Simon Kisses Darci Lynne’s Puppet Edna After She Serenades Him On ‘The Champions’

Jan 12, 2021 by apost team

America has always had a soft spot for puppets. All you have to do is take a look at how iconic the Muppets have become over the years to realize that. Maybe it is the silliness, or how relatable they can be because they seem so human, but it is clear that puppets have a special spot in our hearts.

Darci Lynne Farmer, a young puppeteer, ventriloquist, and singer, has become the epitome of those sentiments with her "Edna" puppet in a video from the 2019 America's Got Talent: The Champions competition. This performance shows not only Farmer's talent but the joy and hilarity her puppet act brings to audiences everywhere.

Few television shows have achieved the fame and success of America's Got Talent. This talent show has gone on to become a worldwide phenomenon, with many countries having their version of the show. Over the years, many talented individuals have been discovered because of these shows showcasing them. Susan Boyle is an example of a singer that has gone onto great fame and fortune because of her performance on Britain's Got Talent.

Back in 2019, the show decided to up the ante with a spin-off entitled America's Got Talent: The Champions. The idea behind this was to showcase a group of 50 of the most memorable winners of competitions from shows around the world and have them compete against each other. Then 14-year old Darci Lynne Farmer and her puppet "Edna", winners of season twelve of the original show, were among those to come back.

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Darci Lynne Farmer's puppet act was a fan-favorite, but this competition was tough. Having 50 of the most talented winners around the world meant that tough decisions had to be made and that many talented performers wouldn't win. The legend herself, Susan Boyle, was of course invited back - although she did not claim the trophy in the end, surprising many viewers and fans. Darci Lynn Farmer and Edna were voted off early on during the competition but were saved by a "wild card" that gave her a reprieve and allowed her to continue.

With her second chance, Farmer knew she'd have to keep impressing the judges and fans to have any hope at reaching the finals and winning. Farmer had a great perspective about this opportunity, stating, "Getting the wildcard and being here—I want this to be the greatest comeback ever."

With that mindset, Farmer set aim for the finals. And at first it looked as if she was well on her way to winning. Several of the judges were quite in her favor after her first performance after her wild card win, as USA Today reported:

"This is your best-ever performance you have ever given. I think you may win tonight," Simon Cowell said. "I think you have a shot at this tonight," Howie Mandel added.

Sadly, it was not to be. Farmer lost the Grand Finale to magician Shin Lim.

Over the years, Simon Cowell has become known as the grump that America loves to hate. His blunt, direct, and sometimes rude comments about the performances of contestants on shows that he has judged has brought him equal levels of fame and notoriety. Most 14-year-old kids would quiver at the thought of performing in front of such an intimidating person, but Farmer relished the opportunity.

Part of her act involved her puppet, Edna, having a crush on Cowell. Edna complained to Farmer, and Rowlf, the dog from the Muppets, that Simon never called her, even though she loved him. As you watch the video, you can see the audience get a kick out of Edna's lovesick proclamations.

Eventually, this outpouring of emotion leads to Farmer being able to showcase her lovely voice through "Edna" with a great rendition of the Carpenter's song, "Can't Smile Without You." At the end of the song, an impressed Cowell made his way on stage to give "Edna" a kiss and tell her that he loved her and should have called. "Edna" reacted as any puppet in love would—by professing her love and fainting.

While Famer only went onto finish as the runner-up, this video shows all her talent. Her longest fans already knew she had everything one could need for stardom when she won her first appearance on America's Got Talent at the age of 12. Her return in 2019 also wasn't the last time Farmer has been featured on the show. In August 2020, she performed as a guest during the then-current season. Her appearance was a late addition, as the original act sadly couldn't perform. This wasn't the only hurdle 2020's season experienced, as judge Simon Cowell suffered a serious back injury following a bike accident at his Malibu home.

Apparently undergoing a number of procedures and fusions, as well as having a metal rod inserted in his back, doctors in 2020 said that the injury was bad but that Cowell was very lucky. Cowell took to Twitter to comment on the accident and offered some sage advice at his own expense, writing:

"Some good advice...If you buy an electric trail bike, read the manual before you ride it for the first time. I have broken part of my back. Thank you to everyone for your kind messages."

He followed the tweet with a thank you to the medical staff who had been looking after him and told everyone to stay safe.

Thankfully, Cowell recovered well over the next months, resting up and taking it easy. Unfortunately, he was unable to take part in Britain's Got Talent, the British version of the show due to his ongoing recovery process. 

Despite not winning the AGT: The Champions competition, this video points to the fact that Farmer knows how to work for a crowd and has a long career in entertaining people ahead of her. We wish her the best and hope she and her puppets will be able to entertain people for quite some time!

Did Darci Lynne Farmer's performance make you laugh? Were you impressed at how seamlessly she was able to switch between voices? Show this video to friends and family that love puppets, or need a laugh, and tell us all about your favorite part of this performance.