John Foster’s GRAND OLE OPRY Debut Leaves Audience in TEARS With Stunning Rendition of “Murder on Music Row” and Soul-Stirring “How Great Thou Art” — Was This His Most POWERFUL Night Yet?

“American Idol” finalist John Foster stepped onto the hallowed Grand Ole Opry stage and delivered a performance that stopped time. Singing “Murder On Music Row” with haunting grace and closing with a deeply emotional “How Great Thou Art,” Foster reminded Nashville—and the world—why he’s more than a contestant. Is this the moment his true country legacy begins? Even longtime Opry regulars were visibly moved.

Catch every breathtaking note and emotional moment from Foster’s historic Opry debut—watch the full performance now and decide for yourself.

John Foster Sings Onstage (Disney/Christopher Willard)JOHN FOSTER, LUKE BRYAN (Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images) Opry Logo (Facebook/Grand Ole Opry)

John Foster Makes His Official Opry Debut

Just one month after coming in second on American Idol, country singer John Foster is making his Grand Ole Opry debut!

On Saturday, June 7, Foster performed for the first time on the iconic stage, joining a number of talented artists including Bill Anderson and Mandy Barnett.

The singer shared his excitement on social media, recalling that performing at the Opry is a lifelong “dream come true.”

“I fought back tears because I was so overwhelmed with joy,” Foster posted on Facebook, recalling his initial Grand Ole Opry trip. “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!”

Facebook/John Foster

John’s Incredible Journey On American Idol

John won the hearts of the nation during his time on Idol with his smooth southern voice and undeniable charm.

The Louisiana-native performed an upbeat Alan Jackson song during his first audition, but the judges requested a second song because they were unsure about the singer.

He quickly proved himself throughout the season, bringing the audience to tears during his top 20 performance of his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The song is a heartfelt tribute to two friends that he has lost.

Just days after the American Idol finale (May 20), John’s “Tell That Angel I Love Her” ranked at #3 on the all-genre songs chart on iTunes.

Foster came in second during the season finale, just behind soulful Jamal Roberts.

“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends. I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – times a million.” the country singer wrote on social media following the show.

Facebook/John Foster

The Country Singer’s Grand Ole Opry Introduction

John took the stage at the Opry in front of a lively, excited crowd. He looked right at home on the iconic stage, wearing his classic cowboy hat, denim jeans and a white blazer.

The singer wowed the crowd with the 1999 hit “Murder on Music Row,” a duet by Alan Jackson and George Straight and a beautiful rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”

The Opry posted a clip of the country singer just moments before his monumental performance to their Instagram story.

“I’m a country music historian so just to be here is an incredible honor, but to actually be playing on the stage is an even bigger honor,” John shared. “To know that I’m recognized enough to be on the Opry stage is absolutely incredible.”