Evie Clair (Thomas) breaks down the heartfelt lyrics of her upcoming song about her dad in a new YouTube video. She will be premiering the new original song “I know You’re There” in one week – the day she calls her dad’s angelversary. He passed away on September 7th, 2017. The song will be released on streaming services later in the month.
Evie opens her heart and shares it as she goes through each line of this new song and explains her thoughts behind it, knowing her dad is still watching over her. She breaks down in tears when she reveals the lyric about her dad’s grandkids, “and when they cry, when they’re down, when there’s nobody to listen, I know you’re there.” She spoke of how her dad was always such a good listener and that she knows he’s still there listening and will be there for her children. She recognizes that she won’t be able to see him hold his grandkids but wonders if Billye has already had some time with him recently. Her inspiration to write this song for her dad started when she was having an unspoken conversation about him with her baby.
The melody of “I Know You’re There” remains a mystery for one more week. Watch for the release on Evie Clair’s YouTube channel the morning of September 7, 2023. #teamamos
She arrived at the basketball game early for a sound check passing the high school’s trophy case of her dad’s glory days. Evie Clair was getting used to people recognizing her by now but this concert was different. Most of the people arriving knew her father personally. Many were still grieving.
Sporadically approaching her as she climbed the bleachers, kids and adults asked for her picture or autograph, asked about Simon Cowell, or just wanted to give her a hug. A very tall, handsome ball player with brown curly hair and a bruise over his eye approached her with a basketball to sign. He asked if she would sign it as “Evelyn Abplanalp,” revealing that he wasn’t enamored as a fan but wanted to connect with her personally. He introduced himself as Clancy and told her his dad, Boe Thomas, wrestled there on the same team as her dad. Clancy reminded her a little of her dad and she was more than happy to sign his basketball.
As the game started she realized he was captain of the team and really good. It was the first time she ever watched a basketball game with such laser focus.
Evelyn learned there would be a dance for youth in the area that night. She went hoping he would come. When she saw him arrive with his team then leave them with his head bobbing over the top of the crowd towards her, she knew he came for one reason. He stayed even after his team left to make sure he made an impression on her. He did.
Not Dating
Realizing an age gap and that they lived in separate states, the two became penpals and found opportunities to see each other for family disc golf games when she was in town visiting grandma. She was scheduled to sing for an event in Hawaii the following Spring. Evie’s mom, knowing she didn’t have many friends because of her show schedule, invited him to come along. Her brother Porter was protective. His dad was gone and he saw it as his duty to keep the two apart knowing that Evelyn already had her heart set on marrying Clancy someday. The standard in her church and in her family are not to date until 16 so they were careful to stay friends and until then. After she turned 16 they still lived apart. He had just finished a mission in South America and finally had a chance to take her out on a date when she was visiting Idaho.
Giving Her Away
That day finally came and Porter gave his blessing as Clancy and Evelyn were married and sealed for eternity in the Tucson, Arizona temple. During the reception in San Tan Valley she had a special dance with her step dad to her daddy’s favorite song. The tears flowed. The looks on their faces told everyone’s hearts that Amos was there too dancing with his baby girl on her wedding day.
The Temple
Evie and Clancy were married in a temple. They are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and getting to the temple is the goal they set for themselves from the time they became members of the church at age 8. They kept themselves pure and clean and made special promises with God in order to enter the temple.
A few friends were traveling from out of town to the wedding. They were not members of the couple’s church but they came to the temple and graciously waited in the waiting room with the children and others who were not able to witness the wedding and sealing ceremony. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell people they can’t attend the wedding of someone they love so much. There are spiritual things involved with temple weddings that only those who have gone through for their own endowment would understand. Entering the temple for a wedding also requires a temple recommend from church leaders and the qualifications to enter are not easy. In this case, the friends understood and were happy just to be there on the majestic temple grounds. Evelyn and Clancy believe in marriage and families that last longer than death. This is why marriage in the temple was so important to them.
