“My dad taught me, after I started something, to always finish it. That’s why I’m fighting to the end, just like he did.”
Those are the words of 13-year-old Evie Clair, just days after her father died.
This brave teen may come in small packaging, but her fight and her faith are fierce.
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After losing her dad to colon cancer on September 7—just before the America’s Got Talent finale, Evie made the bold decision to return to the show last night to finish what she started.
The aspiring singer attributes the strength she found to move forward to her daddy, the man who showed her how to dream big, fight fearlessly and, most importantly, love the Lord with all her heart.
“This week has been the best and worst week of my life,” she wrote on Instagram the day he passed. “I’m so grateful for the memories I’ve made with my family in the past year and a half. I’m so grateful for my dad being such a great example of faith and strength. He has endured so much and all that pain has finally come to an end. He is in a place ’12 gazillion’ times better than this and I know he is so happy there. Thank you to all the people who have supported my family along this journey. I love you all. I’ll miss you so much, Daddy. Thanks for teaching me to love salsa and chicken wings and most of all the Lord.”
As Evie sweetly serenaded America with “What a Wonderful World” in tribute to her late father, you could hear a pin drop in the completely awestruck stadium of supporters.
The powerful rendition of the Louis Armstrong classic brought the audience to tears and all four judges to their feet.
“Our hearts and our souls go out to you, Evie,” said judge Howie Mandell. “I know that your father passed this week, and I cannot believe the strength that I’m seeing in such a beautiful young girl.”
