A Star Is Born': Pizza Hut Worker from Ohio Impresses 'AGT' Fans & Judges with Her 'Powerful' Voice

Publish date: 2024-05-07

Summer Rios, 19, from Brunswick, Ohio, worked as a Pizza Hut manager, but her true love is singing found her auditioning for "America's Got Talent (AGT)." Upon her appearance on the stage, she confessed that she hadn't performed live much and was nervous.

She explained that she was trying to make music her career by putting herself out there and fighting the anxiety she got. Rios hoped her singing capabilities would finally free her from her dreaded pizza-making.

The teenager had worked from morning until they closed at Pizza Hut for about a year because she was trying to afford her bills and other things. The youngster happened to reveal that she and her ex-boyfriend used to work together, and when asked if she hoped he was watching, she hilariously disagreed.

The spunky teenager said if her ex was watching, she wished he was doing well before taking the words back! AGT judge, Simon Cowell, told her everyone was rooting for her before she started her stunning rendition of Zach Bryan's "Something In the Orange."

Rios started singing softly before showing the range of her voice when she hit the highest notes without breaking a sweat! When she finished, she received a standing ovation from the audience and judges Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara!

Judge Howie Mandel praised her, saying singing should be the teenager's focus instead of slicing pizza. Mandel thought they'd gotten a glimpse of what Rios was capable of, and since she'd opened a crack in the door, she was ready to launch!

Klum loved the teenager's performance and thought it seemed like she'd "swallowed Rihanna" because of how similar their voices sounded. The judge felt Rios' tone of voice was beautiful and incredible, while Vergara called it "spectacular."

She urged the young girl not to waste more time because she belonged onstage. Cowell thought the girl's song choice was "great" and revealed all the people there wanted the Ohio teenager to do well, and they all liked her.

The judges rounded things off nicely by giving Rios four "yes's," leaving Rios to run off celebrating before calling a family member to inform them of her win. Social media fans loved the Pizza Hut manager!

What Did Fans Think About Summer's Cover?

The clip of Rios' performance was shared on AGT's YouTube channel, and it elicited many comments from people who were impressed with the teenager. One person thought the young girl seemed quite humble and has a gift, adding:

"And a star is born."

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

The follower also noted how surprised Rios seemed when the audience erupted in awe when she sang the first few words. Someone else also saw how humble the manager is and that she has a "positive vibe" that shined through when she performed, while another fan wrote:

"When you make Simon Cowell shed a tear and his voice quiver with emotion, you know you've just done something special."

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

Another person who saw Rios' performance was moved by her "innocence, honesty, and naivety." The fan also noted how beautiful the young girl with the "angelic voice" is before revealing that they'd watched the audition repeatedly.

Rios actually has a large Tiktok following already...

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

"America's Got Talent" fans comment on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

A YouTube user mentioned they cried during the performance by claiming they were "cutting onions" and noted how "soulful" the teenager's voice is. Someone else thought the teenager has "real talent" since she managed to get Cowell to cry with "no sad story."

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

An "America's Got Talent" fan comments on Summer Rios' performance on the show on August 2, 2023 | Source: YouTube/America's Got Talent

Another follower simply called the AGT contestant a "star" and said she has a "killer voice & personality," while others noted how "rare" her voice is. However, another AGT follower shared how they "envied" Rios' voice because of how "powerful" it is. Here are five interesting facts about the upcoming singer.

Who Is Summer Rios?

Besides being a Pizza Hut manager and an incredible singer, in 2022, Rios revealed that Machine Gun Kelly - also from Ohio - is her biggest inspiration due to the lyrics of his current music. In May 2023, she shared a TikTok video of her making pizza while singing her song, "The Long Way," asking people to help her "blow up" as a musician.

Rios actually has a large TikTok following already of about 500,000 people! The teenager also released her single "Fingers Crossed" before auditioning for AGT, and at one point, she took a "year-long break from producing music" to work on her mental health.

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