In the summer of 2017, a shy 12-year-old girl from Oklahoma walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage with nothing but a puppet and a quiet confidence—and walked off a viral sensation. That girl was Darci Lynne Farmer, and the moment she made Simon Cowell blush on live television is still one of the most unforgettable performances in the show’s history.
It wasn’t just the singing or the comedy—it was the audacity, the charm, and the way she flipped the power dynamic on live national TV. Darci introduced the world to Edna Doorknocker, a feisty, flirtatious 80-something puppet with a major crush on Simon. What happened next became instant TV gold.
In the middle of her performance of Aretha Franklin’s classic “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” Darci—through Edna—began flirting relentlessly with Simon. The puppet’s gravelly voice called him a “hunk,” and Edna didn’t just talk the talk—she walked off the stage, headed straight for the judges’ table, and cozied up to Simon, cuddling him as Darci kept performing flawlessly.
Simon Cowell, typically the most stoic and intimidating judge on the panel, was visibly flustered. He turned red. He laughed. He looked like he genuinely didn’t know what to do—and for a few perfect seconds, the world watched as a 12-year-old ventriloquist completely disarmed one of TV’s toughest critics.
A Star Beyond Her Years
What made the moment so powerful wasn’t just that it was funny—it was fearless. Darci wasn’t just a talented singer or ventriloquist; she was a masterful performer with impeccable timing, maturity, and presence far beyond her age. She didn’t just survive the moment—she owned it.
The judges were blown away. Heidi Klum called Darci “next-level,” while Mel B said she was “mesmerized from the second she started.” Simon himself admitted off-camera that Darci got him “in huge trouble” because of the flirtatious puppet antics—but also that she was “absolutely brilliant.”
The performance went viral overnight. Clips of Edna cuddling Simon spread across the internet, and Darci quickly became a fan favorite. But behind all the buzz and memes was a genuine artist who had spent years perfecting her craft. She began ventriloquism at age 10 after seeing another performer inspire her at church, and in just two years, she’d built not just one act—but an entire world of original characters.
The Girl Behind the Puppets
In interviews after the show, Darci revealed the heart behind the humor. She said each puppet represents a different side of herself—Edna being the bold, sassy, slightly outrageous part that says what Darci might never say aloud. Her parents and coach helped her shape Edna’s voice and jokes, but the soul of the character came from Darci’s own imagination.
Despite her rising fame, Darci remained grounded. When asked what she’d do with the $1 million grand prize, her answers were humble and pure: she wanted to donate to her church and buy her mom a new dishwasher. “Ours doesn’t work very well,” she said with a laugh.
Her kindness and authenticity only deepened the public’s admiration. She wasn’t trying to be famous—she was just being herself, and that sincerity struck a chord with millions.
Why We Still Talk About It in 2025
Now, in 2025, Darci Lynne is 20 years old—and her AGT performance with Edna still resonates. It wasn’t just a “TV moment.” It was a cultural reset. In an era where many kids are told to stay in line, be quiet, and follow scripts, Darci showed what it looks like to be bold, brilliant, and unapologetically creative. She used humor to challenge authority in the most innocent, entertaining way—and did it live, without missing a beat.
More than just a throwback, that performance stands as a symbol of what happens when talent, bravery, and pure joy collide. It’s a reminder that you’re never too young to take up space, to challenge expectations, or to make your voice heard—even if it comes out of a puppet’s mouth.
Legacy of a Puppet and a Dream
Today, Darci continues to perform and grow as an artist, touring across the country and inspiring the next generation of young performers. But for many, she will always be remembered first for that night: when a 12-year-old girl, a grandma puppet, and a British judge collided in a perfect storm of talent, laughter, and iconic television history.
Because sometimes, greatness doesn’t arrive with fireworks. Sometimes, it shows up with a puppet on your hand and the courage to make Simon Cowell squirm.
