“It’s not even my real name” — John Foster ADMITS SHOCKING SECRET Behind His STAGE NAME And The DEEP FAMILY TRUTH That Almost Kept Him From Using It On American Idol

John Foster may have become a household name thanks to his unforgettable voice on American Idol—but few know the name that made him famous isn’t the one he was born with. In a stunning revelation, Foster shared the emotional backstory behind his stage name and why he nearly left it behind. What’s the real reason he chose “Foster”? And what part of his family history was he trying to honor—or escape?

Click to uncover the full story behind the name that almost never was—and the legacy it carries with every note he sings.

American Idol Season 23 introduced fans to a standout country voice that quickly won hearts across the nation. But while fans cheered for John Foster, many were surprised to learn that “Foster” isn’t actually his last name — it’s his middle name. The rising star’s full name is John Foster Benoit, and there’s a meaningful story behind why he chose to leave his last name out of the spotlight.

In a recent interview on the Fable House podcast, the Louisiana native opened up about his decision, revealing a deep connection to his Cajun and French roots, and the practical challenges of balancing authenticity with the expectations of the country music industry.

“I’m from Louisiana, have a lot of Cajun heritage, a lot of French heritage,” he shared. “My last name is Benoit. That’s something I’ve always been very proud of. I’ve always loved my last name.”

For Foster, the name Benoit carries significant meaning. Beyond being a direct tie to his cultural identity, the name also resonates on a spiritual level.

“Benoit is a rough translation to ‘blessed’ in English,” he explained. “So I’ve always really loved that.”

Still, when it came time to craft a public image and introduce himself as a country artist to a national audience, Foster found himself at a crossroads.

“When I was getting into country music, I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know if I can go by John Foster Benoit.’ That’s just not really a country name,” he admitted.

The name “John Foster” was simple, clean, and approachable — a better fit, he felt, for country music stages and audiences unfamiliar with French pronunciation. It’s a choice that many artists make when building a brand, but for Foster, it didn’t come without careful reflection.

Despite the stage name, Foster continues to carry pride in his heritage offstage and makes it clear that Benoit will always be a part of who he is. His deep roots, humility, and authenticity shine through not just in his interviews but in the heartfelt tone of his music — traits that have drawn fans to him since his very first American Idol audition.

As his music career continues to grow, it’s clear that John Foster may have simplified his name, but he hasn’t lost any of the rich identity behind it. And that blend of tradition and modern storytelling may just be what sets him apart in today’s country music scene.