12-year-old ventriloquist beats Okwuchi to win America’s Got Talent

Darci Lynne Farmer has emerged winner of America’s Got Talent 2017 competition.

Farmer beat out nine other finalists including singers Kechi Okwuchi, Evie Clair, Angelica Hale, Chase Goehring, Mandy Harvey, Preacher Lawson, dog trainer Sara & Hero, dance troupes Light Balance and Diavolo to win the coveted prize.

Host of the show Tyra Banks announced the 12-year-old as the champion of season 12 after 52 million votes were cast, making her the second ventriloquist to win the NBC reality competition show.

Farmer, who burst into tears, hugging her rabbit puppet Petunia as her two brothers rushed onstage to congratulate her, is the third female act to win America’s Got Talent in 12 seasons.

That moment when @ItsDarciLynne's dreams became a reality. #DarciLynneWins pic.twitter.com/5WOHwifl6O

— America's Got Talent (@AGT) September 21, 2017

Simon Cowell had predicted her win during the first night of the live finals on Tuesday when she performed The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” with Petunia and shy mouse Oscar.

The impressed judge of the show had said, “I think you’re gonna win”.

Farmer also went away with $1 million and a headlining gig at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas from September 3-4.

Although she didn’t win, for Kechi Okwuchi, it was still a dream come true.

The AGT finalist, who was one of the first performers featured during the season 12 finale, did a vocal trio with Grammy-winning artist Kelly Clarkson and fellow contestant Angelica Hale, and for her, that was enough.

“My expectations, all my expectations, have been exceeded. It’s just been an amazing journey. I’m just so happy I made it to the finish!” Okwuchi said.

The plane crash survivor, whose story resonated with many throughout the show, left her mark on the hearts of viewers and judges.