American Idol season 23 Top 10 finalist John Foster responded to shocking rumors that claimed he's not who he says he is. During his American Idol season 23 audition, John was introduced as an 18-year-old college student from Addis, Louisiana. He's wowed everyone with his phenomenal performances, including "Callin' Baton Rouge" by Garth Brooks, "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley, "I Told You So" by Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis, and his original song "Tell That Angel I Love Her." However, rumors have claimed that some details about John's life are untrue, and that he's related to a country music legend.

John addressed rumors that he's older than 18, that he's not from Louisiana, that he's related to country music singer Dwight Yoakam, and that he's signed with a record label.

In a Facebook post, John addressed rumors that he's older than 18, that he's not from Louisiana, that he's related to country music singer Dwight Yoakam, and that he's signed with a record label. The country music singer wrote, "For the sake of all of my family (followers) getting to know me better, I'd like to clear up some misinformation that has been spreading on Facebook."

John then dispelled three rumors about himself, writing, "1. I am 18 years old (not 24). 2. I was born and raised in Louisiana. My hometown is Addis, LA. I'm not from Benton, Kentucky (I've never even been to Kentucky, but I hope to visit someday). 3. I'm not related to Dwight Yoakam, nor am I currently signed under any record label (there was some misinformation that Dwight Yoakam signed me under Sugar Hill Records)."

John also told his fans that they should only believe the information that's shared on his official page. He said, "If you see something about me that's not from my page (with the blue checkmark), there’s a chance that it may not be true! I hope this helps y'all to know me better as a person now that y'all know more about my music. If you have any questions about me, try commenting them under this post. Either I or someone who knows me well will likely answer you! God Bless!"

Although it's unclear how all of these rumors began, in the comments section of the post, a fan wrote that the American Idol app had John's information wrong, describing him as being older than 18 and from Kentucky. However, the fan added that the mistake has since been corrected. In addition, many fans have noticed that John is similar to Dwight, and judge Carrie Underwood even said on the show that he reminds her of him, so someone might've taken that comparison and run with it.

For the sake of all of my family (followers) getting to know me better, I'd like to clear up some misinformation that has been spreading on Facebook:

1. I am 18 years old (not 24).

2. I was born and raised in Louisiana. My hometown is Addis, LA. I'm not from Benton, Kentucky (I've never even been to Kentucky, but I hope to visit someday).

3. I'm not related to Dwight Yoakam, nor am I currently signed under any record label (there was some misinformation that Dwight Yoakam signed me under Sugar Hill Records).

If you see something about me that's not from my page (with the blue checkmark), there’s a chance that it may not be true! I hope this helps y'all to know me better as a person now that y'all know more about my music. If you have any questions about me, try commenting them under this post. Either I or someone who knows me well will likely answer you! God Bless!

What Misleading Rumors About John Foster Mean For His American Idol Journey

The Misinformation Could Cost John Votes

It was very important for John to dispel these rumors because they could've negatively impacted his American Idol journey. While misinformation about his age and hometown probably wouldn't have affected anything, it's highly possible that viewers wouldn't have voted for him if they mistakenly thought that he was related to Dwight and already had a record deal. John's post means that he's now set the record straight, and hopefully fans now know the truth about him.

Our Take On The Rumors About John Foster

John's Not The Only American Contestant Who's Been The Subject Of Rumors

John isn't the only American Idol contestant who's been the subject of gossip. After Breanna Nix's Top 24 performance, rumors were flying that she left the show because she signed a record deal. Breanna also had to speak out in order to clear up that misinformation about herself. It's a shame that people start rumors about the contestants, especially if they're doing it in order to help other contestants get more votes.

Although the misinformation about John's age and hometown might've come from American Idol itself and was inconsequential, the rumors about him being related to Dwight and having a record deal could've been disastrous for him because people wouldn't have voted for him if they thought he already had these advantages. John is an extraordinary singer who has the potential to have a lasting career in country music. It would be a shame if ridiculous rumors cost him any votes. I think that John has the potential to make it to the finale and win American Idol season 23.

American Idol airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

Source: John Foster/Facebook