John Foster, a Louisiana native and biology major at LSU, dreams of becoming a doctor. But not just any doctor—he wants to be a “singing oncologist,” blending his love of music with a deep desire to help cancer patients.
During his first audition on American Idol, John wowed the judges with a classic Conway Twitty tune. Though Luke Bryan initially said no, he changed his mind thanks to John’s infectious energy and unmistakable Southern charm.
John went on to reach the show’s Top 20 and performed an emotional original song titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The ballad was written as a tribute to two of his close friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash on New Year’s Eve 2022.
Fighting back tears during his performance, John ended the song with a heartfelt message: “I love you, Maggie.” Judge Carrie Underwood asked about the touching tribute, and John explained it was for his late friends. He then gestured to the audience where the girls’ parents were seated, visibly moved.
Some of the lyrics include:
“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”
In an interview with L&M Star Productions, John shared:
“I wrote this for the two sweet angels who were tragically taken from us on New Year’s Eve. Maggie was one of my best friends, and Caroline was a good friend who I wish I had more time to know. Until we meet again. So much love to everyone.”
Maggie, 17, and Caroline, 16, were killed when a police officer—chasing a suspect—ran a red light and crashed into their car. Maggie’s brother, also in the vehicle, was seriously injured but survived. The accident occurred near the Addis Police Department in Louisiana.
According to Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, John and Maggie had been close since middle school. She attended his very first performance—and he wore the same hat on the American Idol stage that he wore that night.
The officer involved later pled guilty to two counts of manslaughter and one count of negligent injury. He was sentenced to prison.
John Foster’s performance on American Idol brought national attention to a heartbreaking loss. Erin Martin called it “a tangible example of the light and love that Maggie left behind.”
