A Young Voice That Echoes Eternity: Darci Lynne’s TIME100 Honor and the Unexpected Journey Behind It
In a glittering affirmation of youthful brilliance, 21-year-old ventriloquist and singer Darci Lynne Farmer has been named among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in entertainment for 2025, a milestone that spotlights not just her prodigious talent but the resilient spirit that has redefined an art form and inspired millions worldwide.
Darci Lynne’s meteoric rise from Oklahoma stages to global acclaim is a testament to unyielding passion. Born on October 12, 2004, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Darci discovered her love for performing early, blending singing with ventriloquism under the guidance of her father and vocal coach Tiana Plemons. Her breakthrough came in 2017 at age 12, winning America’s Got Talent Season 12 with a record-breaking final performance vote, introducing audiences to her sassy rabbit puppet Petunia. This victory, amassing over 67 million YouTube views, catapulted her into stardom, crediting her with reviving ventriloquism as a vibrant, female-led spectacle.
The TIME100 recognition celebrates her evolution into a multifaceted entertainer. Announced in TIME’s 2025 list of influential figures shaping culture, Darci joins luminaries like Scarlett Johansson and Ed Sheeran in the entertainment category. Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs praised her for “transforming whimsy into wisdom,” highlighting how her talent transcends age. From her 2018 NBC Christmas special My Hometown Christmas—featuring Toby Keith and Kristin Chenoweth, reaching 9 million households—to voicing characters in Fancy Nancy and headlining a 50-stop U.S. tour grossing $5.2 million while in middle school, Darci’s career embodies innovation. Her second-place finish on AGT: The Champions further solidified her as a force, with social media influence boasting 8 million followers.
Darci’s unique blend of humor, music, and storytelling has captivated diverse audiences. On stage, her puppets—Petunia the diva rabbit, shy mouse Oscar, and feisty Edna—aren’t mere props but extensions of her soul, allowing her to channel Broadway-caliber vocals without missing a beat. Albums like My Hometown Christmas and singles such as “Push Our Luck” showcase her pure tone, while tours sell out venues from Madison Square Garden to the Grand Ole Opry. Fans rave about her energy, with one Bandsintown review calling her shows “mind-blowing,” praising her vocal prowess beyond ventriloquism. At 21, she’s grossed millions, with a net worth estimated at $8 million, proving talent knows no age limit.
Yet behind this glamour lies an unexpected story of overcoming profound personal trials. What fans might not expect is Darci’s fierce battle with health challenges, a chapter of vulnerability that mirrors the courage she imparts through her art. In recent months, whispers of her struggles—rooted in a childhood cancer remission and ongoing battles with anxiety and physical limitations—have surfaced, often glimpsed in her occasional use of a wheelchair. Her emotional social media posts reveal a young woman leaning on faith and community, much like her puppets help her conquer shyness. This honor arrives amid whispers of resilience, transforming her TIME nod into a symbol of triumph over adversity, where imagination becomes armor.
Darci’s influence extends far beyond entertainment, igniting a spark in the next generation. By embracing her uniqueness—overcoming bullying and self-doubt through performance—she’s empowered countless kids to “find their voice,” literally and figuratively. Her advocacy for mental health, via songs like “Brave,” and charity work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital resonate deeply. As a role model, Darci represents the power of authenticity in a curated world, inspiring fan-led initiatives like puppet-making workshops and anti-bullying campaigns. Her story reminds us that true influence blooms from courage, not perfection.
The entertainment world has rallied in celebration of her TIME100 milestone. Peers like Terry Crews, her AGT host, tweeted congratulations, calling her “a light that never dims.” Social media buzzed with #DarciTIME100, fans sharing videos of her performances and personal stories of inspiration. The accolade coincides with her 2025-2026 comedy tour dates, promising more magic. TIME’s gala on April 24, airing on ABC, will undoubtedly feature her, underscoring her role in a list that honors those “transforming the world.”
Darci Lynne’s journey underscores the timeless magic of believing in oneself. At 21, she’s not just a performer; she’s a catalyst for dreams, turning socks into stars and silence into song. This TIME100 honor validates a talent that’s already changed ventriloquism’s narrative, but it’s her untold story of grit—facing health shadows while shining bright—that truly captivates. As she steps into this new chapter, Darci reminds us: talent is talent, but heart? That’s eternal. The world watches, inspired, as she puppets her way forward, one fearless note at a time.
