Key Takeaways
- Local favorite John Foster is making his hometown of Addis proud as he advances on American Idol. His parents, Buddy and Amanda Benoit, support him, and the family’s butcher shop is becoming a pilgrimage site for fans.
- Foster’s deep family connections are evident through his close relationship with his grandmother, “MiMere” Verbie Benoit, and the 45+ relatives who flew to California to cheer him on during the competition.
- The 18-year-old country singer touched viewers’ hearts when he serenaded his girlfriend, Brooklyn Bourque, with George Strait’s “Cross My Heart” during Judges’ Choice night.
The small town of Addis is bursting with pride as local favorite John Foster makes waves on American Idol.
From roadside signs lining LA-1 to cheering crowds in local butcher shops, Foster’s hometown is all in on the journey of their rising country star, and behind him is a tight-knit group of family, friends, and one proud girlfriend.
Meet John Foster’s Parents
John Foster, the 18-year-old singer stealing America’s heart, was born to Buddy and Amanda Benoit, who locals describe as “hard-working and kind” people who raised John with strong values and southern charm.
While details about Amanda are scarce, she’s known for her love of Elvis Presley, a passion that may have helped inspire John’s musical roots.
His father, John “Buddy” Foster Benoit Jr., is more public-facing, often speaking to the media about his son’s journey.
Buddy said,
“He has a heart like no other. I really couldn’t be more proud.”
That pride runs deep. Buddy says John’s success has brought joy to their family and the entire community.
From Butcher Shop To Big Stage
Before American Idol, Foster worked at the family business, Benoit’s Country Meat Block, a butcher shop founded by his grandparents in 1982.
It’s more than just a meat market; it has become a community cornerstone and is now a pilgrimage site for Foster fans.
Customers now swing by not just for Louisiana sausage and boudin but also to ask about the young man who is putting Addis on the map.
Father Buddy says,
“People are going in and out, and yes, we get a lot of that now. That’s been great.”
Even the judges on American Idol got a taste of Louisiana when the Benoit family shared their signature flavors with the cast.
Loves His Grandmother’s Cooking
Foster’s “MiMere,” Verbie Benoit, nearly brought her grandson to tears when she surprised him with a home-cooked meal before he left for Los Angeles.
On the menu are sticky chicken, smothered potatoes with Benoit’s hot sausage, rice, and gravy.
And when it comes to support, the Benoit family shows up in full force.
More than 45 friends and relatives flew to California to support him on American Idol, including his cousin Liane Benoit, who traveled from Georgia.
John Has A Girlfriend
On one of the most emotional nights of the competition, Judges’ Choice night, John Foster had a chance to serenade the love of his life: Brooklyn Bourque, his girlfriend.
Performing George Strait’s “Cross My Heart”, Foster sang straight to Brooklyn, who stood beaming and jumping in the audience just feet from the stage.
Their sweet moment on live television only made Foster more beloved to fans, who see not just a singer, but a grounded, loving young man with deep family roots and a pure heart.
Support for Foster has expanded far beyond Addis.
Neighboring towns like Brusly, Plaquemine, Port Allen, White Castle, and Bayou Pigeon have all embraced him as one of their own.
According to Buddy Benoit,
“We can’t thank these communities enough. They’ve been with John since the beginning.”
Go get ’em, John!
Truly an inspiration for the younger generation. Have faith and believe in your self. This young man has strong family values with a strong faith in the Lord. This young man was surrounded and grew up with strong family ties. Love, strong work ethics, respect. He has it all. It brings tears to my eyes because this young man’s family and friends truly care about and love him. I have faith with those strong ties he will never be led astray by the industry. Cannot wait till he tours and comes t our state to perform. His persona reminds me of George Strait and Alan Jackson -family values and not needing all the smoke and mirrors to perform. They stood firm to their morals and believing in themselves and I have no doubt this young man is out next George Strait/Alan Jackson in terms of being true to himself.