John Foster Honors Carrie Underwood with Emotional Tribute on American Idol
On the April 28 episode of American Idol Season 23, the Top 12 contestants performed songs inspired by iconic moments from the show’s history. Country hopeful John Foster chose “I Told You So,” a nod to the memorable 2009 duet between Randy Travis and current judge Carrie Underwood.
“Carrie Underwood’s kind of been my voice on the panel,” John shared. “At my first audition, she asked for a second song. Without that, Luke [Bryan] would’ve said no. This performance is my way of saying, ‘Thank you, Carrie.’”
He began the song seated on a stool, but—after advice from mentor Fantasia Barrino—he finished the performance walking downstage toward the judges. In a heartfelt moment, he ended the set right in front of Underwood and tipped his hat to her in tribute.
“I’m blushing!” Underwood said, clearly touched. “I love how you keep pushing yourself—trying new songs, dropping the guitar, evolving every time you perform. I think Randy Travis would’ve loved that too.”
Luke Bryan chimed in with a playful warning: “You know Carrie’s husband’s a hockey player, right?” Underwood laughed, adding, “He’s a big man!” She’s been married to former NHL star Mike Fisher since 2010.
“John’s just singing right to Carrie,” Bryan joked. “I’m like, ‘Boy, you better get back there!’” John responded with a smile: “All respect, all respect.”
Before a commercial break, host Ryan Seacrest asked Underwood if her husband was watching. Her answer: “Of course!”
John was among the 10 contestants who received enough votes to advance. He’ll return to the stage on the May 4 episode, which will honor iconic women in music.
