Darci Lynne Farmer is only 14 years old, but the singer/ventriloquist knows how to delight audiences of all ages. Her recent act on the finale of “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” was so funny and endearing that she inspired Simon Cowell – the tiniest of judges – to stand up and kiss Edna (his naughty old lady puppet).
Just two years ago, she won “America’s Got Talent.” His performances have gone from strength to strength since then, so finishing second in the “AGT Champions” spin-off on Feb. 18 isn’t a game-changer. The competition started with 50 of the best artists in the world, and it is among the best.
Sure, she was disappointed (and who could blame her?) when magician Shin Lim won the spinoff, but despite it all, she was graceful and calm. She later tweeted, “Coming back for the #AGTFinal
with all my friends and family was a dream come true!! Thanks to everyone who tuned in and watched! I had an amazing time playing and being back on the @AGT
arrange!”
The Oklahoma native was equally sweet during a recent phone conversation about her 18-city “Fresh Out of the Box” tour, which stops at Foxwoods on Saturday, March 2. She was on her way home from school because of a snowy day when we spoke. She told us to please call her Darci Lynn, and that she’s “super excited” about her tour.
“It’s a really, really great and fun show,” she said. “I think people will like it because there’s a lot of comedy and they’ll know some of the songs that my puppets will sing and I will sing. Petunia is going to sing her favorite song, “Summertime.” Oscar has a new song. I don’t want to say too much. »
Darci Lynne began practicing ventriloquism at the age of 10. Her tour revolves around her school schedule and she loves meeting her fans. “I meet someone at every show. My fans are so nice and supportive. Some of the children bring their puppets and they make their puppets while I do my show; it’s really awesome.
She also enjoys watching children practice ventriloquism on videos, and is particularly touched when they say she inspired them to try it. And even though she trains a lot herself, she also finds time for other things.
“I love lying in bed watching Netflix. I also love reading books (especially by author Jenny Han). And I love hanging out with my best friend, Lilly. She’s amazing; she’s actually with me right now. She’s sitting right next to me.
After saying hello to Lilly, we asked Darci Lynne what it’s like to juggle school and her career. She laughed and said it was hard, but worth it.
Do people treat her the same way at school? “Sometimes people have fun…or ask for high fives. But pretty much people are used to me being there.
She also shared, “I was painfully shy when I was younger, all the way through elementary school and maybe into fifth grade. Before going on “America’s Got Talent,” it was hard for me to look people in the eye, you know, to meet new people, to have a conversation. It wasn’t my thing. Getting on stage and performing helped a lot. I am a completely different person. … I am more sure of myself.
[email protected]; Twitter: @LindaTKoonz
Foxwoods Resort Casino, The Grand Theater, 350 Trolley Line Blvd., Mashantucket. Saturday, March 2, 7 p.m. $65, $50, $33. 800-200-2882, darcilynne.com
