In one of the most emotional moments of American Idol Season 23, contestant John Foster brought the audience and judges to tears with a heartfelt original song, written in memory of two young friends he tragically lost. The Louisiana native performed “Tell That Angel I Love Her” while wearing a meaningful hat—a silent symbol of a promise made and a friendship that endures beyond death.
The Story Behind the Song: Remembering Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill
On New Year’s Eve 2022, a devastating police pursuit in Addis, Louisiana, ended in tragedy. A police officer ran a red light while chasing a suspect and crashed into a car carrying 17-year-old Maggie Dunn and 16-year-old Caroline Gill. Both girls were killed instantly. Maggie’s brother, who was also in the vehicle, suffered critical injuries but survived.
Foster, a longtime friend of Maggie’s, was deeply affected by the loss. According to Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, John and Maggie had been best friends since middle school. She shared that Maggie attended John’s very first gig—and the hat he wore during his American Idol tribute was the same one he wore that night.
“That performance was the light my daughter left behind for the world,” Erin said, recalling the emotional moment.
“Tell That Angel I Love Her” — A Song of Grief, Love, and Loyalty
John Foster’s original song, performed during the Top 20 round of American Idol, was written for Maggie and Caroline. The lyrics are raw and deeply personal, capturing the pain of loss and the beauty of everlasting love:
“Each tear that falls on my guitar
Is a hug from afar
Lord, won’t you tell that angel I love her?
As y’all live in the stars”
The performance ended with John softly saying, “I love you, Maggie.” When Carrie Underwood asked him about the meaning behind those words, he bravely explained the story and pointed to the audience—where Maggie and Caroline’s grieving families sat, visibly moved.
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From Biology Student to “Singing Oncologist”
John Foster is not just a singer—he’s a biology student at LSU with plans to attend medical school. His dream is to become a “singing oncologist” to help those fighting cancer, using music as healing. During his audition, he charmed the judges with a Conway Twitty cover and won over Luke Bryan, who changed his initial “no” to a heartfelt “yes.”
A Legacy of Light Through Music
John’s performance on American Idol didn’t just showcase his vocal talent—it brought national attention to a tragedy that deeply impacted a small Louisiana town. It was a tribute, a memorial, and a powerful reminder of how music can carry memories forward.
As Erin Martin so eloquently said, John’s performance was “a tangible example of the light and love that Maggie left behind.”
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