Introduction
John Foster Honors Late Friends With Tearful American Idol Tribute
On the Sunday, April 20 episode of American Idol, emotions ran high as contestant John Foster delivered a heartfelt performance that left the judges — and viewers — deeply moved. After earning a coveted spot in the Top 20, John returned to the stage to perform an original song titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her.”
As he sang the final notes, John was visibly overcome with emotion, wiping away tears while the audience stood in respectful silence. The judges offered words of praise, but it was Carrie Underwood who leaned in with a gentle question: “What are you feeling right now?”
John’s answer revealed the heart-wrenching story behind the song. “I wrote this for my friend Maggie,” he said, his voice breaking. Maggie Dunn, a beloved high school cheerleader, tragically lost her life in 2022 alongside her best friend Caroline Gill in a devastating car crash on New Year’s Eve.
Carrie responded with a mix of admiration and compassion. “There’s something beautifully timeless about your voice and your spirit,” she told him. “It’s traditional in a way we don’t hear much anymore in country music. I loved hearing the tender side of you in this performance. It was honest — and unforgettable.”
Maggie and Caroline’s deaths were the result of a police chase gone horribly wrong in Louisiana. According to WAFB, a speeding officer, who was pursuing a suspect in a stolen vehicle, ran a red light while traveling at 86 miles per hour and struck the car Maggie was driving. Caroline was in the passenger seat, and Maggie’s younger brother, riding in the backseat, suffered serious injuries.
Following the tragedy, the officer involved resigned and later pled guilty to two counts of manslaughter. As reported by the Associated Press, he was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with 22 years suspended.
For John Foster, though, the pain lives on — not just as grief, but as purpose. Through his music, he is keeping Maggie and Caroline’s memory alive. “Tell That Angel I Love Her” isn’t just a song — it’s a tribute, a farewell, and a promise that their stories won’t be forgotten.