When American Idol contestant John Foster took the stage on Sunday night, he wasn’t just performing—he was honoring a friendship that changed his life forever. With his original song “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” John delivered a heart-wrenching tribute to his best friend, Maggie Dunn, who tragically passed away in a 2022 car crash. It was a moment that touched millions—but none more deeply than Maggie’s mother, Erin Martin, who watched from the audience with tears and pride.

“I didn’t even hear him say, ‘I love you, Maggie,’ when I was there,” Erin shared in an emotional interview. “The crowd was clapping so much, I missed it live. But hearing it later at home—wow. That meant everything.”

John’s raw, vulnerable performance left fans across the country in tears. The song, written the same day Maggie and her friend Caroline Gill lost their lives in a police-involved crash, was John’s way of channeling his grief and love. “It’s the most beautiful, yet most horrific thing I’ve ever created,” he once said.

Maggie and Caroline, both students at Brusly High School, were killed on New Year’s Eve 2022 when a police officer, chasing another vehicle at high speed, struck their car. Maggie’s brother, Liam, was also seriously injured.

Since the tragedy, Maggie’s father has launched the Margaret “Maggie” Edline Dunn (MED) Foundation to honor her legacy and advocate for change. And now, through John’s voice, Maggie’s story is reaching even more hearts.

From the crowd that night, Erin described the emotion in the room. “It was all snot and ugly tears,” she joked through her sadness. “John’s sister Elizabeth held a sign for Caroline and Maggie—and seeing that on TV, it was another special way to keep their names out there.”

John’s performance sparked more than emotion—it sparked awareness. Online searches about Maggie and Caroline’s story surged after the episode aired. Erin hopes this visibility will inspire change.

“Maybe someone with real power to make a difference will finally pay attention,” she said. “This isn’t just about our girls. It’s a bigger problem, and we need people to care enough to fix it.”

Beyond the headlines, Erin reflected on what made her daughter’s friendship with John so special. “There was nothing fake about their group. No drama, no backstabbing—just real support. Maggie truly believed in John’s talent.”

And she’s not surprised to see him succeed.

“He’s always been respectful and kind. He even called Jelly Roll ‘Mr. Roll’ the first time they met,” she laughed. “Jelly Roll told him, ‘Please don’t ever say that again.’”

John still carries a letter Maggie once wrote for a school assignment—words of encouragement that now feel prophetic. “She told him to keep chasing his dream. She saw it in him.”

Now, with America watching, John Foster is doing exactly that—chasing his dream and honoring Maggie with every note.

“He was valedictorian,” Erin added. “When he sets a goal, he gets there.”

And as he gears up to perform again this Sunday in hopes of making it to the Top 10, Erin has one final message:

“I’m so proud of him. But don’t just say the song moved you—vote. That’s how we keep her memory alive.”

Tune in to American Idol this Sunday night on ABC to watch John Foster continue his journey—not just for himself, but for the angel who believed in him first.