Foster is one of those artists who defy classification. As a producer he’s worked with virtually everyone who has had a hit record. But he’s also a songwriter and musician. Maybe the best description for Foster is simply “showman.”

And Foster is promising an incredible show for his upcoming 10-city tour. Called “David Foster & Friends” with friends being Philip Bailey, Peter Cetera, Oprah protégé Charice and American Idol’s Michael Johns, the tour begins Oct. 21 in Chicago at the Rosemont Theatre and wraps on Nov. 8 in Foster’s hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia, at General Motors Place.

Other October stops include NYC at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden Oct. 23; Newark at the Prudential Center Oct. 24; Boston at Agganis Arena Oct. 25; Atlanta at Fox Theatre Oct. 28 and Tampa at the St. Pete Times Forum Oct. 30.

November dates include Nov. 1 in Hollywood, Fla., at the Hard Rock Live; Nov. 5 in Los Angeles at the Gibson Amphitheatre @ Universal City Walk and Nov. 6 in San Jose at the HP Pavilion.

And yes, Foster has produced all the artists he’s touring with. That is, except maybe Johns. But the day isn’t over yet.

Along with Foster and his highly talented friends, each stop will include the Hit Man Talent Search for emerging artists. During the days leading up to each stop on the tour, local artists in each market will compete by submitting video performances to NameDrop.com.

Once the “pre-selection” process narrows down the submissions, local TV and radio stations will air the remaining performances with audience members voting for finalists via station Web sites.

You can probably see where this is going. The two remaining finalists will appear with Foster on stage during the concert as Foster and the audience choose the night’s winner. All winners picked on the tour will be flown to Vancouver for the Nov. 8 gig where one contestant will be judged as the best of the best.

There’s also a chance that a few of Foster’s friends might drop by. Since Foster knows just about everybody in the music biz, “friends” covers a pretty broad area. Right now the maestro, who recently played two sold-out shows in Las Vegas, is merely hinting at the shape of things to come.

“Cher and Donny Osmond both surprised me in Las Vegas so I think people won’t be disappointed,” Foster said. “I can certainly say each show will be very special and loads of fun. You never know what’s going to happen with this much talent on stage.”

Tickets are priced at $125, $85 and $55. For more information, please click here for the David Foster Web site.