AN EXCLUSIVE FROM INSIDE MAGAZINE
Darci Lynne has forever shattered ventriloquism’s glass ceiling. Beginning with an astounding turn on America’s Got Talent when she was 12, Darci has become a nationally-known entertainer and has introduced ventriloquism to a new generation. Performing with a puppet helped Darci overcome her shyness and express her love of performing. She’s also a singer and songwriter with originals such as “Push Our Luck” and “Just Breathe.” She performs March 14 in Ferguson Hall and has proven her mettle by bravely answering our questions. Darci Lynne, we salute you!
How did you get started in the business?
I had performed here and there for banquets, pageants and local talent shows but America’s Got Talent was really my stepping stone into the entertainment industry and gave me the opportunity to tour with a professional show.
What’s always in your refrigerator?
Pickles! I’m a huge fan of pickles but they HAVE to be dill or spicy, not sweet. I despise sweet pickles.
What is your worst quality?
My worst quality is that I’m a worrywart. I ruin a lot of things for myself by worrying and have a hard time living in the moment.
What music is on your playlist?
My music taste ranges from rock to blues to soul to pop.
Pineapple on pizza. Yes or no, and why?
Absolutely not. When I think of pineapples I think of sweet, and sweet is sometimes not supposed to be paired with salty. But that’s coming from a biased NON-sweet tooth.
Read any good books lately?
I just started this Christian fiction book called A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. I’m liking it so far!
Cat or dog person?
Most definitely a dog person! I don’t necessarily have a prejudice against cats, but I just only grew up with dogs and my dad is severely allergic to cats.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Some good advice I’ve gotten from my parents is that it’s better to find your worth and identity in the love God has for us as opposed to placing your worth in man. So, I’ve tried not to let the world define me.
What “guilty pleasure” show are you streaming?
I feel like most of the shows I watch aren’t necessarily a “guilty” pleasure but one I’ve watched is Love Island. It’s so ridiculous, but it’s so good.
In the movie version of your life, who would play you?
I think a young Reese Witherspoon would kill it!
Who or what inspires you?
Recently I’ve been inspired by Lauren Daigle and Nate Bargatze. I think the entertainment industry needs more family-friendly entertainers. I strive to continue to make art that people of all ages can appreciate.
What do you consider your greatest successes – personally and professionally?
I would say one of my favorite accomplishments is bringing more light to ventriloquism. In my meet-and-greets, I get the pleasure of meeting so many kids that have started doing ventriloquism because of me. They bring their own puppets to show me, and it’s so cool to see the impact I’ve made.
If you hadn’t chosen this career, what career path do you think you’d have followed?
I would have absolutely been a Broadway actress. I’ve always had a passion for theater and I hope someday I can be in a production either here in Oklahoma City or NYC! Darci Lynne & Friends: The Up Close and Personal Tour will visit Straz Center on March 14 where she’ll sing and perform ventriloquism with a cast of characters, including Petunia Rabbit. Purchase tickets here.
