Rising country singer John Foster has quickly captured the attention of American Idol fans with his deeply personal and emotionally resonant songs. At just 18 years old, Foster secured a spot in the Idol Top 10 after delivering a tear-jerking performance of his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The ballad, written in memory of his late friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a car crash in 2022, left both the audience and judges moved by its raw emotion and powerful message of love and healing.

Foster, hailing from Addis, Louisiana, has shown a remarkable ability to express life’s complex emotions through his songwriting. One of his original songs, “Someone to Sing To,” was inspired by the deaths of two friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who were killed in the same car accident. With lyrics that reflect a longing for connection, the song has resonated deeply with fans, even though it wasn’t performed on Idol.

The tragic story behind “Tell That Angel I Love Her” is a heartbreaking one. Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, both teenagers, were killed in a car crash on New Year’s Eve 2022 when an officer ran a red light while pursuing a suspect. The crash left Maggie’s brother, Liam, injured but alive. Foster, who had been friends with Maggie since middle school, wrote the song shortly after the crash, pouring his grief into the lyrics. He honored Maggie’s memory by wearing the same cream-colored cowboy hat she had supported him with at his first gig.

Foster’s journey on American Idol has been a testament to his genuine artistry and emotional depth. His ability to channel personal experiences into his music has made him a standout contestant. With each performance, Foster builds a strong connection with his audience, offering not just entertainment but a reminder of the power of music to heal and inspire. Fans are rallying behind the Louisiana native, hoping he will continue to make waves in the competition, following in the footsteps of Laine Hardy, Louisiana’s first Idol winner in 2019.