I wrote this for the two sweet angels that were tragically taken from us on New Year’s Eve. Maggie was one of my best friends and Caroline was a good friend of mine who I regret not knowing even more.” – At just 17, John Foster took to the stage and bared his heart with “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a song he wrote to honor his two best friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline, who tragically passed away three years ago. His voice, rich with emotion and an old-soul country tone, carried the pain and love of a friendship lost too soon. What made the performance even more poignant was the quiet presence of both girls’ mothers in the audience — unable to hold back tears as John’s words brought their daughters back to life, if only for a moment. No flashy production, just raw truth and a melody that reached deep into every heart in the room. This wasn’t just a performance — it was a goodbye, a tribute, and a promise never to forget

John Foster, a Louisiana native and LSU student studying biology, wants to pursue pre-med to help those undergoing cancer treatment.

During his first audition on the American Idol stage, he expressed his ambition to become a “singing oncologist.”

He charmed the judges with a classic Conway Twitty song, and Luke turned his initial “no” into a resounding “yes” because of the young singer’s infectious personality and Southern charm. Watch below.

John Foster Brought The Heat To The Top 24

The young singer traveled to Hawaii after making it into the top 24.

John Foster performed a lively song titled “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” originally by The Oak Ridge Boys. His performance had the judges dancing in their seats and energized the crowd. The song is an ode to the singer’s Louisiana roots.

But was it enough for him to make it to the top 20 contestants of American Idol? Watch below.

John Foster Brought Tears To The American Idol Audience With Original Song

John Foster reached the top 20 of American Idol. He then performed his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The song is 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.” While the tears fell, Carrie Underwood asked John about that ending sentence.

John shared that it was dedicated to his lost friends. He then gestured toward the audience, where Maggie Dunn’s and Caroline Gill’s parents were seated.

Some of the songs’ moving lyrics are,

“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”

According to L&M Star Productions, Foster said,

“I wrote this for the two sweet angels that were tragically taken from us on New Year’s Eve. Maggie was one of my best friends and Caroline was a good friend of mine who I regret not knowing even more. Until we meet again. So much love to everyone.”

Watch his tearjerking performance below.