Steve Harvey “tips his hat” to the grand return of ventriloquist superstar Darci Lynne

In the history of variety television, few trajectories have been as meteoric as that of Darci Lynne Farmer. While the world now knows her as the Season 12 winner of America’s Got Talent, her journey to supersterness actually found its first major spark on the stage of Little Big Shots. Returning to the show that helped introduce her to a national audience, Darci Lynne’s appearance was more than just a performance; it was a victory lap for a young artist who redefined an entire art form.

Host Steve Harvey, ever the proud “discoverer” of young talent, welcomed Darci back with open arms and a sense of awe. “This megastar first appeared on Season 1,” Harvey reminded the audience. “Since then, she has blown up!” The atmosphere in the studio was electric, filled with fans who had followed her journey from a shy girl with a puppet to a worldwide phenomenon.

For this special return, Darci didn’t come alone. She brought along one of her most beloved companions: Oscar, a stuttering, socially awkward, but incredibly soulful “Motown Mouse.” The interaction between Steve Harvey and Oscar provided some of the most hilarious moments of the evening.

Oscar, with his signature glasses and nervous disposition, immediately bonded with Harvey over their shared love for Motown music. “That’s my era, man!” Harvey exclaimed. Oscar explained that he loves Motown because it’s “snazzy” and because “the girls like it.” However, despite his love for the ladies, Oscar confessed to a severe case of stage fright and social anxiety.

His fear of “cutting the cheese” in front of girls led to a comedic exchange where Harvey tried to teach the puppet how to be “cool” and “lean back” on the couch—only for Oscar to point out that his arms were simply too short for the pose.

The true magic of Darci Lynne lies in her ability to disappear into her characters while delivering world-class vocal performances without moving her lips. When it came time to perform, Darci and Oscar chose a high-energy, soulful classic: “Shout” by The Isley Brothers.

From the first note, the technical difficulty was apparent. Ventriloquism is hard enough when speaking, but singing high-energy soul music with multiple “riffs” and rapid-fire lyrics is a feat that few professionals can achieve. Oscar took the lead, his tiny mouse voice filled with the grit and power of a Motown legend. As the song reached its famous climax—”Kick my heels up! Throw my hands up!”—the entire studio was on its feet.

What makes Darci’s performance so captivating is the emotional connection between her and the puppet. Oscar isn’t just a prop; he is a living, breathing performer with his own distinct personality. The way Darci manages the comedic timing between Oscar’s nervous stutters and his powerhouse singing is a testament to her genius.

One of the most touching moments of the segment featured two young ventriloquists in the audience who cited Darci as their idol. Seeing the impact she has had on other children is perhaps the greatest legacy of her time on Little Big Shots. She hasn’t just entertained; she has revitalized an art form that many considered a relic of the past, making it “cool” again for a new generation of performers.

Steve Harvey, watching the interaction, joked about the complexity of having “six people” on stage (referring to the puppets as individual entities). It was a lighthearted way of acknowledging the incredible suspension of disbelief that Darci creates every time she performs.

As the performance concluded with a shower of applause and a final, energetic “Shout!”, Steve Harvey summarized the feelings of millions: “Goodnight everybody, and give it up for Darci Lynne and Oscar!”

Darci Lynne’s return to Little Big Shots was a reminder of why we fall in love with these young performers. She embodies the spirit of the show—extraordinary talent combined with a humble, hardworking heart. From her first appearance as a hopeful child to her return as a global megastar, Darci Lynne has proven that with a little bit of “snazzy” soul and a lot of practice, anything is possible.

Click the video below to watch the megastar in action