Eagle Ridge Academy seventh grader Charles Foster went viral on social media after his incredible first-place performance in the Preteen Division of the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Show on September 6! Videos of his award-winning performance - which also included flips and a split - generated hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok, which led to interviews with several radio and news stations.
In an interview with the radio station Power 104.7, Charles said as he stepped on the Grandstand stage to perform the song Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys he told himself "I'm going to go win this."
While the state fair performance in front of 6,000 people might have been a career highlight, Charles is no stranger to the stage. Since he began singing at age 10, he has already performed at the Capri Theater, the Guthrie Theater, and The Children's Theatre.
Charles describes the feeling he gets from performing as "electric" and has big dreams to be on Broadway and in movies. Since his state fair win last month, he has already filmed a commercial New York City and has continued to audition. If you want to see his next performance, he will be acting in Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Children's Theatre Company beginning next month!
When asked about his busy schedule in an interview with Fox9, he spoke on how communication with his teachers and their willingness to send him work when he misses school for his auditions and filming has allowed him to balance his passion with his schoolwork.
Carmeann Foster, Charles' mom and biggest supporter, told Power 104.7 that developing her son's education was just as vital as the music: "The most important thing is that they're going to be great human beings and good global citizens and academically astute."
The Eagle Ridge Academy community is immensely proud of Charles, not only for his accomplishments, but for his dedication, his perseverance, his work ethic, and his joy. We can't wait to watch Charles continue to chase his dreams!