John Foster Brings America to Tears with Emotional Tribute—Then Stuns with Country Classic on American Idol

18-year-old LSU student John Foster is quickly becoming one of American Idol’s most unforgettable voices. Hailing from Louisiana, Foster delivered an emotionally charged performance during the Easter “Songs of Faith” episode that left both judges and fans in tears.

His original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” was written in memory of two close friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who tragically passed away. The heartfelt tribute was met with overwhelming emotion—judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie were visibly moved.

Carrie Underwood called his voice “beautifully throwback,” while Luke Bryan praised Foster for his raw authenticity, saying, “You’ve got the kind of soul country music needs.”

But Foster wasn’t done. Just a night later, he switched gears with a nostalgic, pitch-perfect cover of Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon,” proving his versatility and deep connection to the genre. The performance earned him a standing ovation and solidified his spot as a rising star in country music.

Watch his touching tribute and show-stopping cover below — and see why America can’t stop talking about John Foster.