America’s Got Talent Season 12 winner Darci Lynne Farmer is stepping into a new era, celebrating her 21st birthday with a stunning transformation, a heartfelt new single, and plenty of love in the air.
The singing ventriloquist, who captured America’s heart back in 2017, marked her 21st birthday on October 12 with a retro-themed party surrounded by family, friends, and her boyfriend Kendon Reed.
“Thank you to everyone who made me feel so loved on my birthday Sunday,” Darci wrote on Instagram. “21 years and counting! Praise God for another year to be a light in the dark, and to continue to spread love. 1 John 4:16.”
Fans were quick to notice Darci’s new look — she’s traded in her signature light blonde hair for a darker brunette tone, which she wore pulled back in a long, curly ponytail during the celebration. The change marks a mature new chapter for the star, who seems more confident and grounded than ever.
A Love Song Straight from the Heart
To make her birthday even more special, Darci dropped her latest original single “Hold Me”, a song inspired by her real-life romance with Kendon.
“This one is very special to me and I’m itching to share it with you guys,” she teased last month before its release.
The song’s emotional lyrics tell the story of deep connection, vulnerability, and the kind of love that feels timeless:
“You and I both know that we just don’t know where this will go
But we can’t deny that what we’ve got now feels so right
Please don’t be like the others
I don’t wanna be strangers
Hold me like you’ll always need me and I’ll kiss you like you’ll disappear tomorrow
Hold me like you already miss me and I’ll kiss you like you’re my last breath…”
It’s a far cry from her ventriloquism roots, as Darci continues to focus on original music — songs sung entirely without the help of her puppets. Over the past two years, she’s released several singles, including “Push Our Luck,” “Someone Wake Me Up,” “Takes a Melody,” and “Better Late Than Never.”
She’s also gearing up for more live shows through 2025, including a highly anticipated performance at the Grand Ole Opry on October 22.
Engagement Rumors Spark After Romantic Photoshoot
Adding fuel to fan speculation, Darci recently shared a series of dreamy, vintage-inspired photos with Kendon Reed and fans couldn’t help but wonder if the two are engaged.
In the photos, Darci wears a delicate gold ring on her right hand while posing with Kendon in what many described as a “wedding-style” shoot. The images, taken by Tulsa-based wedding photographer Christa Mae, had fans flooding the comments with messages like, “So happy for you!! He’s found a gem.”
However, Darci has not confirmed any engagement. Her caption simply read: “So safe to say I’m still beaming from this shoot.”
While some followers congratulated the pair, others noted that the ring isn’t on her left hand — suggesting this might just be a romantic photoshoot, not a proposal announcement.
The couple, who started dating in May 2024, continues to share glimpses of their relationship online, with fans loving every update.
A New Chapter Begins
Darci Lynne’s journey from teen ventriloquist to young singer-songwriter shows her growth both personally and creatively. With a bold new look, a heartfelt single, and a loving relationship that clearly inspires her music, she’s showing the world that she’s more than just a talented ventriloquist — she’s a full-fledged artist with stories to tell.
Whether or not wedding bells are in her near future, one thing’s clear: Darci’s 21st year is already one to remember.
