American Idol finalist John Foster’s English teacher on former star student

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — On Wednesday night in Addis, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge, there was a special “Homecoming Parade” for “American Idol” finalist, John Foster.

The 18-year old LSU student came back from Hollywood briefly for the parade and free concert. A pep rally was even held at Foster’s old school, Brusly High School.

WGNO’s Kenny Lopez spoke with his English teacher about what makes him such a star.

He’s almost there. Louisiana native John Foster from Addis is almost the next “American Idol.”

Before landing in the Top 3 on the hit TV show, 18-year old John Foster hit the high notes at Brusly High School, where he graduated in 2024.

“He was an amazing student. He got straight A’s, and was Valedictorian. I think the secret to his success is he’s very hard working,” Sarah Guillory, English teacher at Brusly High School said.

Guillory said she knew he always made the grade in school, but she had no idea of his musical talents.

“When he was a sophomore, someone played a recording of him and I was shocked that such a big voice came out of that little student,” she said.

His former teacher went on to say, “He’s a good listener. He pays attention to things and he’s curious. He welcomes feedback and he takes that feedback and he uses that to grow and improve,” Guillory said.

She said he always had a knack for writing, which will help him as a songwriter.

“In my class, all the writing was done in class under a timed situation. Even with the pressures of the class he would produce beautiful writing,” she said.

If she could give him a teaching moment right now she said it would be this.

“I would tell him to soak this up and enjoy this. I don’t want him to rush through anything, and to enjoy this while he’s in it,” she said.

In his teacher’s mind, he’s already there.

She said that he’s currently studying biology at LSU in hopes of one day being an oncologist.

We’ll find out if he wins “American Idol” on Sunday, May 18, starting at 7 p.m. on WGNO-TV.