The Reception
After the wedding in Tucson, they traveled back to Evie’s church building to have a reception with close friends and family. The church building is special to Evie. Her dad was a bishop there and his funeral was filled from the chapel to the very back on that same overflow dance floor. It also happens to double as a basketball court which reminded us of where they met. The night was filled with good food and good music. Jill caught the bouquet then got married 2 weeks later to Evelyn’s brother. Evelyn’s cousins Buddy (The Way You Look Tonight), McKenna (Wonderful World) and Skylar (Forever Young), mom (Goodnight My Angel), sister Kirra (Grow as We Go) and uncle Ken (Perfect) sang some of her favorite songs. Her cousin Nick, brother Porter and Clancy’s brother who is also named Porter had some inspiring and hilarious words and memories to share. She ended the program singing a song by Jax called Like My Father…
Special Thanks
Thank you to all of you who sent gifts and well wishes to the couple and those who attended and performed – thank you so much. Special Thanks from Evelyn’s mom to: Patty Tonioli, Karyann Hoopes and her husband, Sarah Sheperd, Lyn Fulton, Christy Mann, Lori Marquez, Pam Michaelson, Phoebe and Ken Morris, The Thomas Family, Michael Fulton, President Anderson, Kathy Atwood, Michelle Rigby, Natalie Brokaw, Lissa and Jeromy Petersen, Josh and Natali Pearce, Ed and Deb Winters, Sarah & Dallin Welch, Kyle Morris, Elise Gloschat, Brother Westenscow, Anne Taylor, Panda Express that sent a thousand dollar gift card when they found out Evie Clair was serving Panda at her wedding, and everyone who stayed after to help clean up so fast. The blessings of such kind and selfless people mean so much and made Evelyn and Clancy’s day so special.
I Love Clancy Because…
“i love clancy because of his willingness and instinct to minister. he loves God and will always put Him first. he knows how to make me happy and he does it everyday!” -Evelyn Clair Thomas
Later this week the beloved singer/songwriter, Evie Clair, will become Mrs. Evelyn Thomas. Her heart is definitely set on the tall and handsome Clancy Thomas but lately has also turned more to God. She has been working on reviving some of her favorite hymns and spiritual music. She revealed to her family recently that her favorite types of gigs are ones where she can share her spiritual journey and sacred music.
Fans weren’t expecting a new music video from Evie to drop on her YouTube channel just days before her wedding since she hasn’t released a professional video since “Talking” 10 months ago. She gave no hints about the this new video, but fans we’re thrilled with one commenting “Just what the world needs” and another “This was so beautiful. Got chills the second I hit play. God bless and Merry Christmas.” They also loved that she included her little sister Kirra Abplanalp and her Aunt Christy Mann’s beautiful accompanying cello.
With video direction and production by Tanner Blackburn and audio engineering by Stephen Moyer, this was most likely Evie’s last opportunity to work with Arizona friends as she will be staying in Idaho to continue her education and start her new married life.
She doesn’t have plans yet on how or if she will pursue her singing career moving forward but she will never stop singing praises to God.
A comment recently left on one of Evie’s videos reads: “There is a disarming gentleness and quiet strength to this child that is truly human. She is not your normal performer with goals, agendas and ambitions. She has so much past, so much insight into the sum total of human suffering, so much humanness to offer those who live in human frames but have either lost the knack or have never known what it is like to be both gently strong and strongly gentle.” -Arjuna Seneviratne
Evie Clair has a surefire method to treat anxiety and depression, courtesy of her late father. This simple solution completely changed Evie’s life. All it takes is a little bit of gratitude. This simple exercise in gratitude is a surefire cure for any heartache. This Thanksgiving, Evie is sharing her father’s advice that makes all the difference.
Incorporating gratitude into daily life doesn’t just help us manage our emotions—it fosters a sense of connection and hope. Pairing this mindset with other wellness practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or even natural supplements can amplify its effects.
