Niccolò Riolfo advances in X Factor 2026

Niccolò Riolfo, performing under the stage name RIO, has emerged as a notable contestant on X Factor 2026. The 23-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer from Milan has progressed to the Last Call stage after receiving four ‘yes’ votes from the judges.

During his auditions, Riolfo performed a rock-influenced rendition of Ornella Vanoni’s ‘Rossetto e cioccolato’. He continued his momentum at the Bootcamp stage with a performance of Samuele Bersani’s ‘Chicco e Spillo’.

Born in 2003, Riolfo began his musical journey at age 19, initially focusing on guitar and music production before developing his solo project. He describes his musical style as a form of rock rooted in the attitudes of his generation, citing influences such as Vasco Rossi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Lucio Dalla.