John Foster: A Singing Heart with a Healing Mission
John Foster, a Louisiana native and student at LSU majoring in biology, has a dream that blends music and medicine. With plans to pursue pre-med, he hopes to become an oncologist—one who not only treats cancer but uplifts patients through song. His heartfelt ambition to be a “singing oncologist” reflects a rare and beautiful blend of science, compassion, and artistry.
During his first audition on American Idol, John captured hearts and curiosity alike. He walked onto the stage with quiet confidence and performed a classic Conway Twitty tune that charmed the judges. His Southern charisma and sincere energy made a strong impression—so much so that Luke Bryan, initially hesitant, reversed his decision and gave him a resounding “yes.” The moment was an emotional turning point, both for the judges and for John. Watch the performance below:
“Tell That Angel I Love Her” – A Song Straight from the Heart
John Foster didn’t just make it to the Top 20 on American Idol—he moved audiences to tears. When he took the stage to perform his original composition, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” the atmosphere changed. The song is a tribute to two dear friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, whose lives were tragically cut short. It was clear that John poured his entire heart into the performance, and he couldn’t hold back his tears as the final note faded. His emotional final words, “I love you, Maggie,” struck a chord with everyone watching.
When Carrie Underwood asked him about the closing line, John opened up. He explained that the song was written for Maggie and Caroline, and then pointed to the audience, where the girls’ grieving parents sat in silent support. It was a moment that made national television feel intimate, like a quiet room filled with memory and meaning.
Here’s a touching excerpt from the song’s lyrics:
“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 a post by L&M Star Productions, John shared:
“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 I wish I had known even better. Until we meet again. So much love to everyone.”
Watch his deeply moving performance here:
The Tragic Loss of Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill
Maggie Dunn, 17, and Caroline Gill, 16, were victims of a tragic accident on New Year’s Eve in 2022. A police officer, while chasing a suspect, ran a red light and crashed into the car carrying the two teens. Both girls lost their lives, and Maggie’s brother—who was also in the vehicle—suffered severe injuries but survived.
The crash took place near the Addis police station in Louisiana. Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, revealed that John and Maggie had been close friends since middle school. Maggie was there for John’s very first public performance, and she always supported his musical journey. In a touching detail, Erin noted that John wore the same hat on the American Idol stage that he had worn at that first gig—an unspoken tribute to his late friend.
The officer involved pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and one count of negligent injury. He has since been sentenced to prison.
Through his music, John Foster brought this heartbreaking story into the national spotlight. Erin Martin described his performance as “a tangible example of the light and love that Maggie left behind.”
It’s a moment that reminds us why music matters—not just for the sound, but for the stories, the memories, and the people we carry in every note.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and all those touched by this unimaginable tragedy.