On the May 5 episode of *American Idol* 2025, 18-year-old neo-traditional country singer John Foster delivered a heartfelt rendition of George Strait’s classic “I Cross My Heart” during the Top 8 performances. As part of the Judges’ Song Contest, Foster chose this song from a selection provided by the judges, correctly attributing it to Carrie Underwood. He dedicated the performance to his girlfriend, Brooklyn, who was present in the audience. His smooth vocals and sincere delivery captivated both the judges and viewers, culminating in a touching moment as he sang the final line directly to Brooklyn, prompting an emotional reaction from her .
The judges praised Foster’s performance, with Underwood calling it “absolutely perfect” and one of his best to date. Luke Bryan noted his consistent improvement, stating, “You are singing better and better every week.” Lionel Richie added a light-hearted comment about Foster’s musical preferences, to which Foster responded with enthusiasm for Willie Nelson .([mjsbigblog][1])
Foster’s performance secured him a spot in the Top 7, as he was not among the bottom two contestants. His consistent growth and authentic country style have made him a standout in the competition, drawing comparisons to classic country artists and earning admiration from both judges and fans .([People.com][2])
To watch John Foster’s full performance of “I Cross My Heart,” you can view it here: