When 13-year-old Evie Clair took the America’s Got Talent stage during Season 12, she delivered an emotional performance of Christina Perri’s “Arms” dedicated to her father, Amos Abplanalp, who was battling stage four colon cancer. The audition earned her four yes votes from judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, launching a run on the competition series that ultimately carried her to the finals.
Evie Clair’s AGT Audition and Musical Tribute to Her Father
Hailing from Florence, Arizona, Evie Clair introduced herself to the judging panel with a lighthearted remark about her hometown before sharing her family’s heavy reality. She told the judges that her father had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer a year prior and was given a five percent chance to live. Despite the prognosis, her father continued working to support the family.
Clair explained to the audience that she chose Christina Perri’s ballad “Arms” because she would go to her father’s room on his rough days and sing the song to provide comfort and strength. Simon Cowell praised the teenager for being brave before her performance, which moved both the audience and the judges, securing her advancement to the Judge Cuts round.
Progression Through Season 12 and Final Performances
Following her initial audition, Clair advanced through the competition by performing Macy Gray’s “I Try” in the Judge Cuts. In Week 2 of the Quarterfinals, she performed Birdy’s “Wings” while playing the piano, earning standing ovations from all four judges.
Although she placed in the 6th–8th range in America’s vote, she was saved twice by the Dunkin’ Save to advance through the Semifinals, where she sang Ella Henderson’s “Yours.” For her final performance before the grand finale, she sang Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” During the finale, she performed an original song titled “Okay Day” as a duet with British singer James Arthur, ultimately finishing outside the Top 5.
Tragic Loss and Post-AGT Music Career
Tragically, Amos Abplanalp passed away from stage four cancer on September 7, 2017, just two weeks before his daughter’s final performance on the show. Despite the loss, Clair continued her pursuit of music.
A year after her appearance on the program, she released her debut album, Okay Day, featuring 10 tracks written solely or primarily by her. She has also maintained an active presence on YouTube, publishing musical covers and original content for her subscriber base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What song did Evie Clair sing for her AGT audition?
Evie Clair sang “Arms” by Christina Perri during her Season 12 audition for America’s Got Talent.
How far did Evie Clair make it on America’s Got Talent?
Evie Clair reached the grand finale of Season 12, where she performed her original song “Okay Day” in a duet with James Arthur before being eliminated from the Top 5.
What happened to Evie Clair’s father?
Amos Abplanalp passed away from stage four colon cancer on September 7, 2017, during the broadcast of Season 12.
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