John Foster, runner-up on American Idol Season 23, has been making waves with his heartfelt performances — and his latest cover of Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” shows exactly why.

Foster first caught the attention of country fans back in May when he finished second on the show. From his very first audition, it was clear he had something special. He started with Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” but when judge Luke Bryan wasn’t fully convinced, Foster switched gears with Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time.” That bold move earned him a unanimous “yes” and a fast track to Hollywood.

Throughout the season, Foster became one of the most talked-about contestants. His Top 20 performance of an original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” went viral. Written in memory of two friends lost in a car accident, the emotional ballad revealed Foster’s deep ability to connect with listeners.

During the finale, Foster, Jamal Roberts, and Breanna Nix were the last three standing. When the results came in, Nix placed third, Foster second, and Roberts took the crown.

Since then, Foster hasn’t slowed down. He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in June and continues to honor the country legends who inspired him. At just 19, he frequently shares covers of classic country songs, keeping the genre’s roots alive.

Most recently, Foster posted a video of himself covering Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” on Instagram. Sitting in a dressing room with his acoustic guitar, two bandmates providing backup, he captioned it:

“Excuse the video quality, but I figured it’s been long enough since I posted a good ole country gold cover.”

Fans quickly flooded the comments with love:

• “John, this is my absolute favorite Keith Whitley song! You do it so well! I’ll be listening to it over and over again!”

• “God has blessed you with such a beautiful gift!”

• “John, I love your beautiful voice. You bring back pure, real country music. Keep shining!”

With his talent, heart, and respect for country’s roots, John Foster is proving he’s a rising star who honors the past while blazing his own trail.