On a somber July day in 2025, the American Idol community was struck by devastating news: Robin Kaye, the show’s longtime music supervisor, and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were found dead in their Encino, California home, victims of a tragic double homicide. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, leaving contestants, judges, crew, and fans grappling with grief. Kaye, a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009, had shaped the musical journeys of countless aspiring artists with her expertise, kindness, and unwavering dedication. Her sudden passing on July 14, 2025, at the age of 70, left a void that words could scarcely describe. But it was American Idol Season 23 runner-up John Foster who gave voice to the collective sorrow, delivering a heart-wrenching performance of his original song, “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” in a tribute that moved judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie to tears.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that Kaye and Deluca were discovered during a welfare check after a friend, concerned by their silence, alerted authorities. The couple had been shot multiple times in what police described as a random act of violence by 22-year-old suspect Raymond Boodarian, who was arrested on July 15, 2025. Surveillance footage revealed that Boodarian had entered their home through an unlocked door on July 10, leading to a violent confrontation when the couple returned. The tragedy, reported by outlets like Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and TMZ, marked a dark moment for a show built on dreams and inspiration.

Kaye’s contributions to American Idol spanned over 15 seasons, with nearly 300 episodes bearing her influence as a music supervisor. Her work earned her multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, reflecting her ability to select songs that resonated with contestants and audiences alike. Beyond Idol, her credits included Lip Sync Battle, The Singing Bee, Miss Universe, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, showcasing a career that began with Waylon Jennings in Nashville and evolved through roles at MTM Records, MCA-Universal, and PolyGram. In 2000, she founded SyncroniCity, a company that represented artists like Andrea Bocelli and Kenny Loggins while cementing her legacy in music supervision.

The outpouring of grief from the Idol community was immediate. An official statement from the show read, “We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing. Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever, and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.” Former contestants like Colton Dixon, Scott MacIntyre, and Casey Abrams shared personal tributes, with Dixon noting, “Robin was always a highlight during my time on American Idol. She was quick to listen and always fought for what the artist wanted.” On X, fans and alums alike mourned, with one post calling her “one of the kindest souls” in the industry.

John Foster’s Tribute: A Song for Robin

Amid this wave of sorrow, American Idol organized a special tribute episode to honor Kaye’s legacy, aired shortly after her passing on July 18, 2025. The stage, usually vibrant with lights and anticipation, was dimmed to reflect the mood. No glittering backdrop or cheering crowd could mask the weight of the moment. At the center of it all was John Foster, the 18-year-old Season 23 runner-up from Addis, Louisiana, whose emotional performances had captivated audiences throughout the season. Foster, a country artist with a throwback style, had a special connection with Kaye, who had guided him in selecting songs that showcased his raw, heartfelt voice.

Foster took the stage with his guitar, his youthful face etched with grief. The song he chose was “Tell That Angel I Love Her,” an original he had performed earlier in the season on April 20, 2025, during the “Songs of Faith” episode. Written in memory of two classmates who died suddenly in 2022, the song carried a personal weight that resonated deeply with Foster’s own experiences of loss. But on this night, it was dedicated to Kaye, the woman who believed in him when he was just a small-town kid with big dreams. As he strummed the opening chords, his voice cracked with emotion, each note a testament to the pain of goodbye.

The lyrics, tender and soulful, spoke of love, loss, and longing for those who leave too soon. “Tell that angel I love her, tell her I’ll see her again,” Foster sang, his voice breaking as he poured his heart into the performance. The camera panned to the judges’ panel, where Carrie Underwood, herself a former Idol winner, was visibly moved. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched a tissue, her connection to Foster deepened by her own admiration for Kaye’s work. Luke Bryan, usually quick with a warm smile, kept wiping his eyes, his usual charisma replaced by quiet reverence. Lionel Richie, a veteran of the industry, placed his hand over his heart, his silence speaking volumes. No critiques followed. No scores were given. The music said it all.

Foster’s performance was more than a song—it was a cathartic release for a community in mourning. Fans watching at home took to X, sharing clips of the moment with comments like, “John Foster just broke my heart with that tribute to Robin Kaye. She’d be so proud.” Another wrote, “Carrie crying, Luke tearing up, Lionel speechless—this is why Idol is family.” The performance, raw and unpolished, captured the essence of what Kaye brought to the show: the power of music to connect, heal, and honor.

Robin Kaye’s Legacy on American Idol

Robin Kaye’s role as music supervisor was pivotal to American Idol’s success. She was the invisible hand behind the show’s unforgettable performances, selecting songs that matched each contestant’s voice and story. Her ability to understand an artist’s potential was unmatched, as evidenced by tributes from former contestants. Scott MacIntyre, a Season 8 finalist, recalled, “As a blind person, there were always extra considerations for me to work through when I needed to get a hold of music or research new songs. Robin made that process as easy as possible.” Season 10’s Casey Abrams added, “Robin was great at her job. She helped me and a lot of others on our musical journeys.”

