The Untold Story of Darci Lynne: Triumph, Talent, and the Terrifying Stalker Threat That Shook Her World

The Untold Story of Darci Lynne: Triumph, Talent, and the Terrifying Stalker Threat That Shook Her World

Darci Lynne Farmer, the Oklahoma-born ventriloquist and singer, emerged from humble beginnings to become a global phenomenon, captivating millions with her unique blend of humor, vocal prowess, and the endearing personalities of her puppets. Her stunning victory on “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) not only catapulted her into superstardom but also single-handedly revived the forgotten art of ventriloquism for a new generation. Yet, beneath the dazzling lights and national acclaim, Darci Lynne faced a harrowing ordeal, a terrifying encounter with a persistent stalker that cast a dark shadow over her burgeoning career, revealing the hidden dangers that often accompany celebrity, especially for a young star.

From Shy Girl to Ventriloquist Prodigy

Born on October 12, 2004, Darci Lynne Farmer grew up in Oklahoma City with her supportive parents, Clark and Misty Farmer, and her three brothers, Nate, Dalton, and Nick. As a naturally shy individual, her parents sought ways to help her overcome her timidity, enrolling her in the 2014 International Cinderella Scholarship Program. This proved to be a transformative experience, where she not only earned the title of International Mini Miss but also met Lissa Bonoquisti, a talented ventriloquist who sparked Darci’s intrigue in the art form.

Inspired and encouraged by Bonoquisti, Darci eagerly delved into learning ventriloquism. After just one month of dedicated practice, she entered her first competition, “Edmond’s Got Talent” in 2014, surprisingly winning first place. This early success motivated her to pursue her passion further, leading to mentorship from seasoned performers and vocal lessons. Her dedication paid off, and by 2015, she secured numerous victories in various contests, including Oklahoma Kids and American Kids in Branson, Missouri, where she excelled in multiple categories.

Despite her increasing success, Darci remained a typical kid, attending Deer Creek Middle School until 8th grade before transitioning to homeschooling to accommodate her demanding schedule. Her career truly took off in 2016 with an appearance on “Little Big Shots,” where her talent captivated a broader audience. It was in 2017, however, that Darci’s big moment arrived with her audition for the 12th season of “America’s Got Talent.”

Conquering “America’s Got Talent” and Beyond

On May 30, 2017, Darci Lynne’s AGT journey began with an unforgettable performance of “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” with her lively rabbit puppet, Petunia. Her incredible vocal range and flawless ventriloquism astounded both judges and the audience, leading judge Mel B to hit the Golden Buzzer, sending Darci directly to the quarterfinals. The performance instantly went viral, becoming the most viewed video in the show’s history within 30 hours and emerging as the fourth most trending YouTube video of 2017.

Throughout the competition, Darci continued to dazzle. She introduced her mouse puppet Oscar, performing “Who’s Loving You,” and an elderly puppet Edna, delivering a stunning rendition of “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.” Each performance highlighted her remarkable creativity, comedic timing, and growing confidence. For the finals, Darci reunited Petunia and Oscar to sing “With a Little Help from My Friends,” flawlessly managing multiple puppet characters. She then performed a memorable duet with Terry Fator, the Season 2 AGT winner, on “Anything You Can Do.” Ultimately, Darci Lynne was declared the winner of the 12th season, garnering the highest number of votes for any finale performance in the show’s history. Her victory was a personal triumph and a significant breakthrough for ventriloquism.

Following her AGT win, Darci Lynne’s career soared. She made appearances on popular TV shows like “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and collaborated with renowned ventriloquist Jeff Dunham in his film “The Haunted House on Dunham Hill 3.” She also shared the stage with Terry Fator and the A Capella group Pentatonix. In 2018, Darci embarked on her first national tour, “Darci Lynne and Friends Live,” which quickly expanded from five to an incredible 52 performances due to overwhelming demand. She even launched a holiday edition, “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree with Darci Lynne and Friends.” Her continued achievements after AGT solidified her status as a true star with a promising future.

The Dark Side of Fame: A Terrifying Stalker

Amidst her meteoric rise, Darci Lynne, then a teenager, faced a deeply disturbing and frightening incident that underscored the perilous side of public life. In May 2018, a man from France named Jose Riba was charged with persistently harassing her. According to official reports, Riba traveled to the United States with the sole purpose of meeting Darci.

On May 2, during Darci’s performance at the Riverwind Casino in Norman, Oklahoma, both Darci and her parents noticed Riba in the audience, taking photographs and leaving a gift bag for her. The situation quickly escalated when Darci’s father reported that Riba attempted to enter their private neighborhood, claiming he only needed ten minutes to meet Darci and her family. Security personnel refused him access and instructed him to leave.

However, Riba’s determination did not wane. Over the next two weeks, Darci’s family began receiving a continuous series of persistent phone calls from a French number, causing immense unease and anxiety. On May 5, Riba intensified his unsettling pursuit by going to the family’s church, a place where they should have felt safe. There, he directly approached Darci’s mother, requesting to speak with Darci in person. Law enforcement officers intervened swiftly, taking Riba into custody and preventing any further interaction.

During police questioning, Jose Riba admitted to purchasing Darci Lynne Farmer’s personal information, including her private phone numbers and home address, from the internet. He revealed he had fallen victim to a scam, losing over $10,000 to individuals who impersonated Darci online. While Riba himself was a victim of deceit, his actions constituted a terrifying breach of privacy and safety for the young performer and her family. Darci subsequently filed for a protective order against Riba, and her family took extra precautions to safeguard their privacy. This disturbing ordeal served as a stark reminder of the unique vulnerabilities that public figures, particularly young ones, face in the digital age.

Resilience, Growth, and Enduring Impact

Despite the terrifying stalking incident, Darci Lynne did not allow fear to define her. She continued to pursue her passion with unwavering determination, demonstrating remarkable resilience. In January 2019, she appeared on the Food Network’s “Winter Cake-Off” and returned to “America’s Got Talent: The Champions.” Although she placed second to magician Shin Lim, her performances, including a stunning rendition of “Oh Mio Babbino Caro” with Petunia, further showcased her evolving talents.

Her “Fresh Out of the Box Tour” commenced in February 2019, and she used her platform to inspire young girls, participating in “Barbie Be Anything Tour” stops and “We Day” events to encourage activism among youth. Darci continued to make annual appearances on AGT, introducing new puppets like her one-eyed Australian monster Ivan, and embracing acting roles, such as portraying a wombat on Nickelodeon’s “Side Hustle.” In 2022, she ventured into film with “A Cowgirl Song,” starring alongside notable actors and demonstrating her abilities beyond ventriloquism.

Darci Lynne Farmer’s journey has had an undeniable impact on the entertainment industry. Her AGT victory single-handedly brought ventriloquism back into the spotlight, inspiring a new generation of performers and captivating audiences who had previously lost interest in the art form. Seasoned professionals like Terry Fator and Jay Johnson lauded her as one of the most naturally gifted and technically perfect ventriloquists in the world, praising her singing voice and stage presence. Her hometown of Edmond, Oklahoma, even honored her with an exhibit at the Historical Society and Museum, “Darci Lynne’s Got Talent,” showcasing her journey and impact.

Darci Lynne’s story is a powerful testament to talent, growth, and indomitable spirit. From a shy girl to an international sensation, she navigated the complexities of fame, faced terrifying threats, and emerged stronger. Her ability to infuse humor, emotion, and impressive skill into her performances not only entertained millions but also revitalized an entire craft. Darci Lynne Farmer continues to inspire, proving that even in the face of adversity, passion and dedication can lead to unstoppable success and a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.