When life feels overwhelming, grounding ourselves with gratitude and reaching out for the right tools can provide much-needed stability. The Kratom Connection offers support to those navigating anxiety by providing access to high-quality, natural products that may aid in calming the mind and body. Together, gratitude and holistic practices can form a powerful combination for healing, reminding us that even in the hardest moments, there’s always something to be thankful for.
Individuals seeking additional support in their journey, exploring alternative methods like psilocybe cubensis has gained attention in recent years. Many have reported benefits in managing anxiety, and the use of these mushrooms is sometimes seen as a way to address mental health from a different angle.
If you’re curious about this approach, reputable sources like https://thesporedepot.com/ can offer guidance and quality products. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey with anxiety and depression is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Combining these strategies with a mindset of gratitude can create a holistic approach to healing.
As more people explore these alternative treatments, it’s important to recognize that the healing journey is unique for each person, and what works for one individual may not be the right fit for another. For those who are open to exploring different paths to mental wellness, Elevated You offers a platform dedicated to alternative medicine, including magic mushrooms and other psychedelics, as potential treatments for mental illness.
With growing evidence supporting the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics, Elevated You provides a trusted space for individuals to explore these options in a safe and informed manner. Their platform, found at https://elevatedyou.cc/, offers access to high-quality products, expert guidance, and a supportive community that helps users understand and navigate their journeys with alternative treatments.
Just like the exploration of psilocybe cubensis, psychedelics present an opportunity to approach mental health from a different perspective, and with the right resources, they can offer valuable tools for healing and self-discovery. As with any form of treatment, it’s crucial to approach these options mindfully, ensuring that they align with personal needs and goals while fostering a balanced, holistic approach to mental well-being.
Evie Clair Overcoming Heartbreak
Amos Abplanalp, Evie Clair’s father, practiced psychology until 2017 when his cancer made him unable to work. He passed away later that same year. Evie was in the final rounds of America’s Got Talent when her father died. She told her mother that she wouldn’t return to the competition. At fourteen years old, the combination of a childhood tragedy and a national competition was far too much for the young singer. Anxiety overcame her, and heartache made it impossible to continue the show. However, Amos’ funeral life sketch included the following phrase, which he often repeated: “I didn’t raise quitters for kids.” Evie knew she had to go back to AGT.
Amos never stopped being a father
Even so, such a brave decision would require a miracle, and her dad had just the treatment. With firm faith, Evie looked back on a lesson her father always taught. Whenever one of his children was suffering from anxiety or feeling down, he would prescribe the following cure: count your blessings. Amos sat with his children as they wrote a list of things for which they were thankful. Within minutes they were calm, content, and ready to face their problems. Evie applied this treatment. Even fatherless, with no indication of what her life would be like, she sat and counted her blessings. She went back to AGT and delivered an unforgettable final performance.
Recently, Evie gave the following statement about this fatherly counsel:
“Always had an extra hard time with my anxiety. When my anxiety would be triggered, it would always help me to forget about myself and focus on what I have. That’s always helped me to combat my feelings of low self-worth. Bad things don’t seem as bad when you remember all of the good things you have.”
The Power of Gratitude
On one occasion, Amos prescribed this exercise to one of his patients. The man was serving time in prison and felt that he had nothing left. At first, his depression worsened as he reminded himself of all that he lost. He listed things like family, love, respect, his job and possessions, health and power. Amos and his patient read through the list. They paused for a while after the inmate read the word, “health.” Amos had only weeks left to live. Evie’s father reminded his patient that there are some things that can never be taken away. The man began to heal after composing the following list:
ability to be a good family member
ability to love
self-respect
ability to work hard
healthy habits
power of self-control
That day, this inmate learned a lesson that Evie Clair had been taught her entire life. He learned that gratitude has nothing to do with what you have. Gratitude is about who you choose to be. A grateful heart is an unconquerable heart. This holiday season, give thanks.
