In a move that’s already sending shockwaves through the country music world, legendary duo Brooks & Dunn have reportedly extended a record deal offer to American Idol Season 23 runner-up John Foster, inviting the rising star to join the prestigious Arista Nashville roster.

The offer came just days after Foster’s standout finale performance—where he finished as a fan-favorite second place—and signals a major endorsement from two of the genre’s most revered veterans. Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks, long-time champions of traditional country music, are said to have followed Foster’s Idol journey closely. Sources say the duo admired his raw vocal grit, emotional delivery, and songwriting chops—qualities reminiscent of country’s golden era.

“He’s got that spark we haven’t seen in a while—a little Travis Tritt, a little Randy Travis, but he’s his own thing,” Kix Brooks shared in a statement through Arista. “We believe in John’s voice, and we want to help him make the kind of country music that lasts.”

If finalized, the deal would bring Foster under the Arista Nashville umbrella, home to artists like Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and of course, Brooks & Dunn themselves. Foster, 22, grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he first found his voice singing in church and strumming guitar on his grandparents’ front porch. His Idol performances—especially his self-written originals—stood out for their sincerity and emotional weight. His finale track, “Back Road Revival,” shot to No. 2 on the iTunes Country Chart within 24 hours, signaling strong fan support and industry buzz.

But the offer comes during a deeply personal moment for the young artist. Just days after the finale aired, Foster was hospitalized with vocal cord strain and stress-related fatigue. According to family members, the pressure of the competition and the overwhelming attention took a toll. “He was struggling—physically and emotionally,” a close relative said. “The pressure hit him hard. He wanted to make everyone proud, and he felt like he let people down.”

The outreach from Brooks & Dunn reportedly reached him while he was still recovering. It proved to be a lifeline. “It gave him something to hope for—something to fight for,” the family member added. “He said, ‘If Brooks & Dunn see something in me, maybe I am meant to do this.’”

Negotiations are ongoing, but Foster is expected to officially sign with Arista Nashville by early summer. Studio sessions are already being planned in Nashville, with Brooks & Dunn reportedly helping him build a songwriting team for his debut EP. Sources say the first project could be released in early 2026, and industry whispers suggest the duo may even join Foster for a duet on the record.

John Foster may not have won the Idol title, but with Brooks & Dunn in his corner, he’s stepping into a future brighter than anything confetti could ever represent. As Ronnie Dunn reportedly said after watching Foster perform live, “Sometimes second place is just the start of a first chapter.”