John Foster Honors Lost Friends With Tearful Original Song on American Idol

John Foster, a Louisiana native and LSU student with dreams of becoming an oncologist, captured the nation’s attention when he advanced to the Top 14 of American Idol 2025. But it was his Top 20 performance that truly left a mark.

Foster took the stage to perform an emotional original ballad titled “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a song he wrote just days after losing two close friends in a tragic New Year’s Eve crash in 2022.

“I wrote this for the two sweet angels that were tragically taken from us,” Foster said, referring to Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill. “Maggie was one of my best friends and Caroline was a good friend of mine who I regret not knowing even more.”

The heartfelt lyrics struck a deep emotional chord with both the audience and judges:

“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.”

 Maggie Dunn’s Mother Reacts: “My Heart Just Melted”

Following Foster’s touching performance, he pointed toward the audience where Maggie Dunn’s mother, Erin Martin, was watching with tear-filled eyes. She gently placed her hands over her heart, visibly moved by the moment.

In a later interview with WBRZ, Martin shared:

“My heart just melted.”

Martin recounted how Maggie and John became friends in middle school and shared a special photo of Maggie attending Foster’s very first live gig — a moment made even more poignant by the fact that John wore the same hat during his American Idol tribute.

“For John Foster to make the song at all and then to perform it, it’s an example, a tangible example of the light and love that Maggie left behind.”

Though nothing can bring her daughter back, Martin expressed hope that the attention from Foster’s performance might spark change.

“For a minute, those millions of people were thinking about my child. Maybe one of those people has the power to effect change when it comes to police pursuit policy.”

 What Happened to Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill?

The tragic story behind Foster’s song began on New Year’s Eve 2022, when Maggie Dunn (17) and Caroline Gill (16) were killed in a high-speed police pursuit gone wrong.

Addis Police Officer David Cauthron ran a red light while chasing a fugitive at 86 mph and crashed into the girls’ vehicle. The violent collision claimed the lives of the two teens and severely injured Maggie’s brother, Liam Dunn, who survived after extensive hospitalization.

According to WBRZ News, Officer Cauthron never hit the brakes. In 2023, he was sentenced to 32 years in prison, with 22 years suspended. He will serve 10 years and afterward must speak at schools and law enforcement events to raise awareness about the consequences of reckless police pursuits.

“WBRZ reported that Cauthron was driving 86 mph and never hit the brakes before the crash.”

 A Performance That May Spark Change

John Foster’s tribute wasn’t just a performance — it was a powerful act of remembrance, a call for compassion, and a moment of awareness for viewers across the country.

Our hearts go out to the families of Maggie Dunn, Caroline Gill, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

🎥 Watch John Foster’s moving performance of “Tell That Angel I Love Her” below and help share Maggie and Caroline’s legacy by spreading this story.