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Side Porch Daiquiris, a beloved local bar off La. 1 in Addis, was quiet Wednesday morning except for the chatter of the radio and the whirring of the daiquiri machines. 

But just weeks ago, the atmosphere at the dive was electric when ¶¶Òõh native and now Top 10 "American Idol" contestant John Foster played his final concert at his hometown bar.

“I always had a feeling he’d be too big for us one day," said Side Porch manager Brady Creighton, who started booking then-high school student Foster right after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Westside bar, restaurant and festival circuit served as a training ground for the 18-year-old country musician, who continues to advance in season 23 of the singing competition airing on ABC.

His stage presence and sound seemed developed even at the beginning of his career, locals said. 

"That's the same voice he's had since he was 16, 17," Creighton said.

Regulars at Charlie's Lounge, another bar played by Foster, all had stories to share about the young singer. Local Gary Tullier said he only got better as he watched him play over the years.

When Foster was starting out, he played Feast on the Levee, a festival in Brusly where Tullier saw him perform. 

"When he got off the stage, I said, 'Man, you did excellent, you need to go on 'American Idol,'" Tullier said. 

Sitting around the bar, residents also praised Foster for being an old soul, in both his music and how he interacts with others.

"He's an honest, genuine, probably the most respectful person his age I've ever met in my life," Ryan Comeaux said. "I mean, I gotta tell him to quit calling me sir."

Before he traveled to Hollywood for "American Idol," Foster already had several gigs scheduled for this year in various West Baton Rouge venues. Locals weren't sure whether he could keep those commitments, but they said they wouldn't blame him for breaking them.

For now, the act "John Foster" stays on the music lineup board at Charlie's.