Before the final votes were tallied, American Idol runner-up John Foster used his voice to honor friends he lost.
The 18-year-old country singer first performed his original tune “Tell That Angel I Love Her” during the Easter Sunday special in April. Foster got emotional as he concluded his performance, saying, “I love you, Maggie,” into the microphone.
When host Ryan Seacrest asked about the inspiration behind the ballad, Foster shared more insight into its heartfelt meaning. “It was Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, [they] were two of my friends,” the teenager said. “We lost them December 31, 2022.”
Foster then pointed out Dunn’s mother, Erin Martin, in the audience, calling her one of “the strongest women I know.”
Foster’s friends were killed in a police chase in their home state of Louisiana. According to local news outlet WAFB, an officer hit the girls’ car while speeding through an intersection in a chase with a stolen car. Dunn’s brother Liam was in the backseat of the vehicle and sustained serious injuries.
The officer resigned from the police department and pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in March 2024. He was reportedly sentenced to 32 years in prison, with 22 years suspended.
Idol fans saw Foster perform the emotional tribute once again during his hometown visit, which aired on the Sunday, May 18, season 23 finale. Returning to Addis, Louisiana, Foster stopped by his high school, where Martin — a teacher — spoke about her late daughter.
“Music allows us a way to communicate [things] that sometimes we’re not able to through words,” she said. “‘Tell That Angel I Love Her’ was a way that our family and an entire community was able to connect and heal. That is the power of music, and that’s your calling, JF. You have that power. … Know that she’s always watching and always proud.”
Foster went on to reveal that the song was written the day he learned of Dunn’s death. While back home, he visited the cemetery where she’s buried.
“When I lost her, it was just like a whole part of me had been torn out,” he said. “Months before she passed, she wrote me a very inspirational letter. If it wouldn’t have been for her, I don’t know if I ever would’ve been in the position I am today.”
Foster performed his original song for his community — but he could barely make it through the song before breaking down in tears. He took one more opportunity to honor his late friends during the live finale on Sunday before Jamal Roberts was officially announced as the season 23 winner.
Reflecting on his Idol journey, Foster thanked viewers for their support. “Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends,” he wrote via Instagram on Sunday. “I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – times a million. ????❤️.”
“Tell That Angel I Love Her” is available to stream now.
