On American Idol, John Foster showcased his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” paying a heartfelt tribute to his two late friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill. The emotional performance brought him to tears, and he ended it by saying, “I love you, Maggie.” He then gestured toward the audience, where Maggie Dunn’s and Caroline Gill’s parents were seated. Some of the songs’ moving lyrics are, “Each tear that falls on my guitar Is a hug from afar Lord, won’t you tell that angel I love her? As y’all live in the stars”

Hey, you ever hear a song that just grabs your heart and won’t let go? That’s what John Foster’s Tell That Angel I Love Her does to me. It’s one of those tracks that feels like a warm hug and a bittersweet memory all at once. Picture yourself sitting on a porch swing, twilight settling in, and this song comes on—suddenly, you’re thinking about someone you love, someone you’ve lost, or maybe even someone you’re scared to lose. That’s the magic of it.

This song is John Foster at his rawest, pouring out a love so deep it feels like it could reach beyond the stars. The story goes that Foster wrote it during a late-night drive, thinking about a loved one who’d passed on. It’s not just a love song—it’s a conversation with the heavens, a plea to send a message to someone who’s no longer here. The lyrics are simple but gut-punch powerful, like he’s whispering straight to your soul. Lines like “Tell that angel I love her, ‘cause I can’t say it myself” hit you right in the chest, don’t they? They make you think about the words you wish you’d said when you had the chance.

What makes this song stick with you is how it balances hope and heartache. The melody’s soft, almost like a lullaby, with this gentle acoustic strum that carries you along. But then Foster’s voice—man, it’s got this weathered, earnest quality, like he’s lived every word. It’s the kind of song that feels universal, you know? Whether you’re missing a partner, a parent, or a friend, it’s got room for your story. I bet if you played it for a room full of people, every single one would feel something different but just as real.

And can we talk about its quiet impact? Tell That Angel I Love Her isn’t some chart-topping banger, but it’s got this cult following among folks who stumble across it on late-night radio or a friend’s playlist. It’s like a secret you wanna share with someone who gets it. Foster recorded it in a small studio, just him and a couple of musicians, and you can feel that intimacy in every note. No frills, no autotune—just pure, unfiltered emotion.

So, next time you’re in the mood to feel something deep, give this one a spin. Maybe light a candle, grab a coffee, and let it wash over you. Who would you want to send that message to? That’s the question this song leaves you with, and it’s one worth sitting with.

Video