Even for your favorite artists, life never stops moving. In the case of Evie Clair, life is just starting to pick up speed! As her childhood stardom comes to an end, her career as an adult is just beginning. That’s right, Evie’s off to college! Evie heads to Brigham Young University – Idaho next week, and she’s inviting her fans to come along for the journey.
Although she is leaving home, Evie’s family of fans can join her at college through her Facebook supporters group. Facebook supporters receive access to exclusive content and frequent check-ins from Evie as she begins this exciting phase of her life. Her first exclusive live event will be on Sep. 10th, as she settles into a new home, and a new piano.
Fans who follow her college experience will see a whole new side of Evie Clair. Aside from music, Evie has a passion for innovation. Surprisingly to some, she will be majoring in computer science! Evie hopes to one day make online genealogy programs more user friendly. In addition to her music, Facebook supporters will get to know the real Evie Clair.
However big the world may be, Evie always finds time for her fans wherever they are. Because of her kind influence, many have wanted to support her on her journey through this life. Now, with a her Facebook group, fans turn into friends. Be sure to sign up before Sep. 10th to catch her move-in live!
Pain. If there is a faster path to heaven, let me know when you find it. For now, I suppose that we’re on it together.
Four years ago I found myself on America’s Got Talent, my dad was dying of cancer, and I felt like giving up on a lot more than just the show. The pain was the only thing that outweighed the fear. It hurt so badly to watch him fight so hard, just to see him lose a little more each day. It was enough to make even the biggest stage in the world feel meaningless. I can’t congratulate you enough for having pushed so far.
I think we both know that all of this is so much more than a talent show. The music is so much more than the hits. The pain is so much more than a story. There’s a grand purpose to so much pain, and my dad knew it. He always told me, “men are that they might have joy.” In other words, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.”
So, we sing on TV. We sing to ourselves. We sing to God, and know that He hears through the off-notes, and the sloppy prose. I couldn’t help but smile at “It’s OK”. It brought me face to face with my 13 year old self, writing “Okay Day”. Although I hadn’t had an okay day in a long time, I knew that if I sang it anyways it might just come true. My dad taught me that. He was right.
I hope that this letter finds you well. I hope that everyone can find as much strength in your story as I do. You’re never alone.
Wanting to prepare for the events that Evie’s family had been invited to, they researched Hong Kong, learning that their relationship with China was complex. It began with the Opium Wars between Great Britain and China in the late 1800’s when China was forced to give Hong Kong to Great Britain on a land deal with a 99-year lease. In 1997 that lease ended and Great Britain returned Hong Kong to China as a Special Administrative Region where China allowed Hong Kong to continue to govern itself. While mainland China is a communist country, controlled by a single party, Hong Kong still maintains limited democracy. Politics between Hong Kong and Mainland China have been rocky. In 2014 Hong Kong had massive protests and demonstrations against proposed election reforms that mainland China wanted to impose on how Hong Kong elects their Chief Executive. In 2019 Hong Kongers protested a bill that would have allowed mainland authorities to target critics, journalists and anyone else in Hong Kong for removal to mainland China. Hong Kong is not allowed to maintain its own military or international relations being ultimately at the will of Mainland China through The office of the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs. Even with difficult diplomatic relations, economic advantages keep the two together.
On January 18th, 2021 Evie Clair’s manager received a seemingly normal online booking request for two days of charity events in Hong Kong celebrating the launching of a new community center. Evie has performed for dozens of charity events since America’s Got Talent but was excited to travel to China for the first time. Her manager responded with the requested quote of $5,000 for the appearance but didn’t expect the response from China offering $10,000 plus first class air fare for the whole family of six and lodging at the Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong. They included extras in the contract such as a $5,000 wardrobe allowance with 50% paid up front. The contract stated that if the event was cancelled due to Covid-19 or any other reason, she would be able to keep the deposit.
