‘American Idol’ Runner-Up John Foster Reacts to Season 23 Loss: ‘What a True Blessing’

American Idol season 23 runner-up John Foster is feeling some type of way after his loss.

“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends,” the 18-year-old singer shared via Instagram on Sunday, May 18. “I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart — times a million.”

Foster was up against Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts during Sunday’s finale, performing Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and Randy Travis’ “Deeper than the Holler” alongside judge Luke Bryan. Foster also performed “We Are the Champions” with the remaining two finalists.

The Louisiana native had impressed the judges during season 23 auditions with his version of “Goodbye Time” by Conway Twitty, which got him a golden ticket into the competition.

Bryan, 48, and fellow judge Carrie Underwood both took to X after his March audition and praised the up-and-coming star.

“I absolutely love John Foster!!! He looks and sounds like a 90s Country superstar!!!” Underwood, 42, shared on social media at the time. “AND we all know that was the PRIME era of Country! I can’t wait to see what he does and what America thinks.”

Underwood also speculated that Foster might take home the American Idol crown during an episode that aired earlier this month.

“I felt like I had this diamond in the rough standing right in front of me,” Underwood said during the show’s May 12 episode. “I had to do a little convincing on my fellow judges, but I love that you’re standing here right now, proving me right. And I’m going to tell you right now, if you ain’t real careful, you might just win this whole thing.”

Judge Lionel Richie shared a similar sentiment, praising Foster’s vocal abilities.

“I am totally in love with the timbre of your voice,” he said at the time. “I call it ‘instant identity.’ I know that’s you on your first note. That’s what makes an artist. The difference between a singer and a stylist is, I know your voice in three notes.”

Despite praise from the judges, Foster came in second during Sunday’s finale. When Roberts, 27, was crowned the winner, the two singers had a sweet moment on the stage with Foster offering congratulatory pats on the back.

Foster might have lost the competition, but he previously spoke about feeling like a winner no matter what happens.

“I’ve been saying since I won the golden ticket that I feel like I’ve won,” Foster said during a recent interview with a local Louisiana outlet. “To think that I’ve continued to progress, all the way up to the top three, is amazing.”