fisher, explained the special connection she feels with Foster. “I feel like he kind of reminds me of my oldest son,” she revealed. “When he’s over there singing to me, I kind of feel like a proud mom. He’s very good.”

The Grammy winner’s words weren’t just flattery—they were a testament to Foster’s remarkable journey. “Week to week, we have watched him progress so much,” Underwood continued. “We were talking after his performance, me, Luke [Bryan] and [Lionel Richie] and we were just saying he’s probably the one that has grown the most since he’s been here.”

THE SONG THAT BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER

For Foster, singing “I Told You So” was more than a strategic choice—it was a deeply personal tribute. “The fact that she was sitting there on the panel… the pressure was on,” Foster admitted backstage. “She has such a great version of the song but I knew that I had to sing to her and I knew that I had to let America know my passion for the song and music by connecting with her.”

That connection was palpable, not just to Underwood, but to everyone in the room. Lionel Richie, never one to mince words, summed it up best: “Now whether that’s old, new, happening now, later, whatever the case may be, it was so believable and I heard every word of every part of your story and that’s what great music is about.”

A WILDCARD NO MORE

Foster’s Idol journey hasn’t always been smooth. Early in the season, he was considered a “wildcard”—talented, but inconsistent. But last week, everything changed. On April 20, Foster stunned viewers and judges alike with an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of a friend who died suddenly in 2022.

“You’ve kind of been a wildcard for me the whole time, but what you just did there removed all doubts in my mind that you deserve to be here,” said Luke Bryan, visibly moved. The performance resonated far beyond the Idol stage, with fans sharing their own stories of loss and healing on social media.

In a competition often defined by flashy covers and vocal gymnastics, Foster’s authenticity has set him apart. “When you open your mouth on this song, you’re country, but you’re also storytelling country,” Richie told him. “It was so believable and I heard every word of every part of your story.”

THE UNDERWOOD EFFECT

For Foster, Underwood’s praise is more than validation—it’s a dream come true. “She’s the reason I chose the song,” he said. “She’s been my idol since I was a kid. To have her say she’s proud of me… I can’t even put it into words.”

But the connection goes both ways. Underwood, who famously won American Idol in 2005, knows what it’s like to be young, overwhelmed, and thrust into the national spotlight. Watching Foster’s transformation, she sees echoes of her own journey—and perhaps a glimpse of the next great Idol story.

“I think the audience loves him,” Underwood said. “There’s so many reasons to want to root for him.”

A COMPETITION HEATING UP

With Foster’s star on the rise, the race for the Idol crown has never been closer. This year’s Top 10 includes Josh King, Jamal Roberts, Mattie Pruitt, Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley, Gabby Samone, Canaan James Hill, Kolbi Jordan, and Breanna Nix—each bringing their own unique style and story to the stage.

But it’s Foster’s blend of humility, raw talent, and emotional storytelling that has America buzzing. Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, calling him “the heart of this season” and “the most relatable Idol in years.”

THE ROAD AHEAD

As the competition heads into its final stretch, Foster remains focused on what matters most: the music and the message. “I just want to make my family proud, make Carrie proud, and show people that it’s okay to be yourself,” he said.

For Underwood, the feeling is mutual. “He’s got the talent, but more importantly, he’s got the heart,” she said. “That’s what makes an Idol.”

THE FINAL WORD

In a world hungry for genuine connection, John Foster’s journey is a reminder that music can heal, inspire, and unite. With Carrie Underwood cheering him on like a proud mom, and America falling in love with his story, Foster has already won something bigger than a trophy—he’s won the hearts of millions.

As Idol heads toward its dramatic finale, one thing is clear: John Foster’s story is just beginning. And if Carrie Underwood’s instincts are right, there’s no telling how far he’ll go.

*Stay tuned for more exclusive coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from American Idol’s most emotional season yet—only in The Star Tribune.*