American Idol’s John Foster Honors Keith Whitley with Soulful “Don’t Close Your Eyes” Cover
American Idol Season 23 runner-up John Foster continues to win hearts long after his time on the show — this time, with a heartfelt rendition of Keith Whitley’s timeless classic, “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” The young country artist’s cover reminds fans why he became one of the most beloved contestants of his season: his deep respect for traditional country and his ability to make each song feel personal.
From Idol Favorite to Rising Country Star
Foster, who finished in second place during the May finale of American Idol, quickly became a fan favorite throughout the competition. His journey began with an audition that showcased both his talent and versatility — after performing Alan Jackson’s “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”, he switched to Conway Twitty’s “Goodbye Time” to fully convince the judges. The bold move earned him unanimous approval from Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, propelling him straight to Hollywood Week.
Throughout the season, the Georgia native stood out for his authentic country sound and emotional storytelling. One of his most memorable moments came when he performed his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written in tribute to two close friends who tragically passed away in a car accident. The moving performance went viral and solidified his reputation as a sincere and grounded artist.
During the finale, Foster competed against Jamal Roberts and Breanna Nix — with Roberts ultimately taking home the title. But even as the runner-up, Foster left the stage with enormous fan support and momentum.
A Milestone Year for Foster
Since his time on Idol, the 19-year-old has had a whirlwind year. One of his biggest accomplishments came in June, when he made his Grand Ole Opry debut — a dream come true for any aspiring country artist. Between touring dates, studio sessions, and TV appearances, Foster continues to carve out his place in Nashville’s growing wave of traditional country revivalists.
Despite his busy schedule, Foster hasn’t forgotten what got him there in the first place — a genuine love for classic country music and the legends who shaped it.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Keith Whitley
On October 22, Foster posted his latest cover to Instagram: a stripped-down version of Keith Whitley’s beloved 1988 hit “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
Seated in a dressing room with just his acoustic guitar and two of his bandmates providing gentle harmonies, Foster delivered a raw, soulful performance that instantly struck a chord with fans.
In his caption, he wrote:
“Excuse the video quality, but I figured it’s been long enough since I posted a good ole country gold cover.”
The simplicity of the video only amplified its emotional power. Without flashy production, Foster’s deep, resonant voice and natural phrasing paid a touching tribute to Whitley — one of country music’s most cherished voices.
Fans React with Praise and Emotion
The comments quickly poured in from fans who were deeply moved by the performance:
“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!”
“You sure bring back natural, pure, and real country music again. Keep on keeping it country!”
For many, Foster’s rendition felt like a breath of fresh air — a reminder of what makes classic country timeless and why artists like him are keeping that tradition alive.
Keeping Country Gold Alive
John Foster’s cover of “Don’t Close Your Eyes” isn’t just a nostalgic nod — it’s proof that traditional country still resonates with younger generations. With his smooth voice, emotional depth, and unwavering authenticity, Foster is carrying the torch for artists like Whitley, Jackson, and Twitty while making the genre his own.
As his career continues to rise, one thing is clear: John Foster is not just honoring country’s past — he’s helping to shape its future.
🎵 Watch John Foster’s moving performance of “Don’t Close Your Eyes” below.