John Foster Delivers Heartfelt Tribute to His Mom with Emotional Rendition of Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe” on American Idol

American Idol’s beloved country artist, John Foster, moved audiences to tears during Sunday night’s Disney-themed episode with a soul-stirring performance dedicated to his mother.

The two-hour special kicked off with the Top 7 contestants performing Disney classics under the guidance of Broadway superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda. But the second half of the evening took a deeply personal turn as the singers honored their mothers ahead of Mother’s Day. Each contestant shared touching stories about the women who shaped their lives before delivering heartfelt musical tributes—prompting judge Carrie Underwood to admit she’d likely be crying through the performances.

Foster’s choice? A poignant cover of Brooks & Dunn’s 2005 ballad “Believe,” a song widely regarded as one of country music’s most emotional tracks. Before taking the stage, he explained why it resonated so deeply with him.

“This song is rooted in faith, and that’s how I see my mom—she’s my rock, my spiritual foundation,” Foster shared. “My Christian faith has been shaped by her over the years, and I’m eternally grateful for that.”

His mother, watching from the audience, added to the emotional weight of the moment when she told him, “I was born to be a mom, and I’m so glad he’s mine.” The raw emotion in Foster’s performance not only left viewers in tears but also secured his spot in the Top 5 as the competition intensifies.

A History of Emotional Performances

This isn’t the first time Foster has moved Idol fans with his heartfelt storytelling. Earlier in the season, during the Top 20 round, he performed an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in memory of two friends—Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill—who tragically passed away in a 2022 New Year’s Eve car accident.

The performance was especially poignant as both mothers were in the audience that night. Maggie’s mom, Erin Martin, later revealed that while the live applause initially drowned out Foster’s final words—“I love you, Maggie”—she was deeply moved when she heard it upon rewatching the episode at home.

“I could see him getting emotional on stage, but I didn’t catch those words until I watched it back,” Martin shared. “It meant everything to hear him say that.”

With his ability to channel deep emotion into his music, Foster continues to prove why he’s a standout contestant this season. As American Idol progresses, one thing is clear: whether honoring lost loved ones or celebrating his mother’s unwavering support, John Foster’s performances are as authentic as they are unforgettable.

Who else made the Top 5? Stay tuned as the competition heats up!