From Pizza Hut Manager to ‘AGT’ Star: Summer Rios Wows Judges with Stunning Audition
Nineteen-year-old Summer Rios stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage with a relatable story and a massive dream. Before delivering a show-stopping performance, she gave judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum a glimpse into her daily life.
“I actually am a manager at Pizza Hut, so I make pizzas for a living,” Rios shared. “I’ve been there for about a year… working a lot of morning-to-closes, trying to pay my bills. I’m hoping that this will get me out of pizza cutting and pizza making.”
Overcoming Stage Fright for a Big Dream
Though Rios has been singing since she was 4 years old, performing in front of live crowds was unfamiliar territory. She entered AGT to push past her comfort zone, build confidence, and turn her lifelong passion into a full-time career without letting anxiety hold her back.
That anxiety quickly melted away the moment she launched into her rendition of Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange.”
Rios commanded the room with 15 years of honed vocal power, effortlessly captivating both the audience and the judging panel.
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Vocal Power: Showcased a rich, mature tone that belied her stage-fright history.
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Crowd Reaction: Earned a resounding ovation as the audience fueled her performance.
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Instant Impression: Stunned the entire judging panel from the very first note.
“You Sounded Like You Swallowed Rihanna”
The judges were unanimous in their praise following the electrifying performance:
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Howie Mandel: “I think you should be doing this more than slicing pizza… you needed to open this door a crack, and you’ve opened it more than a crack to just take off.”
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Heidi Klum: Remarked enthusiastically that Rios sounded like she had “swallowed Rihanna.”
After securing four emphatic “Yes” votes from the panel, host Terry Crews asked Rios if she was ready for her life to change forever.
“Oh, I’m so ready! I’m so done with cutting pizzas,” Rios joked backstage. “I smell like pizza every night, and I don’t want to do that.”
What’s Next for Summer Rios?
With four “Yeses” in her pocket and instant fan support, Summer Rios is officially swapping her pizza cutter for the national spotlight. Tune in to NBC to follow her journey on America’s Got Talent!
