Thanks to the Deseret News for making us aware of this story.
America's Got Talent contestant Evie Clair will be performing in the show's finals, her mother, Hillary Abplanalp, confirmed on her blog this weekend.
"Evie Clair has made the decision to return and compete in the finals of America’s Got Talent after being given the option from Simon to come back next season," Evie's mother wrote.
After her father passed away from stage 4 colon cancer earlier this month, it was unclear whether Evie Clair would compete in the show's finals. But the LDS teen opted for one more performance this season even with the tragedy of losing her father, her motivation for joining the show.
In fact, her first performance on the show, singing "Arms" by Christina Perri, had a special significance for the young artist and her father, as did all of the songs she sang.
“When my dad is having rough days, then I go 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 on her first appearance on the show.
Soon after his death, Evie shared this touching tribute to her father and those who had supported her family:
"This week has been the best and worst week of my life. 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."
This week has been the best and worst week of my life. 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. Love you lots. RIP: 9/7/17❤️ A post shared by Evie Clair (@evieclair) on Sep 7, 2017 at 6:40pm PDT
At her father's funeral, Clair also a touching photo of her family with the caption, "God be with you 'til we meet again" and shared her tender testimony of how families can be together forever.
Very beautiful ceremony for my sweet Daddy. "God be with you 'til we meet again." A post shared by Evie Clair (@evieclair) on Sep 13, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT
Though singing on the show will be different without her father, and it has been a difficult time for Evie and her family, her decision to return to the show is not without support from famous artists like Christina Perri and those associated with the show.
"We are happy to be back in L.A. with the remaining cast, crew, and staff who have become like a second family to us this past year," Evie's mother wrote.
The winner for this season of America's Got Talent will be announced this Wednesday, 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
