Video: Darci Lynne Farmer finishes in second place on 'America's Got Talent: The Champions'
The finale of "America's Got Talent: The Champions" tonight came down to the two most recent winners of "America's Got Talent": Season 12 victor Darci Lynne Farmer, the incredibly talented 14-year-old singer and ventriloquist from Oklahoma City, and reigning Season 13 winner Shin Lim, the close-up magic master who hails from Boston.
In the end, the magic man was named the World Champion on the "America's Got Talent" spin-off series, upsetting Darci Lynne's hopes for pulling off an impressive comeback.
As previously reported, "America's Got Talent: The Champions" brought together fan favorite acts from past seasons of “AGT” and around the globe from the other “Got Talent” franchises,” spanning 194 territories. The seven-episode spin-off, which debuted in January, featured 50 all-star acts, including former winners and finalists, who again took the the stage to compete in a massive global competition with the hopes of claiming the ultimate title of World Champion.
Initially eliminated on the second episode of the spin-off, Darci Lynne was one of two wildcard competitors who got the chance to return for last week's finals round. The Oklahoma native wowed the judges and earned a standing ovation from the studio audience when she performed an angelic rendition of Puccini's aria "O Mio Babbino Caro" from the comic opera “Gianni Schicchi” with the the help of her puppet pal and “lucky charm” Petunia the rabbit.
But the talented teenager faced stiff competition from singers Cristina Ramos, Paul Potts, Brian Justin Crum, Susan Boyle, Kechi Okwuchi and Angelica Hale; stand-up comedian Preacher Lawson; knife-wielding daredevil act Deadly Games; sand artist Kseniya Simonova; and magicians Lim and Jon Dorenbos (the latter was the other wildcard contender).
Again, it was the mysterious and often-controversial panel of "superfans" from 50 states that was given the tasked of voting to crown the World Champion. Ultimately, the enigmatic assembly decided to award Lim back-to-back championships, while Darci Lynne was the first runner-up in the spin-off series.
Of course, for her fellow Oklahomans and many of her other fans worldwide, Darci Lynne is still a champion in their hearts. The popular performer is continuing her national tour with her puppet pals; as previously reported, the trek will include a May 12 hometown show at the Civic Center Music Hall. For tickets and information, go to okcciviccenter.com.
With all the rancor that fans have spewed online about the unidentified "superfans" who got to vote for "The Champions," it will be interesting to see if the "AGT" spin-off returns with this particular format.
As previously reported, NBC recently announced that "America's Got Talent: The Champions" host Terry Crews will take over "America's Got Talent" hosting duties from Tyra Banks when the popular competition series debuts its 14th season in the summer. "AGT" Season 14 also will see award-winning actress, author and producer Gabrielle Union and actress, dancer, singer and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Julianne Hough joining the judging panel alongside current judges Cowell and Howie Mandel. Union and Hough will be replacing Mel B and Heidi Klum on the judges' panel.
“One of the many secrets to the success and longevity of ‘America’s Got Talent’ is its fearless drive to reinvent itself,” said Meredith Ahr, President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment, in a news release. “The next evolution of the format brings in fresh expert eyes to join Simon and Howie on the panel. Gabrielle and Julianne are two of the most aspirational women in the business, on top of being electric entertainers with talent across disciplines. I am excited to see how their knowledge, compassion and sheer joy enhance the experience for acts and viewers alike.”
“As their partner in crime, host Terry Crews will continue to light up the stage with his quick wit and unending charm,” she added.
“America’s Got Talent” has remained summer’s No. 1 alternative show for 13 seasons, according to the news release. The series once again dominated the summer television landscape this past summer, averaging 14 million viewers per episode. And this winter the “AGT” franchise premiered its first global brand extension, “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” which has established itself this winter as the season’s No. 1 most-watched alternative series.
-BAM