In 2017, ‘America’s Got Talent’ was abuzz over the new golden (buzzer) child, Darci Lynne Farmer. She came onto the scene and blew away the audience and judges with an astounding display of her craft. Bringing inanimate objects to life with smarm and personality through the use of ventriloquism, she joined the ranks of geniuses like Jeff Dunham and previous winner of AGT – Terry Fator. The performances Darci brought to the AGT stage among countless others are nothing short of phenomenal. She continues to demonstrate a combination of wit, talent, and craftsmanship that brings life to her puppets and turns them into seemingly living, breathing personalities we can’t help but love.
Youth was Not Wasted on the Young
Many have asked, how did someone so young develop such an amazing talent for a craft that requires such a balance of subtlety and outlandishness? Farmer, with all the exuberance and enthusiasm of youth, was more than happy to explain when asked. A friend of hers was apparently so talented in her ventriloquism performances that Darci thought the puppet was animatronic. When it was revealed that instead her friend was instead throwing her voice, Darci fell in love with the craft. A few tips here and there combined with a few brilliant mentors, and she never looked back.
At just 10 years old, Darci began working tirelessly to become a renowned example of her art. She started simply, yet oh so quickly, by practicing letters, then moved onto words and ultimately tongue twisters. “It has a lot to do with your tongue movement,” she said, explaining the basic art of ventriloquism “where it’s on top of your teeth, on the top of your mouth, things like that.” It’s clear that once she discovered ventriloquism, Darci’s passions were ignited and it’s been the heart of her life and excitement ever since. This path began with an appearance on Little Big Shots in 2016. It then led Darci and her puppet, Petunia, to the auditioning stage for the twelfth season of America’s Got Talent, which ultimately earned her the coveted “Golden Buzzer” as she displayed her craft with a mesmerizing talent that captured the heart of audience and judges alike.
Darci Builds a Community of Puppets
Always on a creative search for new concepts for her beloved puppets, Darci ruminated with her parents on ideas for a new character. During an evening conference together her mother suggested that perhaps her newest character should be “really awkward.” Darci immediately latched onto the idea, deciding that the new character should be nervous talking to girls, and this was how Oscar was born. Showing that her puppets are as much people to her as they are to the audience, she went on to say “He’s kind of nerdy… a really cute fellow, I love him.”
Oscar was well received by the audience during America’s Got Talent’s quarterfinals, where he came on stage and stole the show by serenading Mel B with a song dedicated to her. This was a befitting way of paying respect to the judge who had awarded Darci the golden buzzer. The collective response from judges and the crowd proved without a doubt that she was going places. Even the characteristically reserved and sometimes biting Simon made a point of saying “Darci, what can I say but get ready for the big time, because it’s coming your way.” Higher praise doesn’t exist in the world of America’s Got Talent, and we happen to agree.
One might think that skyrocketing to success would do a thing or two to a young girl’s ego, but Darci remains incredibly down to earth. She noted in a post-AGT interview that she never expected to get a golden buzzer; she was aware that this was something that the judges did but, had only hoped that she’d get four yeses and some valuable comments from the judges. “I thought about it and was like that would be the most ‘awesomest’ thing ever,” Darci was quoted as saying. The most “awesomest” thing ever might just be this rising young ventriloquist!
Photo courtesy: Darci Lynne website
On the Road
As Darci’s star continued to rise in the world of ventriloquism, she embarked on her first national tour in 2020. “Fresh Out of The Box” that extended from New York to Nevada. She followed up in 2021 with a second tour, “My Lips Are Sealed (Except When They’re Not)” that extended into 2022. Her Tic Toc profile, @itsdarcilynne, is approaching 5 million followers with over 270 million views.
Darci Lynne continues to expertly hone her performance craft. She is an exceptional ventriloquist whose impeccable skills and talent continue to entertain and mesmerize the world. Yes, this girl is still on fire!
For more on Darci Lynne’s upcoming appearances and dates, please visit her website.
