Introduction
Sunday night’s episode of American Idol was nothing short of emotional as the show celebrated Disney Night and Mother’s Day in a heartfelt two-hour special. Among the standout performances was John Foster, who used the occasion to pay tribute to his mother in a deeply personal way.
The first half of the evening was filled with spirited Disney classics, mentored by acclaimed actor and Broadway creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Top 7 contestants selected Disney songs that held personal meaning for them, resulting in a series of fun, nostalgic, and touching moments on stage.
But it was the second half of the show that truly tugged at the heartstrings. Each contestant took a moment to share loving reflections about their mothers or stepmothers before performing a song in their honor. It was clear early on that this segment would be filled with raw emotion—so much so that even country superstar Carrie Underwood admitted she expected to be in tears by the end.
John Foster delivered one of the most memorable performances of the night with his cover of Brooks & Dunn’s poignant ballad, “Believe.” Originally written by Ronnie Dunn and released two decades ago, the song remains a powerful staple in the world of country music, often cited as one of the genre’s most emotional tracks.
Before stepping into the spotlight, John opened up about why he chose this particular song to honor his mom on such a meaningful night.
“It’s a song that’s rooted in faith, and that’s exactly how I see my mom. She is the core of my faith. I’ve been raised on Christian values, and she’s been the one nurturing that spirit in me for years. I’m eternally grateful for her,” John shared.
As he spoke, John’s eyes filled with tears while recounting a touching moment from earlier in the week. His mother had told him, “I was born to be a mom, and I’m so glad that he’s mine.” That tender statement only added more emotional weight to his already powerful performance.
John Foster’s Heartfelt Songwriting Leaves a Lasting Impact
This wasn’t the first time John Foster moved the nation with his emotional storytelling. Earlier in the season, during the Top 20 round, John performed an original song titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” He wrote it in memory of two close friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash on New Year’s Eve 2022.
The performance was deeply moving and ended with John softly saying, “I love you, Maggie,” to the heavens. The moment touched viewers across the country—and the friends’ families, who were present that night.
Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, recalled how the applause in the studio had drowned out John’s final words during the live broadcast. But once she watched the performance again at home, she finally heard the line that meant so much.
“I didn’t hear him say, ‘I love you, Maggie,’ when I was there live,” she told UWK. “I saw him getting emotional on stage, but it wasn’t until I rewatched the episode later that I caught it. Hearing him say that brought me to tears—it truly meant the world.”
Watch John Foster’s heartfelt performance of “Tell That Angel I Love Her” below: