The top 12 on Season 23 of American Idol performed songs that represented “iconic Idol moments” during the Monday, April 28, episode. John Foster threw it back to 2009 when Randy Travis and now-judge Carrie Underwood performed “I Told You So” on the show.

“Carrie Underwood’s kind of been my voice on the panel,” John explained. “In my first audition, she asked me to sing a second song, and if I didn’t sing that second song, Luke [Bryan] would’ve been a no. This is my way to say, ‘I love you, Carrie. Thank you for all the support.’”

John began the performance on a stool, but after getting some advice from mentor Fantasia Barrino, ended the set by walking down toward the audience and judges’ table. He finished directly in front of Underwood and tipped his hat off to her in a sweet tribute.

“I’m blushing!” Underwood told the rising country star. “I love that each challenge you push yourself and you try to do different kind of songs, or you lose the guitar, or do different things. I love watching you grow every time you take the stage. I’ll speak for Randy Travis when I say I really think he would’ve liked that.”

Bryan weighed in next, but before he gave his opinion on the performance, he asked John, “You know [Carrie’s] husband’s a hockey player, right?” Underwood laughed and added, “My husband’s a big man!” The “Before He Cheats” singer has been married to retired NHL star Mike Fisher since 2010.

“[John’s] just up there, singing right to Carrie! I’m like, ‘Boy, you better get back there!’” Bryan joked. John smiled and assured Underwood, “All respect, all respect.”

Before the next commercial break, Ryan Seacrest asked Underwood, “Is your husband watching?” and she responded, “Of course!”

John was one of the 10 artists who received enough viewer votes to remain in the competition. He’ll take the stage again during the May 4 episode, which will celebrate iconic women in music.