“I Might Regret This Forever” — Darci Lynne Leaves Petunia Behind and Delivers Her Most Daring AGT Performance Yet

For years, she was the sweet, giggling ventriloquist who stunned America with her voice—and her puppets. But on the Fantasy League stage in 2025, Darci Lynne took the biggest risk of her career… and it started with six words whispered backstage:

“I might regret this forever.”

And just like that, she walked out without Petunia.

The Risk No One Saw Coming

At just 12 years old, Darci Lynne made television history by winning America’s Got Talent with her brilliant blend of comedy, puppetry, and powerhouse vocals. Petunia, the sassy singing bunny, became a household name—almost as famous as Darci herself.

But now 19, Darci isn’t a child star anymore. She’s a young woman. An artist. And on this season of AGT: Fantasy League, she’s not just competing for a title. She’s fighting for her evolution

“I Need Them to Hear Me”

Before the performance, Darci confided in mentor Heidi Klum that she felt torn between what audiences expected—and who she truly is now.

“People connected with Petunia,” she said. “But I want them to connect with me. I want to show them who I really am.”

It was a decision that went against all advice from the Judges. Earlier in the season, Darci had already tried stepping back from full ventriloquism, and the response had been lukewarm at best. Simon even warned her that abandoning the act that made her famous was “a dangerous move.”

“You’re competing against singers now,” Klum said. “And the pressure’s doubled.”

But Darci didn’t care.
She wasn’t here to play it safe.

The Performance That Changed Everything

As she took the stage, the audience instantly noticed the difference. No puppet. No playful chatter. Just Darci. Alone. Vulnerable.

She introduced her original song with a shaky voice—but the moment the music started, everything changed.

Her voice was raw. Confident. Bigger than ever.
A mix of country-rock soul and emotional storytelling, the song wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement.

Every lyric felt like a personal letter to the world. And when she hit the final high note, holding nothing back, the room… fell completely silent.

Then came the eruption.
A standing ovation.
Tears in the crowd.
Heidi on her feet.
And Simon? Visibly moved.

Aftermath: Did She Just Say Goodbye to Petunia Forever?

Backstage, Darci was emotional but proud.

“It felt like I finally got to show them the real me,” she said.

Fans quickly flooded social media with support:

• “This is the artist Darci was always meant to be.”

• “No puppet, no gimmick—just pure talent.”

• “She doesn’t need Petunia anymore. She’s her own voice now.”

As for whether Petunia will return in the finals… Darci hasn’t said. But if this performance proved anything, it’s this:

Darci Lynne doesn’t need a puppet to leave a room breathless. She never did.

Final Word

From a bubbly 12-year-old with a bunny to a fearless 19-year-old woman with a story to tell, Darci Lynne just delivered the most powerful—and personal—performance of her life.

She took the stage without her safety net.
She risked everything.
And in doing so…
she may have found herself