Carlito Olivero Rocks the Crowd with His Emotional Cover of Rihanna’s “Stay” | The X Factor USA 2013 ✨
Talent shows have always been the place where raw voices, undiscovered stars, and unforgettable performances rise to the spotlight . In 2013, The X Factor USA gifted us with one such unforgettable moment—when Carlito Olivero stepped onto the stage and poured his heart into Rihanna’s emotional ballad “Stay.”
This wasn’t just another cover. It was a defining performance that reminded viewers why we tune in to talent competitions in the first place—to witness magic created right before our eyes .
Who Is Carlito Olivero?
Before we dive into his breathtaking performance, let’s talk about the man behind the mic.
Carlito Olivero, born in Chicago to Puerto Rican and Mexican parents, is a singer, dancer, and actor with a dream bigger than life itself. Before The X Factor, he had been part of the boy band Menudo and worked tirelessly in the entertainment industry.
But despite his hustle, Carlito’s big break hadn’t come yet. Like many contestants, he auditioned for The X Factor USA in hopes of showing America—and the world—that he was ready for the big stage .
From the very beginning, Carlito stood out. His smooth vocals, Latin flavor, and undeniable charisma caught the attention of judges and audiences alike. He had the charm, the work ethic, and most importantly, the passion to deliver performances that stuck with people long after the music ended .
Choosing Rihanna’s “Stay” – A Bold Risk
When contestants perform on a global platform like The X Factor, song choice can make or break them. Choosing a Rihanna hit is already a massive challenge—her voice, presence, and emotional delivery set an incredibly high bar.
But Carlito didn’t just sing “Stay.” He owned it.
Instead of mimicking Rihanna’s style, Carlito infused the song with his own vulnerability, flavor, and raw emotion. His performance felt less like a cover and more like an intimate story—his story—being told through music .
And that’s the beauty of a great performance: when an artist takes a song we already know and makes it feel brand new.
The Performance That Stole the Night
As the lights dimmed and the music began, Carlito appeared calm yet focused. The first notes slipped out softly, pulling the audience into his world. His voice carried both strength and fragility, capturing the haunting essence of “Stay.”
The crowd was locked in. The judges leaned forward. This wasn’t just another performance—it was an emotional confession in front of millions ❤️.
What made the moment so special was Carlito’s delivery. His subtle runs, heartfelt expressions, and the trembling honesty in his voice reminded everyone why live performances are irreplaceable.
By the end, the audience erupted in cheers . Carlito had not only done justice to Rihanna’s song but had also put himself firmly on the map as a serious contender in the competition.
Judges’ Reactions ⚖️⚖️
The X Factor USA judges never held back their opinions, but on this night, they couldn’t deny Carlito’s power.
- Simon Cowell—often the toughest critic—praised Carlito for connecting with the song and for having the courage to show vulnerability. That’s a rare compliment from Simon!
- Demi Lovato—who mentored Carlito during the competition—was visibly proud. She knew his potential and watched him shine in one of his most memorable performances.
- Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio were equally moved, highlighting how Carlito had grown as an artist week by week.
It was clear: this wasn’t just a good performance—it was one of Carlito’s standout moments on the show.
Why This Performance Still Resonates in 2025
It’s been over a decade since Carlito sang “Stay” on The X Factor USA, yet fans still go back to watch it on YouTube and streaming clips. Why? Because timeless performances never fade.
Here’s why it still resonates today:
- Authenticity – Carlito didn’t just sing; he told a story.
- Relatability – Everyone has felt the emotions behind “Stay.” Loneliness, love, loss—it’s universal.
- Courage – Taking on Rihanna’s iconic ballad wasn’t easy, but Carlito proved he could handle it.
- Connection – In that moment, he wasn’t just a contestant. He was an artist reaching into people’s hearts.
And in today’s era, where social media and viral moments dominate, Carlito’s performance reminds us of the raw, unfiltered power of live television. No auto-tune, no fancy editing—just pure talent.
Carlito’s Journey After The X Factor
Though Carlito didn’t win The X Factor USA 2013, his journey didn’t end there. In fact, it was just the beginning.
He went on to build a career as a singer and actor, appearing in shows like East Los High and Step Up: High Water. His work ethic and determination continued to push him forward, proving that talent competitions are stepping stones—not finish lines.
Fans who discovered him during The X Factor have stayed loyal, supporting his music and projects even years later. And many still remember “Stay” as the performance that made them fall in love with his artistry .
Final Thoughts – A Defining X Factor Moment
Carlito Olivero’s cover of Rihanna’s “Stay” was more than just a performance. It was a declaration of his artistry, a breakthrough moment that showed the world his heart and soul through music.
Even today, when fans look back at the golden era of The X Factor USA, this performance often comes up as one of the unforgettable highlights. It was vulnerable, passionate, and real—everything we crave in music.
Carlito didn’t just rock the crowd—he touched hearts ❤️. And for that, his version of “Stay” will always stay with us.
What about you?
Did you watch Carlito’s performance live back in 2013? Or did you discover it later on YouTube? Either way, it’s one of those moments that proves why shows like The X Factor matter—they give artists like Carlito Olivero the platform to shine.
Drop your thoughts in the comments and tell us your favorite Carlito moment!
