It started with a puppet and ended with Simon Cowell blushing in front of millions.
In the summer of 2017, a shy 12-year-old girl from Oklahoma stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage with nothing but a stuffed puppet and a quiet, steady confidence. That girl was Darci Lynne Farmer—and what happened next became one of the most iconic moments in AGT history.
The Night a Puppet Took Down Simon Cowell
Darci’s act began innocently enough. She introduced her newest puppet, Edna Doorknocker—an 80-something firecracker with a flirty attitude and a soft spot for one person in particular: Simon Cowell.
As the music started, Edna launched into Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”—but it wasn’t just the song that stunned the audience. It was the performance within the performance.
Through Edna, Darci began flirting shamelessly with Simon, calling him a “hunk”, winking through puppet eyes, and eventually leaving the stage mid-song to cuddle up beside the startled judge. All the while, Darci sang flawlessly—never missing a note, never breaking character.
Simon Cowell, the famously stoic and unflappable TV critic, was caught completely off guard. He blushed. He fumbled. He laughed nervously as Edna wrapped her felt arms around him—and the audience went wild.
A Star Beyond Her Years
What made the moment so powerful wasn’t just the comedy—it was Darci’s control, her composure, and her fearless charm. She flipped the power dynamic live on national television, outshining the very judge meant to intimidate her.
“Next-level,” said Heidi Klum.
“Mesmerizing from the second she started,” added Mel B.
And Simon? He later admitted off-camera, “Darci got me in huge trouble with that puppet—but she was absolutely brilliant.”
Within hours, the clip went viral, racking up millions of views. Social media couldn’t get enough of the girl who outwitted Simon Cowell live on air.
The Girl Behind the Puppets
Behind the viral fame was a genuine artist. Darci began ventriloquism at age 10 after seeing another performer at church. Within two years, she had created a world of original characters, each representing a different side of her personality.
-
Petunia: The glamorous diva bunny
-
Oscar: The shy, endearing mouse
-
Edna: The bold, sassy grandma who says what Darci never could
Darci explained that Edna was her alter ego, the fearless side of her that could say the outrageous things she herself was too shy to say aloud. With the help of her family and coach, she developed Edna’s voice, humor, and iconic personality—but the soul of the character was all Darci.
When asked what she would do with the $1 million prize, her answer was refreshingly humble: “I want to give some to my church… and buy my mom a new dishwasher. Ours doesn’t work very well.”
Why We’re Still Talking About It in 2025
Fast-forward to today: Darci Lynne is 20 years old, a seasoned performer, singer, and creative force with national tours and original music under her belt. But for many, her most unforgettable moment remains that night in 2017—when she dared to be bold, be funny, and be herself in front of the world.
Her performance with Edna wasn’t just TV gold—it was a moment of cultural clarity. In an era where young people are often told to stay quiet, follow scripts, and avoid controversy, Darci showed that confidence can come in the unlikeliest forms—like a wisecracking puppet and a perfectly timed wink.
A Lasting Legacy of Laughter and Fearlessness
Darci’s legacy isn’t just tied to her ventriloquism. It’s about what she represents:
-
Authenticity in a polished world
-
Youthful fearlessness in the face of pressure
-
The courage to lead with joy
She reminded us that you don’t have to be loud to be powerful. You don’t have to be older to be wise. And sometimes, the most unforgettable performances come from the most unexpected places.
Because sometimes, greatness walks on stage in pigtails… and makes Simon Cowell blush.