The America’s Got Talent stage has showcased countless incredible talents over the years, but few have captured hearts quite like Darci Lynne, the Season 12 winner. Her mesmerizing ventriloquism paired with her remarkable singing ability has made her a household name, and her fans can’t seem to get enough of her unforgettable performances.
Recently, Darci joined the wave of excitement surrounding the November 22 release of Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. With stars like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading the cast, musical theater enthusiasts everywhere are buzzing. Darci Lynne, a self-proclaimed fan of the Broadway classic, decided to join in on the fun with her own adorable rendition of the show’s iconic song, “Popular.”
A Charming Collaboration: Darci Lynne and Petunia Perform “Popular”
In true Darci Lynne fashion, she partnered with her puppet Petunia for a playful and endearing take on “Popular.” Petunia, dressed in an eye-catching pink dress reminiscent of Glinda’s signature style, hilariously embodied the perky character, while Darci played along as the awkward and green Elphaba. The performance captured the heart of the song — Glinda’s cheerful efforts to teach her roommate how to shine socially — with Darci and Petunia’s unique comedic twist.
The reimagining was a delightful mix of ventriloquism and theatrical flair, with Petunia delivering “lessons” on popularity while Darci’s Elphaba shyly took the advice to heart. From confidence-boosting tips to playful flirtation cues, the performance radiated charm and humor, leaving fans thoroughly entertained.
Darci later posted the clip to Instagram, captioning it, “All this Wicked movie promo is bringing out the theater kid in me #Wicked.” Unsurprisingly, the video earned her widespread applause and reminded everyone of her extraordinary talent and infectious showmanship.
Why “Popular” Remains a Standout Hit
Originally written by Stephen Schwartz for the Tony Award-winning musical Wicked, “Popular” is one of the standout numbers in the 2003 production. Kristen Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda, turned the bubbly ballad into a theatrical gem, pairing wit with charm as she offered her unconventional advice to Elphaba, played by Idina Menzel.
The song takes place during Act I when the two polar-opposite roommates — Glinda, the socially savvy blonde, and Elphaba, the misunderstood green outsider — begin to form an unlikely friendship. This connection becomes the emotional core of the show, setting the stage for the events that transform Elphaba into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.
The upcoming Wicked movie adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, will see Ariana Grande stepping into Glinda’s shoes, delivering “Popular” to Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba. Fans are eagerly awaiting their cinematic take on this unforgettable scene, and Darci Lynne’s heartwarming cover only adds to the growing anticipation.
With her fun-filled performance, Darci has once again proven why she remains one of the most beloved talents to emerge from America’s Got Talent. Fans can’t wait to see what creative ventures she’ll tackle next!