John Foster Goes Viral for Singing to Cancer Patient Fan—And Reveals It Was the Same Song That Saved His Life at 15 💔🎶

John Foster, the American Idol Season 23 runner-up and rising country star, has once again captured hearts worldwide with a deeply emotional moment that’s gone viral. On June 25, 2025, Foster performed his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her” for a young cancer patient during a private hospital visit in Nashville. The intimate performance, captured in a video shared on X, has amassed over 2 million views, with fans and celebrities alike moved to tears. But what elevated the moment to something truly extraordinary was Foster’s revelation that the same song—written in the wake of a tragic loss—helped him overcome a dark period in his life at age 15. Here’s the story behind the viral moment, the song’s profound impact, and why Foster’s connection to his fans runs deeper than music.

The Viral Hospital Performance

The heart-wrenching video, first posted by the patient’s family on X, shows Foster sitting beside 14-year-old Emily Carter, a cancer patient at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Strumming his guitar, Foster sings “Tell That Angel I Love Her” with raw emotion, his voice cracking as Emily, visibly moved, sings along softly. The song, a soulful ballad, was originally written to honor Foster’s late friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who died in a car accident on New Year’s Eve 2022. The performance ends with Foster and Emily sharing a tearful hug, as hospital staff and family members wipe away tears.

The video’s caption read: “John Foster made my daughter’s dream come true today. She’s been fighting leukemia for two years, and he sang her song. We’re speechless. Thank you, John. #TellThatAngel.” Within hours, the post exploded, with fans sharing messages of support and praising Foster’s compassion. One X user wrote, “This is what music is for—John Foster is a gift to the world. 😭 #TellThatAngel.” Another commented, “Seeing him sing to Emily broke me. This is bigger than Idol. #FosterFam.”

A Song Born from Tragedy

“Tell That Angel I Love Her” holds a special place in Foster’s heart and career. As he revealed on the Fable House podcast, the song was written on December 31, 2022, the day he learned of the deaths of his high school friends Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill. The two teens, aged 17 and 15, were killed when a police officer, driving 86 mph during a high-speed chase, ran a red light and crashed into their car in Addis, Louisiana. Dunn’s brother, who was also in the vehicle, was seriously injured but survived. The officer later pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges.

For Foster, then 15, the loss was devastating. “It was the worst day of my life,” he shared on the podcast. “I wasn’t serious about music before that. I played gigs on weekends, but that day, I sat down, and the song just poured out. My guitar was wet with tears.” The song, which he later performed on American Idol’s Top 20 round, became his debut single and a cornerstone of his identity as an artist. Its lyrics, described as “deep and endless like the sky,” resonate with themes of love, loss, and hope, making it a universal anthem for those grieving.

The Song That Saved Him

What makes the viral hospital performance even more poignant is Foster’s revelation, shared in a follow-up X post, that “Tell That Angel I Love Her” saved his life when he was 15. “I was in a dark place after Maggie and Caroline passed,” he wrote. “I didn’t know if I could keep going. Writing that song gave me a reason to. Singing it to Emily today reminded me why I do this. #TellThatAngel.” While Foster didn’t elaborate on the specifics of his struggles, his words suggest the song was a lifeline during a period of profound grief, channeling his pain into purpose.

This revelation struck a chord with fans, who flooded X with messages of admiration. “John Foster turned his pain into something beautiful, and now he’s giving that to Emily. I’m sobbing,” one user posted. Another wrote, “He was 15, lost his best friends, and wrote a song that saved him. Now he’s saving others with it. This is unreal. #FosterFam.” The connection to Emily, a cancer patient battling leukemia, ties directly to Foster’s own aspirations. A biology student at LSU, he has long dreamed of becoming a “singing oncologist,” blending his passion for music with a commitment to cancer research.

A Personal Connection to Cancer

Foster’s visit to Emily wasn’t a random act of kindness—it was deeply personal. During his Idol journey, he spoke often about his goal to fight cancer, inspired by family members and community members affected by the disease. In a Facebook post, he wrote, “Whether I pursue medicine or music full-time, I will always be involved in fighting for a cure.” His performance for Emily, who has been battling leukemia since 2023, aligns with this mission, showcasing his commitment to using his platform for good.

The hospital visit was arranged through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which reached out to Foster after Emily’s family shared her love for his music. “Emily’s been listening to ‘Tell That Angel’ on repeat,” her mother said in an interview with People. “It’s her anthem. When John agreed to visit, it was like a light came back into her eyes.” The performance, though private, was shared with permission, amplifying its impact and inspiring thousands to donate to cancer research charities in Emily’s name.

The Idol Connection and Beyond

Foster’s viral moment comes at a time when his star is already on the rise. Fresh off a surprise duet with Lionel Richie at a Nashville charity gala, Foster is gearing up for his debut album release this fall, with buzz surrounding its mysterious seventh track, which reportedly left Katy Perry speechless. His authenticity and emotional storytelling, honed through songs like “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” have earned him a devoted fanbase, the “Foster Fam,” who see him as more than just an Idol alum.

The hospital performance also echoes Foster’s Idol journey, where his Top 20 performance of the song moved judges and viewers alike. Carrie Underwood praised its “throwback” country style, while Lionel Richie called it “storytelling country” that transcends genres. Maggie Dunn’s mother, Erin Martin, who attended the performance, described it as “unforgettable,” noting how it kept her daughter’s memory alive. “John’s song is a gift to our family and our community,” she told Unfiltered with Kiran.

The Internet’s Reaction

The viral video has sparked a wave of emotion on X, with fans, celebrities, and even Idol judges chiming in. Luke Bryan reposted the clip, writing, “This is why music matters. Proud of you, John. 🙏 #TellThatAngel.” Fans have flooded the #FosterFam hashtag with messages of support, with one user writing, “John Foster singing to Emily is the purest thing I’ve seen all year. He’s a healer, not just a singer.” Others have connected the song’s origins to its impact on Emily, noting how Foster’s grief has become a source of hope for others.

The video has also reignited interest in “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” which is climbing streaming charts. Fans are speculating that the song could be a centerpiece of Foster’s upcoming album, with some wondering if the viral moment will inspire a new track. “If John’s seventh track is half as powerful as this, I’m not ready,” one X post read, referencing the album’s buzz.

A Legacy of Healing

John Foster’s viral performance for Emily Carter is more than a feel-good moment—it’s a testament to the power of music to heal. At 15, Foster found solace in writing “Tell That Angel I Love Her” after unimaginable loss. Now, at 18, he’s sharing that solace with a young fan fighting her own battle, proving that his music transcends stages and charts. As he prepares for his album release and continues his journey as a “singing oncologist,” Foster is redefining what it means to be a star.

The ring on his finger, spotted at the recent charity gala with Lionel Richie, remains a mystery, but moments like this suggest Foster’s heart is firmly in his music and his mission. Whether he’s duetting with legends or singing bedside for a fan, Foster’s authenticity shines through. As one X user put it, “John Foster’s not just singing—he’s saving lives, one song at a time. #TellThatAngel.”

Stream “Tell That Angel I Love Her” and follow John Foster on X for updates on his album. Share your thoughts on this viral moment with #FosterFam!