Evie Clair stood on the America's Got Talent stage Tuesday night dressed in white, singing her heart out for her father who passed away earlier this month.
Before taking the stage, Evie said, “The happiest memories are my family gathered around the piano singing together. Music brought love and brought us closer together, even through the hardest times. My dad was one of the bravest people I knew. He always taught us to follow our dreams.”
She continues, “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.”
Evie sang Louis Armstrong's iconic "What a Wonderful World," sharing a message of hope amidst her grief.
"Our hearts and our souls go out to you, Evie," said judge Howie Mandel after the performance. "I know that your father passed this week, and I cannot believe the strength that I'm seeing in such a beautiful young girl."
Simon Cowell added, “I’m not going to judge you. I’m going to tell you how I respect you, how much strength you have. That was a perfect tribute to your dad. Your voice was beautiful, the song was beautiful, very proud of you Evie for what you’ve done.”
Mel B, who recently lost her father, added, "I know you're dad's up there, looking down on you, and he must be so, so proud. Because what you just did was beautiful. It was so pure and so raw."