John Foster’s Tearful “Tell That Angel I Love Her” Performance at American Idol Finale Leaves Nation Deeply Moved
On May 18, 2025, during the Season 23 finale of American Idol, John Foster gave an unforgettable performance of his original ballad, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” The emotionally raw song served as a personal tribute to his late friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash on New Year’s Eve 2022. Foster’s vulnerability struck a deep chord with viewers across the country.
Hailing from Brusly, Louisiana, and a proud graduate of Brusly High School, Foster first introduced the touching song during the Top 20 round. Its emotional weight and authenticity quickly made it a standout, helping him earn a spot in the finale. On finale night, “Tell That Angel I Love Her” was his third performance, following renditions of Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
The lyrics to his original composition painted a deeply personal portrait of grief and memory, as shown in one of the most powerful lines:
“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.”
The heartfelt lyrics were brought to life by Foster’s trembling voice and visible emotion. Carrie Underwood, serving as a guest judge that season, was visibly moved. She compared Foster to her own son, expressing pride in how much he had grown and how deeply his music resonated. Her words reflected what many were feeling: that Foster had created something far more significant than just a performance.
Though Jamal Roberts would go on to win the season, Foster’s original song became the soul of the finale. His performance quickly went viral, collecting millions of views and sparking an emotional conversation online about grief, love, and remembrance. Viewers from all walks of life shared how the song touched them, many relating it to their own personal losses.
Watch the video down below and don’t forget to share this beautiful song with your friends and family…
The emotional atmosphere in the studio during his performance was palpable. Fans in the audience and at home described it as one of the most honest moments in Idol history. His tribute wasn’t just sung—it was felt in every corner of the room, proving that music has the power to carry the weight of love, even beyond loss.
Foster’s ability to channel such profound sorrow into song marked a defining moment in his journey. He transformed personal grief into a musical legacy that resonated with a national audience. More than just a farewell to his friends, it became a message of healing for countless others who had experienced similar tragedies.
The wave of emotion that followed the performance continued online, as thousands of fans flooded social media with messages of support. Many praised his strength and vulnerability, while others shared how the lyrics helped them process their own pain. “Tell That Angel I Love Her” became more than just a song—it became a space for connection and comfort.
In the days following the finale, streaming platforms reported a surge in interest for the song, and clips of the performance were widely circulated on YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. Foster’s heartfelt ballad became a viral anthem for those navigating grief and remembering the ones they’ve lost. Its simplicity and sincerity struck a universal chord.
Looking ahead, Foster’s career seems poised to grow beyond Idol. With a debut like this—steeped in authenticity and emotional depth—he’s already gained a loyal fanbase. If this performance is any indication, he’ll continue to use his voice not just to entertain, but to honor, uplift, and heal through music.
