Julia Gagnon arrives at an “American Idol” Season 22 Top 10 tastemaker event, April 22, in Los Angeles. Credit: Jordan Strauss / Invision / AP

Julia Gagnon, the 22-year-old from Cumberland who made it to the top seven of “American Idol” this spring, shared on Instagram Wednesday that her birth mother, Sara Ramos, had died. In a separate post, Gagnon sang an a cappella version of “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” by Hillsong UNITED, under the caption “For Sara.”

“Sara. Thank you for showing me a smile like mine, eyes like mine, a nose like mine, and more importantly thank you for giving me a chance.” Gagnon wrote on Instagram. “I have so much that I love and treasure and you solely gave me all of it by bringing me into this beautiful world, and giving me a family 💓 Rest now, I know you’re finally at peace and in the kingdom you deserve. Gracias mama.”

Gagnon grew up with her adoptive parents, Meg and Jim Gagnon, in Cumberland. In March, she told the Portland Press Herald that she entered the singing competition as a way to share a special moment with Ramos in Guatemala, who was then seriously ill.

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Gagnon won a platinum ticket during the “American Idol” auditions, which meant she skipped directly to the top 24. She made it through eight rounds of eliminations, a feat that no other Mainer has accomplished, before being cut from the competition on May 5.