Darci Lynne Farmer, the pint-sized ventriloquist who stole hearts on America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 12, has evolved from a shy Oklahoma girl into a multifaceted entertainer. At just 12, her Golden Buzzer-winning performance of “Summertime” with puppet Petunia captivated millions, earning her the $1 million prize and a historic number of finale votes. Now 20, Darci’s journey post-AGT reflects a delicate balance of fame, growth, and authenticity. This 800-word exploration traces her transformation, asking: Has fame made her life better or worse?

Overcoming Shyness Through Ventriloquism

Born October 12, 2004, in Oklahoma City, Darci was painfully shy, barely able to sing for her father, Clarke, without hiding behind her mother, Misty. “I wouldn’t talk to people. I would hide behind my mom,” she told the Tampa Bay Times in 2017. Her parents nudged her toward pageants to build confidence, and at the 2014 International Cinderella Scholarship Program, she won International Mini Miss for her vocal talent. There, she met teenage ventriloquist Laryssa Bonacquisti, whose performance sparked Darci’s curiosity. Despite Misty’s initial skepticism—“You’re a singer, not a ventriloquist,” she said, per Parade—Darci begged for a puppet. On her 10th birthday, she received Katie, her first ventriloquist dummy, igniting a passion that would define her career.

Within weeks, Darci was performing locally, honing her craft in front of her bedroom mirror. By 2017, she skipped seventh grade’s first day to audition for AGT in Austin, Texas. Her performance with Petunia, a sassy pink bunny, was a revelation. Mel B’s Golden Buzzer sent her to the live shows, and her audition video became AGT’s most-watched, amassing over 67 million YouTube views. Simon Cowell called her “brilliant,” and her finale duet with Terry Fator sealed her victory, earning more votes than any AGT act before.

Post-AGT Whirlwind: Tours and TV

Winning AGT thrust Darci into the spotlight. The $1 million prize was a game-changer, but Darci’s humility shone through. She donated to her church’s mission program, bought her mom a dishwasher, and planned to adopt a pug. Homeschooling allowed her to balance education with a burgeoning career. Her 2018 Darci Lynne and Friends Live tour, initially five stops, expanded to 52 due to demand, grossing $5.2 million, per her official website. A festive Rocking Around the Christmas Tree series followed, enchanting audiences with carols and puppetry.

Darci became a TV darling, appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Little Big Shots. Her 2018 NBC special, Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas, featured stars like Toby Keith and Kristin Chenoweth, reaching 9 million households. She performed at the Grand Ole Opry, joined Jeff Dunham for a spooky comedy video, and sang with Pentatonix for A Very Pentatonix Christmas. In 2019, she competed on AGT: The Champions, placing second with stunning performances like “O Mio Babbino Caro” alongside Petunia.

Expanding Horizons: Music and Acting

By her late teens, Darci yearned to be more than “the puppet girl.” She began songwriting during the pandemic, rediscovering her first love: singing. Her 2022 tour, My Lips Are Sealed (Except When They’re Not), blended ventriloquism with original songs. In 2024, she released singles “Push Our Luck” and “Someone Wake Me Up,” co-written with The Imaginaries, leaning into pop-soul vibes. “I’ve always been an old soul,” she told American Songwriter, emphasizing her desire to connect authentically through music.

Darci also ventured into acting. In 2022’s A Cowgirl’s Song, she played Brooke, a barrel racer, co-writing the film’s anthem “Just Breathe.” She called it a personal mantra for tough scenes, per Beautiful Ballad. In 2024’s Reagan, she had a small role as a swimmer saved by a young Ronald Reagan, describing the experience as “living a dream” to The Oklahoman. Her guitar skills, showcased at events like Oklahoma’s Heard on Hurd festival, added another dimension to her artistry.

Does She Still Do Ventriloquism?

Yes, Darci hasn’t abandoned Petunia or pals like Oscar and Edna. In 2023, she collaborated with rock band AMH, with Petunia belting Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Her 2024 AGT: Fantasy League performance mixed ventriloquism with guitar, though she later sang solo, earning praise from Simon Cowell for following her instincts. Fans adore the Petunia chemistry, and Darci’s 2025 Up Close and Personal U.S. tour promises more puppet-driven magic, per NBC Insider.

Better or Worse After Fame?

At 20, Darci’s life seems richer, not harder, post-AGT. Fame brought opportunities—tours, films, music—but her grounded nature, rooted in family support, keeps her steady. “I’m just cruising and enjoying this new passion,” she told American Songwriter about songwriting. Social media reveals a typical teen—singing into hairbrushes, joking about school—blended with a star’s life. She’s navigated fame’s pressures with maturity, prioritizing education and philanthropy, like her Starkey Hearing Foundation work.

What sets Darci apart is her versatility and authenticity. Whether rocking out with Petunia or singing solo, she remains true to herself, inspiring young artists to chase dreams without losing their core. As she told The Oklahoman, “I want to connect with people—me.” Her journey proves fame, handled with grace, can amplify talent and heart.