“American Idol” season 23 runner-up John Foster is reflecting on the tragic deaths of his two friends, Caroline Gill and Maggie Dunn, who were both killed in a car crash on New Year’s Eve in 2022.
Foster shared photos of both Gill and Dunn on Instagram, honoring the third anniversary of their passing. His post also detailed how their deaths inspired him to release his most deeply personal song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” the same song he sang during his Idol finale.
John Foster Marks the Third Anniversary of His Friends’ Tragic Passings
Before “American Idol” runner-up John Foster takes the stage at the 137th annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California, he took time out of his busy schedule to remember the tragic passing of his two friends, Caroline Gill and Maggie Dunn.
Sharing photos of Gill and Dunn, and a handwritten letter from Dunn, who praised his singing skills, his lengthy caption read: “As I get ready for my Rose Parade performance tomorrow, there’s a deep sadness in my heart.”
He continued, “Three years ago, we tragically lost two beautiful souls, Caroline Gill and Maggie Dunn. That pain and heartbreak allowed me to channel the most beautiful—and yet most terrible—thing I’ve ever created: the song “Tell That Angel I Love Her.”
Foster then reflected on how the song showed him how music could have such a powerful impact on those grieving, while also personally changing him.
“This song taught me just how much music can mean to a community, to a grieving family, and how deeply it could change me as well. I’m still so grateful that God allowed me to be a vessel for His words through that song, and it has been a true blessing to see how many grieving hearts have found comfort in it.”
He ended his caption asking his fans to say a prayer for Gill and Dunn.
According to Parade, both Gill and Dunn were killed in a car crash on New Year’s Eve in 2022 when an Addis, Louisiana, police officer ran a red light during a high-speed pursuit and struck their vehicle. Dunn’s brother was also in the car at the time but survived the crash.
Foster First Sang ‘Tell That Angel I Love Her’ During ‘Songs of Faith’ Week on ‘American Idol’
GettyFor viewers who watched Foster on season 23, he first performed the deeply personal track during “Songs of Faith” week, a three-hour episode that aired on Easter Sunday, April 20. While all of the Top 20 contestants delivered heartfelt performances, Foster’s emotional original song stood out as one of the most moving moments of the night.
Foster ended his performance of “Tell That Angel I Love Her” by tearfully sharing, “I love you, Maggie.”
The three Idol judges praised his performance, with Luke Bryan sharing, “You’ve kind of been a wild card for me the whole time, but what you just did there removed all doubts in my mind that you deserve to be there … You certainly gained a fan in me tonight.”
After his critiques, Foster told host Ryan Seacreast that the song was dedicated to Dunn and Gill, with Dunn’s mother in the audience to watch the touching performance.
Foster would later sing “Tell That Angel I Love Her” during the season 23 finale. While he ultimately lost out to Jamal Roberts, his song left a lasting impression on viewers and remained one of the most talked-about performances of the season.
To me, John Foster is a complete & total masterpiece this Earth will never deserve! His new song named “A Little Goes A Long Way” couldn’t be anymore awesome! I can’t wait for whatever is next from him! God bless him always! Holly in east TN (a girl who will never have enough of him)