John Foster brought country to “American Idol” with a Brooks & Dunn cover. (Photo credit: American Idol/YouTube)

John Foster learned Monday night (April 21) that he earned enough of America’s votes to join the American Idol Season 23 Top 14!

During Sunday’s American Idol “Songs of Faith” Easter special, country singer John Foster brought one of the most-watched performances of the night. Foster sang “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” a song he wrote as a tribute to two friends, Maggie Dunn and Caroline Gill, who died in December of 2022. The pair perished when the car they were traveling in was struck by a police officer who ran a red light.

At the end of Foster’s performance, he said, “I love you, Maggie.” John fought back tears and tried to compose himself as the judges addressed his performance. He explained the story behind the song to the judges and pointed out that Maggie and Caroline’s parents were in the audience.

Foster’s performance resonated with viewers who praised him for his vulnerability and called it the best performance of the night.

“I don’t even remotely like country, but that was the best of the night!” one viewer wrote. Another added, “Great job John Foster! I think America got to see your heart and soul tonight.”

America came through for John Foster and voted him into the Top 14.

Foster learned his fate during Monday night’s results show. Ryan Seacrest informed the singer that he was one of the ten contestants who earned enough votes to advance into the Top 14. The judges’ wildcard picks will fill the other four spots.

John then took the stage to sing Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon,” a song that perfectly complemented his country vocals. Viewers called him a “real country artist” with a “pure old country voice.”

18-year-old John Foster auditions for American Idol with two country classics, and Luke Bryan cheers him on (Photo credit: American Idol / YouTube)

Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan sang along to the Brooks & Dunn classic, clearly enjoying the performance from one of only a few country artists who advanced past Hollywood Week. John’s performance ended with all three judges giving him a standing ovation.