On Monday night, American Idol brought back the fun Judges Song Contest round as the top 8 of Season 23 fought for a spot in the top 7. The contest allows the contestants to pick one of three songs picked for them by the judges. In the end, the winning judge gets to save one of the bottom two contestants. One contestant who didn’t need any saving was 18-year-old classic country singer, John Foster.

Host Ryan Seacrest revealed that the three songs John could choose from were “Two Dozen Roses” by Shenandoah, “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait, and “Crazy” by Willie Nelson. “George Strait is my biggest influence in music,” said John, “And I have listened to him ever since I came out the womb.” The country singer has been dating his girlfriend, Brooklyn for almost a year. John revealed that she would be sitting in the audience for his performance. He relates to the lyrics of this classic ‘90s country love song.

John opened the song with his smooth and poised, crooning country sound. His stage presence brought a bit of a charm as usual. Although I’m not a fan of country, I recognize that John is talented at what he does. Of the past few years, the young singer is one of the more consistent country performers to compete on American Idol.

He sang the final line, “you’ll never find a love as true as mine” as the camera panned over to his girlfriend in the audience, and he made eye contact with her. Excited, she jumped up and down as she shared the moment alongside a couple of friends. Ryan asked Brooklyn how she was feeling. “I don’t even know. It’s so good,” she said. It was a nice little moment.

“You are singing better and better every week”

John guessed that Carrie Underwood picked the song, and he was correct. Carrie called the song “absolutely perfect” and added that it was one of his best performances. Luke Bryan stated, “You are singing better and better every week.” He recalled not knowing if John could sing well enough during his audition. Lionel Richie joked that John doesn’t like Willie Nelson, but John insisted that Willie is his favorite artist. Lionel called John, “amazing.”

John advanced to The top 7 with the bottom two consisting of Mattie Pruitt and Josh King. Lionel and Luke won the song contest with three points apiece, so they got to choose who to save. They advanced Mattie to the next round.

John has really blossomed the past few weeks and has been going viral across social platforms. As of now, it seems like it will be between him and Jamal Roberts for the win. Speaking of Jamal, he gave a remarkable rendition of Fantasia’s “I Believe” even though it wasn’t the best song choice. Thunderstorm Artis was my favorite of the night once again with a touching version of “Faithfully” by Journey sung to his wife.