Less than two weeks after John Foster finished as runner-up on Season 23 of American Idol, the rising country star had even more reason to celebrate. On Wednesday, May 28, Foster marked a personal milestone — his one-year anniversary with girlfriend Brooklyn Bourque.

To honor the special day, Foster took to his Instagram Story with a heartfelt tribute to Bourque. He posted a sweet new photo of the couple enjoying Memorial Day Weekend together and added a touching message alongside it.

“It’s been an amazing year and you’ve been beside me every step of the way,” Foster wrote. “Happy 1 year anniversary. I love you so much.”

Throughout his American Idol journey, Bourque proved to be one of Foster’s biggest supporters. She was frequently spotted in the audience during his live performances, cheering him on with visible pride. Their bond became a quiet but powerful part of his story — a reminder that even in the whirlwind of reality TV fame, Foster kept his heart grounded.

Over the Memorial Day Weekend, the couple attended Cajun Country Jam together, where Foster performed his first major post-Idol set. Bourque shared behind-the-scenes moments from the event on her Instagram, including a video of Foster performing on stage, smiling as he soaked in the crowd’s energy.

And the momentum isn’t slowing down.
On June 4, Foster is set to reunite with fellow Idol contestants and alumni for a special group performance in Nashville. Just a few days later, on June 7, he will accomplish one of his lifelong dreams: performing at the Grand Ole Opry for the very first time.

“The first time I went to the Opry, I fought back tears because I was so overwhelmed with joy,” Foster recently shared on social media. “As an amateur country music historian, there is no more significant place to my passion (country music) than the Grand Ole Opry. This has been my #1 dream ever since I started music, and now, because of your support, my dream will come true! I will NEVER be able to express my gratitude! Glory be to God!”

Foster’s sincerity and love for traditional country music have set him apart, earning him a loyal fan base and opening doors to exciting opportunities. While he didn’t take home the Idol crown, his second-place finish has already launched a promising career — with both personal and professional victories unfolding in tandem.

Meanwhile, Idol’s 2025 winner, Jamal Roberts, is enjoying his own breakout moment. His cover of Tom Odell’s emotional ballad “Heal,” released as his first official single, made an immediate impact. It debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Chart and No. 2 on the Digital Sales Chart across all genres — a testament to his broad appeal and powerful voice.

With two rising stars, John Foster and Jamal Roberts, already making waves beyond the show, American Idol Season 23 is proving to be one of the most impactful seasons yet.