Introduction:
John Foster’s rendition of “I Told You So” on American Idol Season 23 in 2025 marked a significant moment in his journey on the show, showcasing his growth as an artist and his ability to connect deeply with both the audience and the judges. The performance took place during the Top 12 round, themed “Iconic Idol Moments,” where contestants revisited memorable songs from the show’s history. Foster chose to perform Randy Travis’s 1987 country classic, a song that had also been famously covered by Carrie Underwood, one of the current judges and the Season 4 winner of American Idol.
Originally released in 1988, Randy Travis’s “I Told You So” achieved significant success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song’s enduring appeal was further cemented when Carrie Underwood covered it in 2007 for her album Carnival Ride, and later released a duet version with Travis in 2009, which won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.
During his performance, the 18-year-old Foster delivered the song with heartfelt emotion, directly engaging with Underwood by singing to her, acknowledging her influence on his musical journey. This gesture resonated deeply with Underwood, who expressed her admiration for Foster, likening him to her oldest son and highlighting his remarkable growth throughout the competition. Judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie also praised Foster’s storytelling and authenticity, affirming his place in the Top 10.
Foster’s performance of “I Told You So” not only paid homage to the song’s rich history but also demonstrated his ability to bring a fresh perspective to a classic, solidifying his status as a standout contestant in the 2025 season of American Idol.