On the February 9, 2026, episode of American Idol, 22-year-old Olivia Spino, known to her friends and fans as “Livy”, proved that a viral TikTok moment was just the beginning of her journey.

The Road to the Audition

Spino, a graduate of Lincoln High School and a server at Texas Roadhouse, first caught the eyes of producers through her massive social media presence. Her vocal journey exploded in July 2025 when a video of her singing Adele’s “All I Ask” garnered millions of views. Locally, she is a familiar face around her hometown in the city of Shinnston (home to Born & Bred). She is also known for her performances at events like the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, but the American Idol stage was her biggest platform yet.

The Performance

Stepping in front of judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, Livy chose a song close to the heart of the panel: Underwood’s hit single, “Love Wins.”

• The First Pass: Livy displayed her signature powerhouse vocals, a range honed by years of singing for diners at her job at Texas Roadhouse.

• The Pivot: Luke Bryan requested a softer, more emotional second take of the chorus. The adjustment paid off, revealing a vulnerable side to her voice that captivated the judges.

• The Verdict: The feedback was glowing. Carrie Underwood noted the emotional depth of the performance, stating, “That was so much more emotional… I’m excited to see what you do next.”

Next Stop: Hollywood

With a unanimous “yes” from all three judges, Spino secured her Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week. Celebrating with her mom and friends as they bombarded the stage, Livy is now set to join the ranks of past West Virginia contestants looking to make their mark on the national stage.

You can watch the performance HERE and catch Livy when the next round begins in Hollywood.

Check out our previous coverage of her single “After All” HERE.

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