Fans Of American Idol Runner-Up John Foster Believe He Knew Who Won Season 23

Season 23 of American Idol came to an end on May 18th, with Jamal Roberts of Meridian, Mississippi, earning the most votes from America to be crowned the season’s winner. It was an epic moment for the 27-year-old, who impressed the judges — Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood — week after week with his soulful and powerful voice.

With Jamal winning it all, that meant that 18-year-old country singer John Foster became the season’s runner-up. But, a few fans think he already knew that he wasn’t going to win the reality TV singing competition. As host Ryan Seacrest opened up the card that revealed the winner, it looked like John took a sneak peek.

Did American Idol’s John Foster See The Card That Revealed The Season 23 Winner?

At the finale of Season 23 of American Idol, host Ryan Seacrest had both John Foster and Jamal Roberts up on stage where they learned whether one of them had won the season. After 26 million votes were cast by America, Ryan read from a card that Jamal had taken home the crown.

But, many fans have speculated that John might have known he wasn’t going to win. As he and Jamal stood side by side awaiting the announcement, viewers noticed John glancing toward Ryan Seacrest and the results card. He appeared to sneak a quick look at it before giving a small grin and turning to Jamal—an expression that seemed to suggest he already knew the outcome.

The moment was posted on American Idol’s Instagram, and many in the comment section agreed that John saw Jamal’s name.

“John deff peeped down the card & saw Jamal name on there n looked at him & smiled,” a comment read. “John saw the name on the card. That must have been tough 😢,” another read.

“That was super classy😊 John has a great spirit and I wish him well,” another person said.

“YES !! EXACTLY 💯 % He saw Jamal’s name !! It was very sweet that his immediate & natural honest human reaction was A BIG SMILE that he could barely contain as he looked at Jamal!! Kind of a beautiful 10 seconds 🙌🏽 I’m so impressed that 👏🏽 he felt Genuine love and happiness for Jamal❤️🙌🏽,” a comment read.

Did John Foster Admit To Seeing Ryan Seacrest’s Result Card?

Fans were all asking the same question: Did John Foster see Jamal’s name on the results card?

When asked about it in an interview with TV Insider, John neither confirmed nor denied catching a glimpse. He described the moment as “a total blur,” as standing on stage to learn whether one of them had won the competition was overwhelming and full of emotion.

“I knew I was at peace with being runner-up. Jamal is such an incredible performer. I was at peace. I really was. It’s a true honor to be runner-up,” he told the outlet.

John was asked a similar question during an interview with Unfiltered with Kiran. He shared, “That’s the hot question everybody’s been asking me.” Again, he gave a very modest response, showing just how truly humble he was.

“Whether I saw it or didn’t, I genuinely don’t know. There were cameras everywhere, five and a half million people watching… you don’t register what’s happening in that moment,” he said. “It wasn’t about sneaking a peek. It was about knowing I gave it everything I had—and being proud of the journey.”

In the same interview, John shared that, despite not winning, he was still so proud of how far he made it. Top 2 isn’t too bad…

“I was shook. To be top two? That’s wild. But when Jamal’s name was called, I felt nothing but peace. I was happy for him, and proud of myself, too,” he said.

What’s Next For The 18-Year-Old Country Singer?

Despite being Season 23’s runner-up, John has a promising future as a country musician. We’ve seen plenty of Idol contestants who didn’t win, like Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert, and Chris Daughtry, all find enormous success thanks to their reality TV appearances.

During the Idol finale, both John and Jamal sang what would be their debut singles. For the Addis, Louisiana native, his single was his original tune, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a song he had written for a friend who had tragically passed away, and one that touched the judges and America. John had previously sung the song during the show’s Easter special, on April 20th.

John’s “Tell That Angel I Love Her” is in tribute to friends Maggie Dunn and Carolina Gill, who were both killed in a car crash on December 31, 2022.

According to iTunesChart.net, John’s song found itself in the Top 12 iTunes music charts, which is a major accomplishment. Speaking to Unfiltered with Kiran, John shared that a record deal was “in the works,” which means that fans will certainly be promised a debut album some time soon.

After Jamal Roberts’ win, he released his debut single, “Heal,” which has taken the No.1 spot on the iTunes charts.

After his Idol experience, John also shared that he will continue giving fans music and hopes to perform on bigger stages. “Studio time. New music. More shows. I want to touch lives on a bigger scale. That’s my mission,” Foster said, adding, “At the end of the day, it’s not about titles. It’s about using your gifts to make the world better. That’s what I’m chasing. Little old me made it this far. Just imagine what’s next.”

Fans have loved John’s authenticity and pure country voice during his Idol journey. He even admitted that he fel like he grew up a little thanks to the experience. “I was a kid in November. I’m still young, but I feel like I’ve grown in every way—spiritually, musically, personally. I’m more confident, more grounded, more grateful,” he said.