Niccolò Riolfo Brings Rock to X Factor 2026
Niccolò Riolfo, performing under the moniker RIO, advanced to the Last Call stage of X Factor 2026 following a unanimous four-yes vote during the Bootcamp round on October 8, 2026, allmusicitalia.it reported. The 23-year-old Milanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer secured his spot by performing a rendition of Samuele Bersani’s track “Chicco e Spillo.” This performance followed an earlier audition on September 24, 2026, where he reinterpreted Ornella Vanoni’s “Rossetto e cioccolato” using a rock-inflected arrangement that divided the judging panel.
The Audition Divisions and Judge Reactions
RIO’s initial appearance on the talent show drew contrasting opinions from the judges regarding his vocal delivery and musical direction. Francesco Gabbani awarded him a dissenting vote, stating he could only decipher a fraction of the lyrics and struggled to grasp the contestant’s artistic proposal. Conversely, Jake La Furia praised RIO’s strong personality and stage presence, while Paola Iezzi found intrigue in his unconventional interpretation. Supported by three affirmative votes from Iezzi, La Furia, and Irama, RIO bypassed the initial cut to face stricter scrutiny at the subsequent Bootcamp trials.
Musical Background and Generational Rock Influences
Raised in Milan between via Mac Mahon and via Caracciolo, Riolfo began focusing on music at age 19, transitioning from guitar performance into independent production. Growing up with a father who works as a music producer, he gained early exposure to the industry before playing in a band and eventually launching his solo venture with the project Alieno. He identifies his primary genre as rock, channeling artists such as Vasco Rossi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Lucio Dalla alongside contemporary acts like Olly and Nerissima Serpe. RIO describes his musical approach as an expression of generational frustration, framing rock as an attitude of daily self-managed independence rather than purely distorted instrumentation.
Upcoming Last Call Performance Date
To secure one of the twelve available slots in the upcoming Live Shows, RIO must successfully navigate the X Factor 2026 Last Call scheduled for October 15, 2026. Judge Jake La Furia cautioned the contestant that his distinct persona alone will not guarantee advancement if his performance quality falters during this decisive round.
Frequently Asked Questions About RIO
What is RIO’s real name and background?
RIO’s real name is Niccolò Riolfo. He is a 23-year-old singer, guitarist, and producer born in 2003 and raised in Milan.
Which songs has RIO performed on X Factor 2026?
During the audition phase on September 24, 2026, he performed Ornella Vanoni’s “Rossetto e cioccolato.” At the Bootcamp round on October 8, 2026, he performed Samuele Bersani’s “Chicco e Spillo.”
Has RIO qualified for the X Factor 2026 Live Shows?
Not yet. While he earned four yeses from the judges on October 8, 2026, to reach the Last Call, he must compete in the October 15, 2026 episode to secure a place in the Live Shows.
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