A 13-year-old girl captured judges’ hearts on “America’s Got Talent” on Tuesday night after she shared her dad’s harrowing struggle with cancer and dedicated her performance to him.
Evie Clair, who is from Florence, Arizona, initially came to the stage with a mixture of pep and exuberance, but she soon broke down in tears as she spoke about her father, Amos Abplanalp, his illness and her loving attempts to use music to ease his pain.
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“About a year ago, my dad was diagnosed … with stage-four colon cancer and they gave him a 5 percent chance to live,” Evie said, pausing as she cried. “And he still continued working and supporting our family, and so tonight I’m here to sing for him.”
Watch Evie’s story and performance below:
Judge Simon Cowell appeared visibly moved by the teen’s ordeal, telling her to take her time to compose herself. Evie went on to share that she would be singing Christina Perri’s “Arms” — a song she said she often performs for her ailing father.
“When my dad is having rough days … I go up to his room and I sing him this song to help him feel better and just to give him comfort and strength to continue fighting,” Evie said.
hi, @evieclair! thanks so much for choosing my song for this special moment in ur life! ur incredible! im sending so much love to u & dad ❤️
— christina perri (@christinaperri) June 21, 2017
All four “America’s Got Talent” judges voted for Evie to advance in the TV competition after her performance, Deseret News reported.
Her dad, Amos, recently released a YouTube video thanking the family’s supporters:
You can read more about the family’s plight on Evie’s mom’s blog here.