America’s Got Talent Winner Darci Lynne Announces Her Return For Show’s New Spin-Off Competition
Darci Lynne was only 12 years old when she auditioned for Season 12 of America’s Got Talent. Young Darci wowed the judges with her skills as a singer and ventriloquist. She performed a song as her puppet, Petunia, without ever opening her mouth.
Judge Mel B pressed her Golden Buzzer for Darci. Her audition was watched by millions after it aired, making it one of the most viral moments in AGT history.
A few weeks later, 12-year-old Darci was named the winner of her season of AGT. Today, she is still known as one of the show’s most beloved winners.
Darci Lynne Previously Returned To AGT On The Champions
A new AGT spin-off, called AGT: The Champions, aired in 2019. The show brought back standout contestants from past seasons of AGT, including Darci.
Shockingly, Darci was eliminated during the preliminary round. But the judges opted to give her a wildcard, and she returned to compete in the grand-final.
She ended up coming in second place, behind magician Shin Lim (who previously won Season 13).
Darci has since returned to AGT a few more times to perform as a special guest.
Darci Lynne Is Set To Star On Another AGT Show In 2024
Now 19 years old, Darci Lynne is gearing up to compete on another AGT spin-off next year. The new series is called America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.
PEOPLE reports the new spin-off will debut on January 1. It will bring “fans’ favorite winners, finalists, and other viral sensations across the America’s Got Talent and other Got Talent franchises from around the world to compete for the Fantasy League title.”
Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Mel B, and Simon Cowell will serve as the judges. Each judge “will choose a roster of 10 of their favorite talent acts, similar to a fantasy football draft.”
PEOPLE also reports that for the first time, judges will be able to compete alongside their contestants. They’re all aiming to win a prize of $250,000.
The Golden Buzzer will also be used on the show. But, PEOPLE shares that judges can choose to use the Buzzer on their own contestants, or steal one from another judge’s team.
Audience members (live in the studio) will vote to choose which contestants will advance to the semifinals and finals.
Darci Shares “Exciting News” About America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League
Darci personally confirmed her upcoming appearance on the show:
“I can finally share the exciting news that I will be competing in the AGT Fantasy League!” she wrote on Instagram. “Mark your calendars for the premiere on January 1st.”
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In addition to Darci, other fan-favorite contestants competing on the new spin-off include Drake Milligan, Chapel Hart, Sofie Dossi, and Adrian Stoica and Hurricane.
You can see the full list of competitors in PEOPLE‘s article here. We wish Darci and the other contestants the best of luck!