When I first met super-singing ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer last year at the Vent Haven Ventriloquism Convention, she was just an uber-talented 11-year-old kid with a pretty exciting career in her future. But boy did that future success materialize quickly. A year later, I would meet up again with Darci Lynne and mom Misty Farmer in the very same place to discuss the extreme attention that has surrounded Darci Lynne and her family on the heels of that America’s Got Talent golden buzzer moment that will soon take them to the AGT’s Hollywood rounds and a little bit closer to the $1 million prize.

Don’t miss AGT’s Golden Buzzer episodes beginning August 15th on NBC.

What’s the coolest thing about catching up with the young girl that has international audiences enthralled? Discovering that Darci Lynne is still a kid— and the same sweet, thoughtful and funny one I met before that potentially ego-altering fame entered her little world. So has it been a whirlwind for the tiny ventriloquist on everyone’s radar?

“Yeah it really has. It’s kind of been like…how do I describe this? Mostly like in a tornado— like a really good one though. We’re just going around in circles and then we just fly out and we get back in, you know it’s crazy,” laughs Darci Lynne.

I watched the ventriloquist crowd swarm around her, offering heartfelt congratulations, Hollywood well wishes and requests for selfies. Ever-gracious and always smiling, Darci Lynne seemed right at home despite what could have been perceived as an overwhelming moment.

“It is kind of weird ’cause that doesn’t really happen every day,” says Farmer about the attention, “But I mean it is fun. It is fun.”

Speaking of attention, did the young performer ever imagine her AGT performance would end in a storm of gold confetti?

Darci Lynne's Golden Buzzer Moment (Photo by Trae Patton/NBC)

“Well I knew that the judges gave out golden buzzers, but I really didn’t even— I thought about it and I was like that would just be the most awesomest thing ever, but we just went with our expectations really low. Like we really wanted the judges to say nice things and just to get four yeses— but even better,” giggles Farmer.

Mom Misty, who watched her daughter’s AGT audition from the side stage with Tyra Banks, admits she wasn’t expecting that moment. And things happened so fast, she has little recollection of the experience. “I don’t remember it, but I’ve had to watch it so many times on YouTube and social media ’cause it keeps popping up and it’s quite embarrassing to see my reaction, but it was all real. I mean I could not believe it. I was shocked. It was amazing.”

Watch Darci’s (and Petunia’s!) AGT performance and golden buzzer moment.

But regardless of their Hollywood travel plans, hanging out with Darci Lynne and Misty Farmer feels more like a family affair than a celebrity moment. Misty and I compare notes on juggling life’s obligations, including insuring your kids are happy and healthy. And I love the fact that Darci was patiently waiting for (and trying to positively influence) her mom’s okay to purchase a new puppet at the convention–the same parent-child back-and-forth most of us have experienced firsthand.

“Yes. My mom, she keeps me grounded and you know sometimes she’ll say ‘no’. I’m like, ‘Alright,’” giggles Darci Lynne as she rolls her eyes and drags out her retort. Almost a teenager, she’s got that exaggerated exasperation ready to roll.

Misty and I chuckle at the fact that a golden buzzer may be the ticket to Hollywood, but it isn’t the ticket to chore exemption in the Farmer household. “Darci still has to work around our house. Just because she got a golden buzzer doesn’t mean she doesn’t still empty the dishwasher, help me with laundry, water the flowers for me and help around. I mean, she’s part of a big family,” explains the mother of four.

Nancy Berk and Darci Lynne and friends at the Vent Haven Ventriloquism Convention (photo by Gary Owen)

Veteran entertainer and ventriloquist Gary Owen, Darci Lynne’s coach and mentor, has been certain in the few short years he has known her that the young girl with the amazing hidden voice has a gift. “I have known Darci in her training process and watched her grow. I know what her background is in performing. One of the things that the public doesn’t know that I like to say as her coach is Darci is a very disciplined, very well-rehearsed child. I mean, once she puts goals ahead she meets the goals, she understands the hard work that it takes and the discipline to get there. And so she’s very goal-driven. And what’s really unique is when she’s on stage she’s a professional; when she comes off the stage she’s a kid. So what you see on television is really who she is. She’s a wonderful child.”

Look for Nancy’s upcoming podcast episode with Darci Lynne.

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