The circumstances of Evie’s life captured many hearts all over the world and caused her to be deeply involved in charity work. She has often been treated graciously like this by both charity and non-charity organizations for the past several years, but this was abnormal in that the organization’s legal committee chairman asked Evie to present a donation to the charity at the event. He said the CEO wanted to personally give her the money to donate back with a giant check from her at the day-two event. This increased the amount of the deposit they would send by $50,000 which Evie would return as a tax-exempt donation.
This was a red flag, but the organization sent legal documents with their tax-exempt status and ensured there wouldn’t be any tax issues. They researched the company and couldn’t find a social media presence but they said that’s why they needed Evie to help them establish one with her social status. The website at https://lifelinehk.org said they had been established at 10 Tim Mei Avenue Admiralty in Hong Kong since 2015 with accomplishments helping children escape poverty, hunger and abuse, partnering with government and community organizations. Everything seemed in order so the contract was signed and returned.
Tuesday January 26, 2021 – Evie’s mom woke up with concern about the organization and decided to do some research. She wanted to find out who created the website. No information existed but she found out that it had been created only 4 days before the booking request for Evie was made. She then had the thought to call her religious leader, Bishop Elwood, who is also a CPA. She sent him the Chinese tax documentation they provided.
He called back with the news that Lifeline Hong Kong Foundation didn’t exist but that the documentation had been manipulated from another organization in Hong Kong. He recommended that she take the cashier’s check to the bank and explain the situation, but that we definitely should not send them back the $50,000 donation. He said that the check was probably fake and that the bank may not realize it right away. This would give the organizers time to collect returned donation funds from us, leaving us responsible for the fake check and the lost funds.
Evie Clair LLC received the $61,000 cashiers check from Lifeline Hong Kong Foundation that day. It came from TFC National Bank in Sioux Falls, SD and was sent overnight Fed Ex from Lana at Goldfinch Technology – 622 W 168th St FL New York, NY 10032 with the phone number 201-719-4807 and “The Empire Group” written in the memo on the check. All these discrepancies confirmed suspicion that the check was fraudulent but they had already signed a contract to return donation funds upon receipt of the check.
Upon arrival at the bank, they suggested she call the bank that issued the check to verify it. After a long hold in the lobby of her bank, TFC Bank said they had no validation process and that depositing the check was the only way to find out if it was real. The funds were immediately available in Evie’s business account with no hold or issue.
Ivan Chow, the organization’s legal committee chair, emailed several times over the next two days with wire instructions for returning the donation portion of the deposit. When told by Evie’s manager that the funds were still being verified, he became urgent saying the funds were going to help Covid-19 victims in Hong Kong and couldn’t wait. Evie’s manager held off paying or touching the funds, with near certainty that they weren’t real. She called the bank several times to explain the situation but they said everything looked fine and to call back to file a claim if the check became invalidated. Three days later the bank discovered the fraudulent cashier’s check and the $61,000 was gone with no notice from the bank but a $12 returned item fee.
She called the bank to file a fraud claim and they said there was nothing to be done. She then filed a report with the Federal Trade Commission with a response saying “Thank you for helping to fight fraud in your community…The FTC does not resolve individual reports, but your report will be entered in the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel database and will be available to … law enforcement across the country.”
With the new knowledge that not much is done to investigate fraud by the government and that banks don’t seem to care that someone is creating counterfeit checks in their name or that a loophole exists in the system giving criminals 3 days of available, imaginary funds, Evie’s family is so thankful for the help they had from above to see these persons and the problems they wanted to cause her family. The family was disappointed to learn they wouldn’t be going to China after after all. The kids had Hong Kong Disneyland on their radar. They haven’t heard anything else from “Mr. Ivan Chow” or “Lifeline Hong Kong Foundation,” but hopefully releasing this post will help their friends and others in the entertainment industry who may be targeted with this type of fraud in the future.