Introduction
On a typical Monday in Addis, Louisiana, Benoit’s Country Meat Block is serving more than just its beloved plate lunch of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and dessert for $10.99—it’s serving up hometown pride. That’s because one of their own, John Foster, is capturing hearts across the country as a standout contestant on American Idol.
Just a short walk from the banks of the Mississippi River, this family-run Cajun shop is alive with more than the savory scents of boudin and gumbo. There’s a buzz of excitement, fueled by the community’s overwhelming support for Foster, whose Louisiana roots run deep. His grandparents hail from Church Point and Lawtell, and it’s clear he carries that Cajun spirit with him wherever he goes.
When John auditioned in Nashville, he didn’t come empty-handed. He brought boudin, jerky, and a bottle of Benoit’s signature seasoning—a taste of home he wanted to share with the judges. According to his grandmother, Verbie Benoit, country star Luke Bryan couldn’t get enough. “He was licking it off his fingers backstage,” she recalled with a smile.
Verbie, 75, admits she never imagined her grandson would end up on national television. But with every performance, John continues to impress her. Now, she’s packing her suitcase, grabbing her rosary, and heading to Hollywood along with 31 family members to cheer him on as he competes in the Top 10. “I don’t pray for him to win,” she says, “I pray for God to be with him.”
Even with growing fame, John stays grounded. He’s currently pursuing a biology degree at LSU, attending classes online, and dreams of becoming an oncologist. A former co-valedictorian, he’s as academically gifted as he is musically talented. And as his grandmother proudly puts it, he’s “a good Christian boy.” One of his teachers once predicted he’d be governor. His family jokingly said, “Why stop there? He could be president.”
Back at the meat counter in Addis, longtime employees like Rick Bourgoyne and Blake Sarradet beam with pride as they share a fun fact: “Foster” is actually his middle name. His full name is John Foster Benoit III. They’ve watched him grow up, pitch in during holiday rushes at the store, and develop his love for music—thanks in part to his uncle, local musician Gaylen Martin.
Even the newer faces at the shop are all in. Regina DeBenedetto, one of the recent hires, voted for him 30 times and encourages everyone she meets to do the same. “He listens, he learns, and he delivers every time he steps on stage,” she said.
Whether he goes on to become a music star or a doctor, one thing is clear to everyone at Benoit’s: John Foster has all the right ingredients—raw talent, heartfelt humility, and just the right touch of Cajun flavor.