Kaye’s influence extended beyond logistics. She was a mentor, a confidante, and a champion for authenticity. For John Foster, her guidance was transformative. During his Season 23 journey, Kaye helped him choose songs like “I Told You So” by Randy Travis and “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, which showcased his traditional country roots and youthful charm. Underwood, reflecting on Foster’s growth, said, “There’s something so wonderfully throwback about your voice. It’s something that’s lacking in country music today.” Kaye’s knack for pairing Foster with songs that highlighted his storytelling ability helped him reach the finale, where he finished as runner-up to Jamal Roberts on May 18, 2025.

Kaye’s work wasn’t limited to contestants. She collaborated closely with judges, ensuring their performances—like Underwood’s “How Great Thou Art” or Bryan’s “Jesus ‘Bout My Kids” during the Easter episode—were seamlessly integrated into the show. Her relationships with industry giants like Lionel Richie, who performed “Eternity” with the Top 24, underscored her ability to bridge creative visions. Her legacy was also recognized by peers like Phil Gurin, who called her “simply the best,” noting her ability to secure deals and overcome obstacles with a “positive attitude and infectious spirit.”

The Judges’ Response: A Shared Grief

The judges’ emotional reactions during Foster’s tribute reflected their personal connections to Kaye. Carrie Underwood, who joined the panel in Season 23 as Katy Perry’s replacement, had worked with Kaye since her own Idol win in 2005. Underwood’s tears were not just for Foster’s performance but for the loss of a colleague who had been part of her journey from contestant to judge. Her comments about Foster earlier in the season—“I feel like he kind of reminds me of my oldest son”—revealed a maternal bond that made her grief all the more poignant.

Luke Bryan, a judge since the ABC revival in 2018, had relied on Kaye’s expertise for seven seasons. His emotional response, marked by quiet tears, showed the depth of their professional respect. Lionel Richie, a veteran judge, had collaborated with Kaye on multiple performances, including his Season 23 opener “Eternity.” His gesture of placing his hand over his heart during Foster’s tribute was a silent acknowledgment of Kaye’s impact on the show’s soul.

The judges’ reactions also highlighted the unique dynamic of Season 23. Underwood, as a new judge, brought a contestant’s perspective, often offering constructive feedback that contrasted with Bryan and Richie’s gentler approach. Some fans, per ScreenRant, felt she was sidelined by her co-judges’ tendency to gush, but her emotional vulnerability during the tribute episode proved her connection to the Idol family. Kaye’s death brought the panel closer, reminding them of the human stakes behind the glitz of reality TV.

The Broader Impact: A Community in Mourning

The Idol community’s response extended beyond the stage. Former winners like Caleb Johnson (Season 13) and Nick Fradiani (Season 14) shared tributes on X, with Johnson writing, “Robin was a light in the Idol world. Her loss is unimaginable.” Fans flooded social media, sharing memories of performances Kaye had shaped, from Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” to Foster’s “Tell That Angel I Love Her.” One X user posted, “Robin Kaye made Idol magic happen behind the scenes. John Foster’s tribute was everything she deserved.”

The tragedy also sparked broader conversations about safety and loss in the entertainment industry. The random nature of Kaye and Deluca’s deaths, as reported by the LAPD, left many questioning how such a tragedy could strike a fortified home in Encino. Deluca, a singer-songwriter known for his 1986 album Down to the Wire and 2022’s Street Rock, was remembered alongside Kaye as a creative force. Their deaths underscored the fragility of life, even for those who seemed untouchable in their success.

Looking Forward: Honoring Kaye’s Legacy

As American Idol prepares for its 24th season in 2026, the loss of Robin Kaye looms large. The show’s renewal, announced on May 9, 2025, ensures its continuation, but Kaye’s absence will be felt in every song choice and performance. Underwood, Bryan, and Richie are expected to return, with Underwood hinting at her commitment in an Entertainment Tonight interview: “I don’t know! There’s lots to contemplate, but I love being part of this family.”

John Foster, now a rising star, plans to honor Kaye through his music. In a post-performance interview, he said, “Robin saw something in me when I didn’t see it myself. Singing for her was my way of saying thank you.” His performance of “Tell That Angel I Love Her” has become a defining moment of Season 23, replayed across platforms like People and Billboard.

For fans, Kaye’s legacy lives on in the stories Idol tells. From Underwood’s tearful reflection on her own Idol journey to Foster’s raw tribute, the show remains a platform for raw emotion and human connection. As one X user put it, “Robin Kaye helped make Idol more than a competition—it’s a family. John Foster’s song was her perfect send-off.”

A Farewell in Song

On that darkened American Idol stage, John Foster’s performance was more than a tribute—it was a love letter to Robin Kaye. His guitar, his trembling voice, and the judges’ silent tears captured a moment of collective grief and gratitude. Kaye, who spent her life amplifying others’ voices, was honored in the way she loved best: through music. As Idol moves forward, her spirit will echo in every note, a reminder of the woman who helped countless dreams take flight.