Darci Lynne and Okie the Duck Channel Elvis in a Throwback Performance of “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise”
Long before she became a household name and the youngest female winner of America’s Got Talent, Darci Lynne Farmer was already capturing hearts across the country with her remarkable blend of comedy, character work, and vocal control. One video that recently resurfaced online serves as a perfect reminder of the prodigy she was even before taking the national stage.
In this throwback performance from October 2015, a then 11-year-old Darci Lynne teams up with one of her early puppet companions—Okie the Duck—for a musical tribute to Elvis Presley. The song? The 1963 rock and roll hit “(You’re the) Devil in Disguise.”
The original track, recorded by Elvis during a period of stylistic transition in his career, combines upbeat instrumentation with darker lyrical undertones. Its deceptively cheerful melody masks the singer’s realization that the woman he’s in love with isn’t what she seems. The song was a top ten hit in the U.S. and reached number one in the U.K., showcasing Elvis’s ability to adapt his sound while still commanding massive commercial appeal.
Darci Lynne’s interpretation of the song—with Okie the Duck dressed in a wig and glittery glasses, mimicking Presley’s unmistakable stage look—leans into the charm and playfulness of the tune. But beyond the visual comedy, what makes the performance stand out is the seamless ventriloquism and live singing. Darci Lynne doesn’t just manipulate Okie’s beak; she gives him a full character, voice, and personality, never once dropping the illusion even as she sings with clarity and control.
The performance begins with a bit of comedic back-and-forth between Darci and Okie. The puppet coos in his Elvis voice, “Won’t you be my teddy bear?” to which Darci responds with mock exasperation: “Do you wanna go back in your case?” Their chemistry, timing, and improvisational rhythm add another layer of engagement to the act—one that goes beyond technical skill and ventures into true stagecraft.
When the music kicks in, Okie’s Elvis persona takes over the vocals, with Darci providing the rich, melodic support without so much as moving her lips. Her pitch is steady, the tone warm, and despite the whimsical nature of the skit, she treats the music seriously. It’s a testament to how well she understood performance even at a young age—not just making people laugh, but also making them listen.
While Darci’s later performances on America’s Got Talent with puppets like Petunia and Oscar showed her range and maturity, this early Elvis tribute is pure gold for longtime fans. It’s a glimpse into the roots of her talent, her natural charisma, and her remarkable ability to balance showmanship and musicality.
Though the performance is short and playful, it has since gained praise online for being both technically impressive and heartwarmingly nostalgic. And for many fans, it confirms what they already knew: Darci Lynne Farmer isn’t just a talented ventriloquist—she’s an entertainer in the truest sense.
