In one of the most heartfelt moments of this season’s American Idol, Louisiana native John Foster brought the nation to tears with an emotional tribute to his late best friend, Maggie Dunn. Foster’s moving original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” delivered during Sunday night’s broadcast, not only earned him a place in the competition’s prestigious Top 20 but also left a deep, lasting impression on viewers across the country.
Foster, a singer-songwriter known for his raw emotion and authentic performances, wrote the song as a way to cope with the devastating loss of Maggie, who was tragically killed in a car crash on New Year’s Eve 2022. The two shared an unbreakable bond, and her death left a profound void in the lives of those who loved her most.
Taking the stage with nothing but his guitar and the memory of his beloved friend, Foster poured his heart into the performance. His voice cracked with emotion as he sang the powerful lyrics, a love letter to a friend gone too soon. The crowd inside the American Idol studio sat in tearful silence, many visibly moved by the authenticity and grief woven through every note.
Among those in the audience were Foster’s family members, alongside Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, and her close friend, Leslie Kleinpeter. Their presence made the tribute even more poignant, turning Foster’s moment into a shared act of remembrance and love.
Following the performance, Erin Martin took to Facebook to share her heartfelt reaction.
“There are no words to explain the pride and emotion I felt tonight,” she wrote. “John gave my Maggie the most beautiful tribute, and he made sure the world knows how much she is loved and missed. She is forever in our hearts, and now her memory lives on through his incredible gift of music.”
Maggie Dunn, remembered for her bright smile, generous spirit, and joyful personality, was a beloved member of the Louisiana community. Her tragic death sent shockwaves through the town, and her absence continues to be deeply felt by friends, family, and all who knew her.
John Foster’s tribute has since gone viral, with thousands of people across social media sharing messages of support, not just for his artistry, but for the beautiful way he honored Maggie’s life. His performance reminded everyone of the healing power of music — and the way love endures, even through profound loss.
As Foster continues his journey on American Idol, he carries with him the memory of Maggie Dunn. Through every note he sings, her light continues to shine.
“Tell That Angel I Love Her” may have been written from a place of heartbreak, but it has blossomed into a testament of love, friendship, and the unbreakable bond between two souls — one still singing here on Earth, and one now watching from above.