Darci Lynne Farmer

Born on October 12, 2004, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Darci Lynne Farmer developed an early interest in singing but experienced shyness when performing for audiences. Her parents encouraged her to participate in the 2014 International Cinderella Scholarship Program, where she met ventriloquist Laryssa Bonacquisti. Inspired by Bonacquisti, Darci Lynne began practicing ventriloquism and, after a month of preparation, won first prize at ‘Edmond’s Got Talent’ in 2014. This initial success led to coaching from ventriloquy coach Gary Owen and vocal coach Tiana Plemons, contributing to further wins in competitions such as ‘Oklahoma Kids’ and ‘Oklahoma’s Got Talent’ in 2015, as well as Broadway, Specialty Acts, and Entertainer of the Year at ‘American Kids’ in Branson, Missouri.

Darci Lynne’s career progressed with appearances on ‘Little Big Shots’ in 2016 and its British version in 2017, where she performed with her puppet, Katie. Her national breakthrough occurred in 2017 when she competed in the twelfth season of ‘America’s Got Talent.’ Her audition with puppet Petunia, featuring a rendition of ‘Summertime,’ earned her the Golden Buzzer from judge Mel B, propelling her directly to the quarterfinals. The video of this performance quickly became the most viewed in the show’s history at the time. Darci Lynne went on to win Season 12 of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ becoming the youngest contestant to do so. She continued to perform with her puppets, including Oscar and Edna Doorknocker, and in the finale, performed a duet with Season Two winner Terry Fator.

Following her ‘America’s Got Talent’ win, Darci Lynne embarked on a national tour, ‘Darci Lynne and Friends Live,’ which was later expanded to include numerous dates. She also starred in her own NBC holiday television special, ‘Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas,’ in 2018, featuring musical guests such as Toby Keith and Kristin Chenoweth. In 2019, she competed in ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions,’ finishing as the runner-up. Her contributions have been recognized for reviving ventriloquism and bringing it to a wider audience, as noted by fellow ventriloquists such as Terry Fator and Jay Johnson. An exhibit dedicated to her, ‘Darci Lynne’s Got Talent,’ opened at the Edmond Historical Society and Museum in 2020.