On Sunday, April 20th, American Idol Season 23 saw the Top 20 contestants taking on faith-inspired songs as the three-hour episode just so happened to fall on the Easter holiday. The 20 contestants wowed the three judges, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and new judge, Carrie Underwood, with their renditions of popular inspirational hits.

One Idol contestant delivered an unforgettable performance during the reality TV show’s “Songs of Faith” episode. 18-year-old John Foster performed an original song titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” moving both himself and the audience to tears. After his performance, John looked to the camera and said, “I love you, Maggie,” revealing that the heartfelt song was dedicated to a close friend who tragically passed away in 2022.

American Idol’s John Foster Dedicates Top 20 Performance To Two Friends Who Tragically Passed Away

John Foster Sang His Original Song “Tell That Angel I Love Her” During Sunday’s Easter Episode

American Idol Season 23’s April 20th episode was titled “Songs of Faith” and saw the contestants narrowed down from 24 to 20. Those who made the Top 20 took the stage to perform their faith-inspired songs, while the American Idol judges, artist-in-residence Jelly Roll, and special guests like gospel singer CeCe Winans also delivered powerful faith-based performances.

However, it was 18-year-old Idol contestant John Foster’s performance that was one of the stand-outs of the night. The country singer sang an original song, titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her” that fans learned was dedicated to a friend who had lost their life.

After his performance, John began to tear up as the song was written for his late friend. After Carrie asked if John was okay, she gave him her critique: “There’s something wonderfully throwback about your voice, about your style. And I think it’s something that’s lacking in country music today, to be honest. I love that you keep it very traditional.” She added, “I feel like that’s who you are. I love that in this song, we got to hear a sweet, tender side of your voice that honestly I didn’t know you had.”

Judge Luke shared that John was a “wild card” for him, but his performance made him “remove all doubts in my mind that you deserve to be here.” As for Lionel, he told John, “When you open your mouth, you’re country. But, you’re also storytelling country.”

After John received such wonderful critiques from the three judges, he told host Ryan Seacrest that the song was in tribute to friends Maggie Dunn and Carolina Gill, who were both killed in a car crash on December 31, 2022.

What Happened To John Foster’s Two Friends On New Year’s Eve 2022?

Maggie Dunn And Caroline Gill Passed Away In 2022

Via: YouTube/American Idol

After John received such wonderful critiques from the three judges, he told host Ryan Seacrest that the song was in tribute to friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who were both killed in a car crash on December 31, 2022. Maggie’s mother and a close friend were in the audience to watch John’s incredible performance.

According to Parade, both Maggie and Caroline were cheerleaders who were killed on New Year’s Eve in 2022 after a police officer “ran a red light during a high-speed pursuit” and crashed into their vehicle in Addis, Louisiana. Maggie’s brother was also in the vehicle but made it out alive with serious injuries.

“Tell That Angel I Love Her” Lyrics:

“No words can describe how I truly feel/ But I hope these will try/ It’s a feeling that I can’t explain/ Deep and endless like the sky/“Though we may not know the reason/ It’s not for us to understand/ Lord, won’t you tell that angel/ I love her as soon as you can?”

“Sure the sun will come up/ But it won’t shine on her skin/ And I’d give anything I have/ To talk to her again 2x”

“Each tear that falls on my guitar/ Is a hug from afar/ Lord, won’t you tell that angel that I love her”

The Associated Press reported that the police officer involved in the tragic crash was David Cauthron, who pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter for the deaths of Maggie and Caroline, and negligent injuring of a third. David was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with 22 years suspended. Maggie was 17 and Caroline was 15 when they lost their lives.

John Foster’s Journey On American Idol So Far

John Made It To The Top 14

Via: YouTube/American Idol

John Foster is an 18-year-old college student from Addis, Louisiana. He left a lasting impression on the judges when he brought them each a cooler of Cajun food. When asked to share more about himself, John revealed he dreams of becoming a “singing oncologist.” With a passion for cancer research, he’s currently studying biology with hopes of getting into medical school.

John auditioned with the song “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” by Alan Jackson. While he received a round of applause from all three judges, Carrie wanted to see more of his vocal range. Singing along with his guitar, John sang “Goodbye Time” by Conway Twitty. It seemed to impress Carrie, who said, “I got the information I wanted out of that.” However, she did warn John that he should be able to sing different genres while still being true to himself if he made it far.

Meanwhile, Luke was much more hesitant to send John to “Hollywood Week,” but his second performance had him going from a “no to a yes.” He received two more yeses from both Carrie and Lionel.

Throughout his journey on Idol, John has kept it country. However, his country-style is unlike what we hear on the radio today. John is traditional country to the core, singing songs by Conway Twitty and Alan Jackson.

For “Hollywood Week: Showstoppers” he sang “In Color” by Jamey Johnson and, during “Hawaii Week,” John got the audience dancing with his rendition of Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rogue.” John continued to impress the judges and his performance during the Top 20 was definitely his overall best.

Just a day after announcing the Top 20, the contestants faced another round of cuts, narrowing the field to the Top 14. On Monday, April 21st, ten contestants were declared safe thanks to America’s votes, while the rest had to sing for their lives as the judges selected the final four. John was among those who secured enough votes to move forward. He marked the moment with a performance of Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon.”