When TIME Magazine released its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in Art, one name instantly stood out — Darci Lynne. At just 21 years old, the Oklahoma-born ventriloquist, singer, and storyteller has not only redefined what it means to perform but has also reshaped the very idea of what art can be in a fractured, fast-changing world.

Her journey — from a shy child with a puppet to a symbol of courage, creativity, and conviction — has captured hearts across the globe. But what makes her truly influential isn’t just her talent. It’s her transformation — and how she’s helping others transform along with her.

Darci Lynne first stole the spotlight in 2017 when she won America’s Got Talent at just 12 years old. She stood on that massive stage, surrounded by lights and nerves, and introduced a sassy puppet named Petunia. Within seconds, the world stopped to listen — to a girl who spoke through laughter, song, and magic.

Her voice, effortless and pure, seemed to come from everywhere but her lips. And yet, every note she sang, every punchline she delivered, carried something deeply human — the vulnerability of a child daring to be seen. That night, she didn’t just win a trophy. She became a symbol of possibility.

But that was only the beginning.

Fast forward a few years, and Darci Lynne’s story took a turn few expected. While many child stars fade, she evolved — breaking out of the box the world had placed her in. “People saw me as the puppet girl,” she once said, “but I’ve always known there was more inside me — more to say, more to sing, more to share.”

Her recent projects prove that. She’s released original music, performed on stages across the world, and spoken openly about her faith, her fears, and her mental health — not as a brand, but as a person. Her live shows blend comedy, music, theater, and raw confession, creating an emotional experience that blurs the line between performance and prayer.

Critics have described her as a “modern-day storyteller,” someone who uses art not just to entertain but to awaken empathy. TIME called her “a bridge between innocence and insight — a rare artist who makes the world feel seen without shouting.”

In a candid interview earlier this year, Darci revealed that her journey has not been without pain. “There were years where I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror,” she admitted. “I felt like I was performing a version of me that everyone else expected — and I forgot who I really was.”

Her openness about anxiety and identity has resonated deeply with fans — especially young people growing up in an age of pressure and perfectionism. Through her honesty, she’s made vulnerability not a weakness but a form of strength.

“She’s teaching a new generation that it’s okay to be real,” says psychologist and cultural critic Dr. Lena Ford. “Darci doesn’t hide her scars — she turns them into stories that heal.”

It’s that authenticity — quiet, humble, yet powerful — that has earned her a place among legends.

One of the reasons TIME cited for her inclusion was her unique ability to unite audiences of all ages. Grandparents remember her from AGT, children adore her puppets, and young adults now connect with her new era of soulful, introspective music.

Her recent single, “Someone Wake Me Up,” has been praised as “the sound of an artist coming of age.” With haunting vocals and heartfelt lyrics, the song explores what it means to grow beyond expectations — to wake up to one’s purpose after years of silence.

When she performs it live, something remarkable happens. The crowd — thousands strong — often falls completely silent by the bridge, as if collectively holding their breath. Then, by the final chorus, voices rise together in unison, not as fans but as witnesses to something deeply real.

“She doesn’t just perform,” wrote TIME’s art editor, “she transforms the air around her.”

While Darci rarely preaches, her faith shines quietly through her work. “I wouldn’t be here without God,” she’s said on several occasions. “When I’m scared before a show, I pray — not for fame, not for perfection, but for purpose.”

That humility has made her a refreshing presence in an industry often driven by ego. Whether she’s performing at the All-American Halftime Show or visiting children’s hospitals, she radiates the same grounded grace that first made America fall in love with her.

Erika Kirk, producer of The All-American Halftime Show, put it simply: “Darci doesn’t chase the spotlight. The spotlight follows her because it recognizes light.”

In an era dominated by viral fame and fleeting attention spans, Darci’s influence feels timeless. She doesn’t rely on controversy or spectacle — instead, she builds connection. Her social media is filled with laughter, gratitude, and messages that remind her fans — affectionately called The Heartkeepers — to live with kindness and courage.

One viral post shows her without makeup, hair tied up, sitting on her porch with her dog. The caption reads:
“I used to think I needed to be perfect to be loved. Now I know I just need to be real.”

That single line has been shared over two million times.

TIME’s editors cited that moment as “the new face of influence” — not measured by power or wealth, but by the ability to remind people of their worth.

To be named alongside icons like Yo-Yo Ma, Beyoncé, and Ai Weiwei might intimidate some. For Darci, it’s humbling. “I still feel like the kid from Oklahoma,” she laughed in her acceptance note. “I’m just grateful I get to make things that make people feel less alone.”

Artists around the world have echoed their support. Singer Carrie Underwood wrote, “Darci’s art reminds us that purity still has power.”
Meanwhile, Broadway’s Lin-Manuel Miranda commented, “She’s a storyteller for the soul — the kind of artist we need more of.”

Even America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, who once called her “a miracle,” tweeted, “She deserves every bit of this recognition. She represents everything right about entertainment.”

Darci Lynne’s journey is far from over. She’s preparing to release her first full-length album next spring — a record she calls “a letter to my younger self.” She’s also launching an initiative to bring arts education to underprivileged schools, saying, “Every child deserves a voice — even if it comes from a puppet.”

Her influence is no longer confined to a stage or a screen. It’s in classrooms, living rooms, and hearts across the world.

As one fan commented under TIME’s announcement:
“Darci Lynne doesn’t just make us laugh or cry. She makes us believe again — in goodness, in faith, in art.”

From a small-town girl with a dream to one of the most influential artists of her generation, Darci Lynne has become something far greater than a performer — she’s become a movement. A movement of sincerity in an age of spectacle, of softness in a world that’s hardened, of faith in a culture of doubt.

And perhaps that’s the real reason TIME chose her.

Because she reminds us that art isn’t just about being seen — it’s about seeing others.
And in every song, every smile, every story, Darci Lynne helps the world do just that.