As soon as Evie Clair finished her cover of “Yours” by Ella Henderson on the America's Got Talent semifinals, judges Simon Cowell and Heidi Klum were on their feet giving Evie a standing ovation.
“Evie, Evie, Evie. I’ve said this before, you are gutsy. You really, really are," Cowell said. "And let me tell you something, this song was beautiful. Your voice was beautiful. . . . I know who wrote this song but you made it your version. Your tone, your pitch was stunning; it was laid back. And let me tell you, your dad is going to be so proud of you.”
Klum added her praise, saying, “Even though we’re in this big theater you made it very intimate. You made it very personal. You made it very, very moving for all of us. Evie, I’m very, very proud of you. Well done.”
On September 2, Evie posted an update about her father on Facebook, asking for prayers as his condition worsens as he continues to battle stage 4 cancer.
In an interview with Parade, Evie bore her testimony, saying, "We know that is all part of a bigger plan and everything is going to be all right,” adding she would use the $1 million prize money if she won the show to help her dad fight for his life.
These new developments made judge Mel B's comments during the semifinals even more poignant: “I think we forget you’re already going through so much so I have to commend you on your courage and your confidence. Your voice is beautiful, you look beautiful and yes, your dad is so, so proud of you. I hope America votes for you.”