On American Idol, John Foster showcased his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” paying a heartfelt tribute to his two late friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill.The emotional performance brought him to tears, and he ended it by saying, “I love you, Maggie.” He then gestured toward the audience, where Maggie Dunn’s and Caroline Gill’s parents were seated
John Foster delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances in recent memory on American Idol when he took the stage to sing his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The young artist used his time in the spotlight not for fame, but to honor the memory of two of his late friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill. With a simple acoustic arrangement and raw, heartfelt vocals, Foster poured his soul into the tribute, a powerful reminder of how music can serve as both expression and healing. From the first verse, it was clear the performance was deeply personal. His voice trembled slightly, not from nerves, but from the emotion that weighed heavy on his heart.
The song itself was a poignant mix of sorrow and love, weaving together memories of laughter, friendship, and loss. “Tell That Angel I Love Her” wasn’t just a ballad — it was a message, one that Foster needed the world to hear. Each lyric seemed to paint a picture of Maggie and Caroline, young women taken too soon, and the profound impact they had on those who loved them. As Foster reached the chorus, the audience grew still. His voice cracked as he sang the line, “I never got to say goodbye,” and the vulnerability in that moment sent waves of emotion through the room. He wasn’t just performing — he was grieving, remembering, and honoring all at once.
As the song continued, Foster’s eyes welled with tears. He didn’t try to hide it; he let the pain show, making the performance even more powerful. When he reached the final verse, his voice faltered slightly, but he pressed on, closing the song with a soft, emotional, “I love you, Maggie.” Then, with a trembling hand, he gestured toward the audience, where the parents of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill were seated. The camera briefly captured their tearful faces, holding hands, visibly moved by the tribute. It was a moment of shared loss, but also of remembrance and unity — a televised act of love that transcended the stage.
The judges sat in stunned silence for a few seconds after the final note faded. Lionel Richie, clearly choked up, was the first to speak. “John, that was more than music. That was your heart on display,” he said, his voice gentle. Katy Perry wiped away a tear and added, “You’ve just shown the world what real courage looks like. That kind of vulnerability is what makes people connect. Maggie and Caroline would be so proud.” Luke Bryan, visibly moved, gave John a standing ovation and praised him for his authenticity and bravery. The crowd followed suit, many with tears in their eyes.
For Foster, the performance wasn’t about advancing to the next round or impressing the judges — it was about using his voice for something bigger than himself. “Maggie and Caroline were the kind of people who lit up every room they entered,” he said in a post-performance interview. “This song is my way of keeping their light alive.” He shared that he had written the song in the days following their passing, channeling his grief into music as a form of therapy. The lyrics, he said, came from the heart — each line inspired by real moments, real feelings, and real pain.
As the episode aired, social media was flooded with messages of support and love. Fans of the show, strangers to Maggie and Caroline, were touched by John’s tribute. Friends, family, and classmates of the two girls shared clips of the performance, thanking John for honoring their memory in such a powerful way. “Tell That Angel I Love Her” quickly became more than just a song — it was a memorial, a message of everlasting love, and a reminder that even in the depths of grief, beauty and connection can still emerge. For John Foster, and for everyone watching, the performance will be remembered not just as a musical moment, but as a moment of profound humanity.
