Pia Toscano is planning her wedding, but she has other performers in mind for the big day. During David Foster’s 75th birthday event, “You’re the Inspiration: David Foster,” held at the Hollywood Bowl on Nov. 3, the American Idol alum hinted to PEOPLE that Foster and his wife, Katharine McPhee, might perform at her wedding ceremony later in the month.
“There might be a very special performer at my ceremony,” Toscano, 36, revealed. “It could be David and Kat, but I should probably keep that a secret,” she added with a smile. Having competed on season 10 of American Idol, Toscano considers Foster her “musical guardian angel,” so it feels only fitting that he might play a role in her wedding.
“I first heard David’s music when I was 4,” she shared. “The very first song I sang was ‘I Will Always Love You.’ I even used to write to Oprah and to David, sending in my demo tapes when he’d showcase amazing artists on The Oprah Show, though, of course, they never reached him. So when I got to meet him through American Idol, it was a dream come true, and he’s since transformed my career.”
Reflecting on their bond, she added, “He’s given me a second chance, and I feel so grateful to be part of his birthday celebration with this incredible lineup.” At Foster’s birthday bash, Toscano performed “The Power of Love” and “All By Myself,” both by Céline Dion. Recently engaged to Carmen Educate, an executive vice president at On Stage Audio, Toscano is thrilled about her upcoming wedding after their engagement in October 2023.
She was previously married to dancer Jimmy R.O. Smith, whom she wed in January 2017, but they parted ways three years later. Juggling wedding planning with a packed schedule, Toscano admits, “We’re kind of winging it.” “We’re aiming to have it all set by Nov. 24,” she shared, mentioning that they’re down to the finishing touches.
The ceremony will be an “intimate gathering” at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel. But almost right after the wedding, Toscano will be back to work. Alongside writing and recording for her upcoming album, she’s preparing to go on tour with Andrea Bocelli in December.
As for a honeymoon, those plans are on hold until 2025. “We’ll head to Europe in March. We love London and can’t wait to explore,” Toscano told PEOPLE, envisioning a full European getaway.