At just 18, John Foster carries a story far heavier than most. In a moving interview with The Permanent Rain Press, the American Idol contestant opened up about the heartbreaking loss of two close friends and how it led to the creation of his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” What began as a grief-stricken moment on a Louisiana pier turned into the emotional foundation of his Idol journey and the moment he truly became an artist.
Foster, who didn’t begin singing publicly until age 15, says he never really felt connected to music until tragedy changed everything. After losing Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill in a car accident in 2022, he found himself watching the bayou and writing lyrics that poured out like tears. The result was a raw, honest ballad that helped him grieve and eventually earned him a golden ticket on national TV.
The Permanent Rain Press Interview with John Foster | American Idol Season 23
In the interview, Foster speaks with calm clarity about grief, faith, and finding meaning in both. He also shares his dreams of becoming an oncologist; a goal inspired by his Louisiana community’s high cancer rate. “God heals spiritually,” he says “but he gave people the ability to heal physically. I want to be one of them.”
John Foster Goes Country with “Something To Talk About” on American Idol
That purpose came alive when he sang “Something To Talk About” on Idol. His voice was rich with sincerity and his easy country charm quickly won over the judges. Carrie Underwood even called him a “cutie patootie” after the audition; a moment he didn’t hear until the episode aired.
Foster’s not just chasing a spotlight. He’s using it to tell stories that matter; with every note, he’s honoring the friends he lost and the community that raised him.