John Foster Brings America to Tears with Emotional Mother’s Day Performance of “Believe” on American Idol
Sunday night’s American Idol episode delivered what may be the most unforgettable moment of Season 23, as John Foster took the stage with a moving tribute to his mother, singing Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe.” His performance was filled with emotion and sincerity, drawing tears from both the live audience and the panel of judges in a moment that left the entire room silent with awe.
Coinciding with Mother’s Day and the second half of Idol’s Disney Week, the evening naturally leaned into a more sentimental tone. Each of the Top 7 contestants chose songs to honor their mothers or the women who raised them, but it was Foster’s deeply emotional rendition that truly captured the spirit of the night and made a lasting impression.
A Mother’s Day Moment That Stopped the Show
The show opened with upbeat performances drawn from Disney’s beloved songbook, under the guidance of the iconic Lin-Manuel Miranda. However, once the second hour began, the mood transitioned from playful to poignant as the spotlight shifted to heartfelt tributes in honor of Mother’s Day.
As Ryan Seacrest introduced the Mother’s Day portion of the episode, Carrie Underwood offered a heads-up, admitting she’d “probably cry through the whole thing.” That prediction turned out to be more accurate than anyone expected.
When John Foster emerged on stage to sing “Believe”, the atmosphere turned reverent. Originally recorded by Brooks & Dunn in 2003, the song is a soul-stirring ballad rooted in themes of faith, family, and loss. As Foster sang, his voice trembled with emotion, transforming the classic country track into a powerful tribute that touched everyone watching.
“My Mom Is My Faith”
Before stepping into the spotlight, Foster opened up about the personal significance behind his song choice. His voice filled with emotion, he described how his mother’s enduring presence and spiritual guidance inspired every word he was about to sing.
“It’s a song that’s very rooted in faith, which is how I see my mom. She’s my faith,” Foster said.
“My prime faith is Christianity, and my mom has built that over so many years. I am so eternally grateful.”
The performance took on even deeper meaning when Foster’s mother appeared in a pre-recorded video message. Holding back her own tears, she expressed her devotion to her son in the simplest, yet most powerful way possible.
“I was born to be a mom, and I’m so glad that he’s mine.”
Emotions ran high throughout the studio and across the country as viewers felt the full weight of the moment. There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as Foster brought his heartfelt tribute to a close.
Foster Advances to the Top 5 After Powerful Tribute
Foster’s impassioned rendition of “Believe” earned overwhelming praise from the judges, and when the night’s votes were counted, he secured a spot in the Top 5, bringing him one step closer to the Season 23 finale. It was a well-earned moment for a performer who consistently leads with vulnerability and heart.
It wasn’t the first time Foster brought the Idol audience to tears, either. His ability to connect with people through music has become his hallmark throughout the competition.
A Voice That Carries Grief, Faith, and Love
Earlier in the season, during the Top 20 round, Foster unveiled an original composition titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her” — a heartfelt dedication to Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, two of his close friends who died in a tragic car crash on New Year’s Eve 2022. The raw emotion in his voice made the tribute one of the most talked-about performances of the season.
As the final note faded, Foster looked directly into the camera and whispered, “I love you, Maggie.” It was a quiet moment, easily lost in the applause at the venue but unforgettable for those watching at home.
For Erin Martin, Maggie’s mother, that fleeting gesture meant more than words could say. Though she missed it in the studio, the replay brought tears to her eyes.
“I didn’t hear him say ‘I love you, Maggie’ when I was there live,” she told UWK.
“But when I got home and watched it again, I heard it — and it meant the world to me.”
A Star on the Rise With a Heart That Shines
As American Idol 2025 nears its conclusion, John Foster continues to prove he’s more than just a great singer. He’s a storyteller, a truth-teller, and a young artist with a rare ability to translate real life into song. His emotional sincerity resonates with audiences week after week.
Whether he’s remembering lost friends or celebrating his mother’s steadfast love, Foster shows time and again that he understands the true purpose of music: connection. His songs are not performances — they’re confessions, open-hearted and honest.
With “Believe,” Foster gave Idol viewers one of the season’s most unforgettable performances. It was more than just a song — it was a tribute, a prayer, and a moment of gratitude that echoed long after the last note faded.
