John Foster took the stage by storm on American Idol 2025 with his rendition of the legendary “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley. Right from the first beat, the energy was electric as John’s voice rang out, capturing the spirit of the iconic song while making it his own. The crowd went wild, with every note from his performance resonating through the room.

What made his performance stand out was not just his vocal ability, but the charisma he brought to the stage. As he moved through the song, he commanded the stage with the confidence of a seasoned performer, making every moment feel like it was a part of a larger, unforgettable experience. His high-energy performance had the audience on their feet, clapping and cheering for more.

But it wasn’t just the audience that was moved; the judges couldn’t help but show their admiration. They were in awe of how John transformed such a classic track into something fresh and exciting, proving that he wasn’t just covering a song—he was giving it his own unique twist. The judges’ praise for his stage presence and vocal delivery made it clear that he was a frontrunner in this competition.

John’s choice of “Jailhouse Rock” was a bold one, but he executed it flawlessly. The song, known for its upbeat tempo and rock-and-roll spirit, fit perfectly with John’s style, and he brought an energy to the performance that could have made Elvis himself proud. The crowd’s excitement was palpable, with fans waving and cheering as he hit every note with precision.

In addition to his powerful vocals, John’s stage presence was undeniably magnetic. He used every inch of the stage, engaging with the audience and making eye contact that drew them deeper into the performance. It wasn’t just a song—he created an experience that everyone in the room could feel, from the high-energy choreography to the heartfelt emotion he infused into each lyric.

Who was eliminated?

Two artists had to go home at the end of the episode. After the viewer votes were cast, Ryan Seacrest revealed which two artists had the lowest amount of votes and were, therefore, eliminated: Amanda Barise and Desmond Roberts.

That meant that the rest of the artists moved on to the next stage of the competition. The top 12 will take the stage during the Monday, April 28, episode for more live performances.

The top 12 are: Canaan James Hill, Gabby Samone, Mattie Pruitt, Thunderstorm Artis, Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Filo, Kolbi Jordan, Josh King, Jamal Roberts, and Ché.

In the aftermath of the performance, social media lit up with praise for John. Fans were already calling it one of the standout moments of the season. His ability to bring a timeless classic into the modern era while staying true to its roots earned him a place in the hearts of viewers everywhere.

John’s performance of “Jailhouse Rock” on American Idol 2025 was more than just a song—it was a testament to his artistry, energy, and passion for music. With this performance, he firmly established himself as a contender for the title, and it’s clear that his journey on American Idol has only just begun.