American Idol’s John Foster Moves Nation With Original Tribute Song
John Foster, a Louisiana native and LSU pre-med student aiming to become an oncologist, has reached the Top 14 on American Idol—and he’s using the platform to honor the people who shaped his life.
During the Top 20 round, Foster shared an original song titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” written just days after losing a close friend in 2022. The deeply personal ballad is a tribute to two teenage girls, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, whose lives were tragically cut short on New Year’s Eve that year.
In a statement to L&M Star Productions, Foster explained:
“I wrote this for the two sweet angels who were tragically taken from us. Maggie was one of my best friends, and Caroline was a good friend I wish I’d had more time with. Until we meet again. So much love to everyone.”
The song paints a portrait of grief and longing, a message to heaven for loved ones lost. 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”
His heartfelt performance resonated deeply with the audience—especially with Maggie Dunn’s mother, Erin Martin, who was present in the crowd.
A Mother’s Response to a Moment of Grace
Following his emotional performance, Foster gestured toward the audience where Erin Martin stood, hand on her heart and tears in her eyes. Later, she told WBRZ, “My heart just melted.”
Martin recalled that she and Foster had been friends since middle school, even sharing a photo of Maggie attending his very first gig—where he wore the same hat he had on during the Idol tribute.
Reflecting on the performance, Martin said:
“For John Foster to write and perform that song is a tangible example of the light and love Maggie left behind.”
Though nothing can bring Maggie back, Martin hopes the attention from Foster’s performance brings greater awareness to her daughter’s story—and inspires real change.
“For a moment, millions of people were thinking about my child. I hope one of those people has the power to help change police pursuit policy.”
The Tragic Story Behind the Song
Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 16, were killed in a crash caused by a high-speed police pursuit. On New Year’s Eve 2022, Addis Police Officer David Cauthron ran a red light while chasing a suspect, slamming into the girls’ vehicle. Maggie’s brother Liam was critically injured but survived.
WBRZ reported that Cauthron was traveling at 86 mph and did not brake before impact.
He was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with 22 years suspended—meaning he will serve 10 years. As part of his sentence, he must speak to police departments and schools about his actions, in hopes of preventing future tragedies.