AGT Champion Ventriloquist Darci Lynne Makes Shocking Move in Fantasy League Semifinals: ‘I’m Not 12 Anymore’

Warning: This post contains spoilers from the latest episode America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.

Darci Lynne knew she had to trust her instincts America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League an appearance in the semifinals — even if things didn’t go his way.

During Monday’s episode American talent spinoff, a 19-year-old ventriloquist — who competed and won in Season 12 AGT 2017 — shocked the audience when she decided to ditch her puppet and perform an original song solo.

The move both surprised and impressed the judges, who initially questioned Darca’s intentions before praising her for going her own way, despite their previous feedback.

“A few weeks ago Darci sang less and sang more and we said we thought that was a big mistake,” judge Simon Cowell said after her performance. “And so you completely ignored our advice, threw away the dolls and decided to do it yourself.”

American talent Winner Darci Lynne Has New Single, Music Video — And Boyfriend: ‘Growing Up’ (Exclusive)

But for Darci, who competed on judge Heidi Klum’s fantasy team, the decision to move away from her childish belly dancer image and embrace her aspiring adult musician self was a necessary one.

“It’s crazy for a lot of people,” Darci recently told PEOPLE in an interview to promote the release of her debut single, “Push Our Luck.” “Everybody has that 12-year-old in mind whenever my name is mentioned. And so now it’s like, ‘Oh my God, she’s growing.'”

“My mantra is that I don’t want to be boxed in or limited in any way,” she continues. “Singing always came first. Singing is what I grew up with for as long as I can remember. And then there was ventriloquism. Now I can go out and be more confident in my own skin without a puppet. I think I was always meant to go this way… it’s important for me to show this side of me and show that now I can hold my own as a solo artist, singing with my mouth open.”

Darci Lynne and Terry Crews on ‘America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League’.

Chris Haston/NBC

AGT: A female singer whose voice is featured on The greatest showmanThe powerful ballad gives her a moment to shine

Before taking the stage, Darci explained in her opening package that she “was a very shy little girl who had just started ventriloquism when I came AGT for the first time, but I’m definitely not that now. I’m not 12 anymore.”

Reflecting on her first-round performance, where she sang “I’ve Got the Music in Me” and partially abandoned her doll, Darci recalled how the judges weren’t entirely thrilled with the move, with Mel B telling her afterwards: ” The music and everything else overshadowed what you’re so good at.”

“With that first performance, I tried to show that I’m more than just a belly dancer,” explained Darci. “It just didn’t go the way I wanted it to… hearing what the judges had to say after my last performance was definitely disappointing.”

Much to her surprise, Darci won last place in the semi-finals, which made her realize that “America is still intrigued” with her and ventriloquism – but she still wanted to break away from her little girl image and pursue a more serious music career.

“Ventriloquism connected with so many people, and the puppets seemed to really connect with people, but now, with music, I want to connect with people — with me, like Darci with a person,” she explained.

Darci Lynne on ‘America’s Got Talent’ 2017

Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

AGT: Simon Cowell reunites with teenager whose scoliosis surgery he funded to save her dancing career

Although coach Heidi felt a little hesitant, she went along with Darci’s decision, telling the cameras: “This is her moment, so I feel like she should do what her gut tells her to do.”

“This is just something I feel I have to do in my heart,” Darci said later. “This is more than just the next step in the competition, it’s the next step in my life. I’m going against the best of the best and I want to show everyone that I can deserve a place in the final.”

After Darci’s upbeat performance, Heidi told her, “You know, I think as an artist you have to follow your instincts. You have to, at some point, stop listening to the noise and just do what your gut feels like. And that may be a risk, but this is what you wanted and you succeeded!”

Darci Lynne on ‘America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League’.

Chris Haston/NBC

Howie Mandel also praised Darci, even comparing her to host Terry Crews. “You know, we all, as human beings, have many sides and many things. You’re standing next to a guy who’s not only a great host, but he’s an artist. He’s an athlete. He’s a motivational speaker. It’s all a part of him. You’re a singer. You’re a ventriloquist. And thank you for sharing the other side.”

Mel said she agreed with Heidi and Howie, but noted: “This is a competition and you have to remember what you came into this with.” After confirming with Darci that the move was her own decision and that she was happy, Mel said, “Then I guess that’s all that matters!”

Finally, Simon offered his opinion and after joking that Darci had “completely ignored our advice”, he also praised the teenager for her confidence. “You know what? I’ve always believed that the most successful people in life are the people who make their own decisions and don’t listen to other people,” he said. “Good for you for standing your ground.”

Darci Lynne during the first round of ‘America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League’.

Trae Patton/NBC

Kodi Lee, Darci Lynne and others AGT Favorites return to the competition on New Fantasy League Spinoff (exclusive)

Although Darci seemed to have the support of the judges behind her, it was unfortunately not enough to push her into the final. Instead, America voted Shadow Ace from Howie’s Dream Team to advance to the next round.

He was joined by dancer Musa Motha from Simon’s Dream Team (who also received Simon’s Golden Buzzer on Monday) and dance-acrobatic crew V. Unbeatable, who were initially on Howie’s Dream Team but were stolen by Heidi with her golden buzzer.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League airs Mondays at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education