Darci Lynne Farmer reminded everyone why she remains one of the most beloved winners in America’s Got Talent history during a joyful, high-energy return that brought the house to its feet.
Appearing alongside her iconic puppet Oscar on Little Big Shots, Darci teamed up with longtime host Steve Harvey for a special performance that quickly turned into a standout moment. The trio delivered a lively rendition of “Shout” by The Isley Brothers, and from the first beat, the studio audience was all in — clapping, cheering, and eventually standing as the fun unfolded onstage.
Darci, now 21, set a blistering pace during the song, pushing the tempo so fast that even Steve Harvey struggled to keep up. The brief moments where Steve fell slightly behind only added to the charm, drawing laughter from the crowd and making the performance feel spontaneous and playful rather than rehearsed. Fans watching at home described the moment as “pure joy,” with many saying the energy felt contagious.
Oscar, Darci’s sassy puppet sidekick, played a big role in the humor, tossing out comments and expressions that bounced perfectly off Steve’s reactions. At one point, Steve appeared genuinely surprised by how quickly Darci drove the performance forward, joking his way through the chaos as the audience roared with approval. Viewers online noted that Steve looked like he was having as much fun as the crowd — a feeling echoed by comments suggesting his grandchildren would “love seeing him bring out a ventriloquist puppet.”
The appearance sparked a wave of nostalgia for longtime fans of Little Big Shots, many of whom called for the show’s return. “We need this kind of joy right now,” one commenter wrote, while another simply said, “These kids are grown now — wow.”
Darci’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She was just 12 years old when she won America’s Got Talent Season 12 in 2017, instantly capturing hearts with her unique blend of ventriloquism and powerful vocals. Her audition earned Mel B.’s golden buzzer, sending her straight to the quarterfinals and setting the tone for a season she would ultimately dominate.
Unlike many ventriloquists, Darci didn’t rely on jokes alone. She sang through her puppets — perfectly on pitch — making her a rare double threat. That talent has continued to carry her forward long after her AGT win. She returned to the franchise multiple times, finishing as a runner-up on America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019 and reaching the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League in 2024.
Outside of competition shows, Darci has stayed busy. She is currently touring across the country with her Darci Lynne & Friends tour, performing for packed crowds who have grown up alongside her. She has appeared on talk shows, television specials, and even performed at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry.
Darci has also expanded her career beyond ventriloquism. She has taken on acting roles in projects such as Side Hustle, A Cowgirl’s Song, and Reagan, and has begun releasing original music without her puppets. Her latest song, “Better Late Than Never,” dropped in July and marked another step in her artistic evolution.
Offstage, Darci is navigating adulthood with the same openness fans have always appreciated. She lives in Oklahoma City, graduated from Deer Creek High School in 2023, and moved into her own place with a friend in 2024. She also publicly shared her relationship with boyfriend Kendon Reed in 2024, giving fans a glimpse into her personal life.
Moments like her Little Big Shots performance show just how far Darci Lynne has come — and why audiences still adore her. With quick wit, fearless energy, and a genuine love for entertaining, Darci proved that even when the tempo gets too fast to follow, the joy she brings always hits the right note.