WEST BATON ROUGE — On Sunday night, John Foster’s heartfelt performance of his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her” brought millions of viewers to tears on American Idol. The emotional tribute, written for his best friend Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2022, hit especially close to home for Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, who was in the audience to witness the powerful moment.
“I didn’t hear him say, ‘I love you, Maggie,’ while I was there live,” Erin shared with UWK, fighting back tears. “I could see him getting emotional on stage, but I only heard the words ‘I love you, Maggie’ when I watched it at home. It really meant a lot.”
John’s raw, vulnerable performance was made even more significant by the story behind the song. Maggie and her friend Caroline Gill died when a police officer, involved in a high-speed chase, crashed into their car on New Year’s Eve 2022. Maggie’s brother, Liam, survived but sustained serious injuries. In the wake of this devastating loss, Maggie’s father, Randall Dunn, founded the Margaret “Maggie” Edline Dunn (MED) Foundation to honor her legacy and raise awareness.
John wrote the song on the very day of the accident, pouring his grief and love into the lyrics. “It is the most beautiful, yet the most horrific thing I’ve ever created,” he said in an earlier interview.
The night of the performance, Erin was seated alongside John’s family and friends. She described it as an unforgettable moment, especially when she saw her daughter and Caroline’s names on a sign held up by John’s sister, Elizabeth. “We had a sign—I think they showed it on TV,” Erin recalled. “That was just another special moment to show their names.”
The performance not only touched hearts but sparked action. Since John’s tribute aired, Maggie Dunn’s story has gained more attention, and Erin sees it as a hopeful sign for change. “Hopefully, somebody with the power to enact change will hear it and step forward,” she said. “Maybe people will realize that this frustration isn’t just from one event. It’s a systemic issue.”
Erin also spoke about the unique bond between John and Maggie, a friendship rooted in mutual support. “Maggie always believed in his talent,” she said. “They weren’t just friends—they built each other up.”
John’s humility and respect for others have remained unchanged, even as his profile grows. Erin fondly remembered how he once called rapper Jelly Roll “Mr. Roll,” only for Jelly Roll to laugh and say, “Please don’t ever say that again.”
Erin believes Maggie always saw the potential in John, even before the world did. “He carries around a letter Maggie wrote for him in junior English class. She told him, ‘You have talent. Keep pushing forward.’”
Now, John is doing just that, achieving his goals with a quiet determination. “He was valedictorian. If he sets his mind to something, he’s going to achieve it,” Erin said proudly.
As John continues his journey on American Idol, Erin has one final message for the fans: “I am so freaking proud of him. It’s one thing to comment on how beautiful the song was, but you’ve got to vote!”
John Foster will compete again this Sunday night on American Idol as he aims for a spot in the Top 10. For Erin Martin, it’s not just a competition; it’s a tribute to the enduring friendship between John and Maggie, and a reminder that her daughter’s light still shines.
