‘American Idol’ Family Shattered by Tragic Loss of Beloved Mentor — Idol Stars Break Down on Live Stage Tribute

LOS ANGELES, CA — The American Idol stage has seen dreams come true… but on this night, it became a place of mourning.

Robin Kaye, longtime music supervisor and mentor behind the scenes of Idol, known as the quiet force who helped shape hundreds of contestants, passed away suddenly this week. Idol alums across generations flooded social media with tributes — calling her “the heart,” “the rock,” and “the one who always believed when no one else did.”

But it was John Foster, this year’s runner-up, who honored her in the most powerful way.

 “Tell Angel That I Love Her” — A Stage Stilled in Tears

With just a guitar in hand and heartbreak in his voice, Foster took center stage during a special Idol reunion concert and sang “Tell That Angel I Love Her”, a song he said Robin had encouraged him to write when he was just “a kid with nothing but a heart for music.”

As the final chorus rang out, the cameras caught Carrie Underwood sobbing quietly backstage.

Luke Bryan wiped his eyes again and again.
And Lionel Richie, hand pressed to his chest, simply whispered: “That says everything.”

 Idol Alums React

“Robin wasn’t just part of the team — she was the team,” said Kelly Clarkson in a moving post. “She never wanted the spotlight, but she was the reason so many of us could stand in it.”

Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips wrote: “She believed in me before I believed in myself. We owe her more than we can ever say.”

And from Jennifer Hudson: “Heaven just gained the greatest ear — and the kindest soul.”

 A Legacy Beyond the Spotlight

Robin Kaye had no onscreen role, but she shaped every season — coaching vocals, calming nerves, staying late with contestants who wanted just one more take. Dozens of Idol alumni say they kept in touch with her long after the confetti fell.

“She saw the person, not just the performer,” Foster said. “And now, we sing for her.”