Viewers say his voice carries the same emotional weight as Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson

When 18-year-old country singer John Foster took the stage during American Idol’s Top 8 live episode, no one quite expected the emotional storm that was about to unfold. With quiet confidence and undeniable sincerity, Foster delivered a haunting rendition of the timeless ballad “Always on My Mind” — and fans across the country are still talking about it.

 A Performance That Felt Like a Conversation with the HearFoster didn’t just sing — he confided. With every word, he peeled back a layer of emotion, making each line feel personal and intimate. There was no over-singing, no vocal gymnastics — just pure, emotional storytelling, the kind that has made songs like “Always on My Mind” last for generations.

Rather than mimic the iconic renditions from Elvis Presley or Willie Nelson, Foster brought a fresh, youthful vulnerability to the performance — a version rooted in his own experience and feeling. And fans noticed. Comments across social media echoed the same sentiment: “It felt like he lived the song,” one viewer wrote. Another added, “That’s not just a cover — that was his song.”