“Raise a Hallelujah” is a soul-stirring worship anthem, and Darci Lynne’s unique duet with her puppet Petunia brings it to life in a way that’s both heartwarming and jaw-dropping.
The America’s Got Talent champion performed the song during a special gala for Casa David, a nonprofit that provides shelter for the families of hospitalized patients in Honduras and Guatemala.
With her mouth closed and a quiet stage behind her, Darci pulled off a performance that blended impressive vocal control and emotional power, making two voices come from one performer in a moment that stunned audiences worldwide.
Watch their duet below.
Darci’s ability to create harmonies between herself and Petunia while delivering vocal runs and high notes is part of what’s made her a standout talent since her AGT win at just 12 years old. But it’s her heartfelt delivery of the lyrics – “I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm / Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar” – that gave many viewers goosebumps.
Fan reactions were overwhelmingly emotional. “You and Petunia are my best friends in the world,” one commenter wrote. “I cry every time I hear this song. I’m 53 years old and I’ve never seen anything like this.” Another fan added, “This version belongs in my church. Love you Darci!”
While she’s widely known for comedy-tinged duets and sassy puppet interactions, this performance reveals another side of Darci, a young woman using her gift to inspire faith and healing.
About “Raise a Hallelujah”
Written by Jonathan David Helser, Melissa Helser, Molly Skaggs, and Jake Stevens for Bethel Music, “Raise a Hallelujah” became a worship favorite after its release in 2019. The song was born out of a real-life emergency when a child was critically ill, and the lyrics express hope and trust in God through the hardest times.
Darci and Petunia’s rendition captures that spirit fully, channeling a sense of calm, strength, and joy that feels like it’s coming straight from the heart and from above.