American Idol’s John Foster Melts Hearts with ‘Tell That Angel I Love Her’ – But His Gesture Mades Jelly Roll and Carrie Underwood Burst Into Tears!

On the vibrant stage of American Idol Season 23, 18-year-old John Foster from Addis, Louisiana, delivered a performance that will be etched in the hearts of viewers for years to come. His original song, Tell That Angel I Love Her, a poignant tribute to his late friend Maggie Dunn, was more than just a musical moment—it was a raw, emotional journey that captivated the audience and left judges Carrie Underwood and Jelly Roll visibly moved. Foster’s tender vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and an unexpected gesture of humility elevated the performance into a defining moment of the season, earning him admiration from fans and judges alike.

A Stage Set for Emotion

The American Idol Top 20 performance on April 20, 2025, during the Easter Sunday special, was already charged with emotional weight. The episode, themed “Songs of Faith,” featured powerful performances from judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood, as well as guest artist Jelly Roll. Yet, it was John Foster, an unassuming teenager with a traditional country soul, who stole the spotlight. As the lights dimmed and the audience hushed, Foster stepped onto the stage, his acoustic guitar slung across his chest, exuding a quiet confidence that belied his young age.

Foster’s song, Tell That Angel I Love Her, was written in memory of his best friend, Maggie Dunn, who tragically lost her life in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022. The lyrics, dripping with raw emotion, painted a vivid picture of grief, love, and hope. Lines like, “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,” resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were moved to tears. Foster’s voice, described by Underwood as having a “wonderfully throwback” quality, carried a tender vibrato that added layers of sincerity to each note.

A Performance That Touched Hearts

As Foster strummed the opening chords, the studio fell silent. His voice, warm and slightly weathered, filled the room with a haunting beauty. The simplicity of the arrangement—just Foster, his guitar, and a spotlight—allowed the lyrics to take center stage. Each verse unfolded like a letter to his lost friend, with the chorus, “Each tear that falls on my guitar / Is a hug from afar / Lord, won’t you tell that angel I love her,” serving as a gut-wrenching plea that struck a universal chord. The audience, many holding signs honoring Maggie Dunn and her friend Caroline Gill, who also perished in the accident, swayed gently, some wiping away tears.

Foster’s delivery was not just technically impressive but profoundly authentic. His eyes, glistening with unshed tears, conveyed the weight of his loss, yet his voice remained steady, carrying the song’s message of love and longing. As he reached the final verse, “I know we’ll meet up yonder / And sing a happy tune / Lord, won’t you tell that angel I love her? / And I’ll see her soon,” the room erupted in applause, with many audience members standing, their faces a mix of sorrow and admiration.

A Gesture of Humility That Stole the Show

What set Foster’s performance apart, however, was not just his vocal prowess or the emotional depth of his song—it was a moment of profound humility that followed. As the final note faded, Foster looked directly into the camera, his voice breaking slightly as he said, “I love you, Maggie.” The raw vulnerability of the moment was palpable, but it was what he did next that left an indelible mark. Instead of basking in the applause, Foster quietly stepped back, lowered his head, and placed his hand over his heart, a silent gesture of gratitude and respect for his late friend. This unscripted act of humility, devoid of any showmanship, spoke volumes about his character and deepened the impact of his performance.

The audience roared with approval, and the judges—Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie—were visibly moved. Jelly Roll, serving as the artist-in-residence, leaned forward in his seat, his eyes wide with admiration. Underwood, who later admitted to feeling like a “proud mom” watching Foster, was particularly struck by his sincerity. “That moment at the end,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, “when you honored Maggie like that—it was so real, so pure. It’s not just about your voice, John. It’s about who you are.”

Judges’ Reactions: Carrie Underwood and Jelly Roll in Awe

Carrie Underwood, a country music icon known for her own emotional performances, was effusive in her praise. “There’s something so wonderfully throwback about your voice, about your style,” she told Foster. “I think it’s something that’s lacking in country music today, to be honest. We have a lot of outlaw country, we have a lot of new country, but I love that you keep it very traditional.” She went on to highlight the tenderness in his voice, noting, “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.” Her words were not just a critique but a heartfelt acknowledgment of Foster’s growth as an artist.

Jelly Roll, known for his raw and authentic approach to music, was equally impressed. “Man, you got me,” he said, shaking his head. “That wasn’t just a performance—it was a conversation with your friend up there. And that little gesture at the end? That’s real. That’s heart. You don’t see that every day.” His words resonated with the audience, who cheered in agreement. Luke Bryan, who had initially viewed Foster as a “wild card,” admitted that the performance had erased all doubts about his place in the competition. “You deserve to be here,” he said firmly.

A Duet That Sparked Dreams

The emotional peak of Foster’s American Idol journey came during the Season 23 finale on May 19, 2025, when he unveiled Tell That Angel I Love Her as his debut single in a surprise duet with Carrie Underwood. The collaboration was electric, with Foster’s raw, traditional country tone blending seamlessly with Underwood’s powerful, soaring vocals. Social media erupted with fans calling it “the performance of the year” and clamoring for a full album from the duo. Underwood herself described Foster as “a once-in-a-generation voice,” a testament to the profound impact of his artistry.

The duet was a fitting culmination of Foster’s journey, which had been marked by his unwavering dedication to honoring Maggie Dunn. Throughout the season, he carried a letter from her, written for a junior English class assignment, in which she encouraged him to pursue his musical dreams. “You are so talented,” she wrote, words that Foster held close as he navigated the pressures of the competition. His performances, particularly Tell That Angel I Love Her, were a testament to her belief in him.

A Legacy of Love and Inspiration

John Foster’s performance of Tell That Angel I Love Her was more than a moment on a reality show—it was a tribute to friendship, a celebration of resilience, and a reminder of the power of music to heal. His ability to channel personal loss into a universal message of love touched millions, while his humble gesture at the end of the performance showcased a maturity beyond his years. For Carrie Underwood and Jelly Roll, it was a display of authenticity that demanded respect, and for the audience, it was a moment of connection that transcended the stage.

As Foster continues his musical journey, with his debut single now available on major streaming platforms, his story serves as an inspiration. Maggie Dunn’s legacy lives on through his music, and his performance on American Idol will remain a shining example of how vulnerability, talent, and humility can create something truly unforgettable.