Carlito Olivero – Rocks the Crowd with Cover of Rihanna’s “Stay”

The Night Carlito Olivero Captured Hearts: A Look Back at “Stay” on The X Factor USA

The year 2013 was a pivotal moment for reality singing competitions in America. The X Factor USA was in its third season, featuring a high-octane judging panel consisting of Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland, and Paulina Rubio. Amidst the pyrotechnics and big production numbers, one performance stood out for its raw, stripped-back emotionality: Carlito Olivero’s cover of Rihanna’s “Stay.”

At the time, Carlito Olivero was a standout contestant in the “Boys” category, mentored by the legendary Paulina Rubio. While he had already established himself as a versatile performer with a strong stage presence and “Latin heartthrob” appeal, there were lingering questions about his vocal depth. Could he handle a power ballad? Could he connect with an audience without the flashy dance moves?

The answer came during the live shows when he stepped onto a dimly lit stage to perform “Stay,” originally a haunting duet between Rihanna and Mikky Ekko.

A Vulnerable Transformation

The choice of “Stay” was a calculated risk. The song relies heavily on piano and vocal nuance rather than heavy beats. For Olivero, this was his “sink or swim” moment. From the very first note, it was clear that the audience was witnessing a different side of the Chicago-born artist.

Clad in a simple, stylish outfit, Carlito ditched the backing dancers and the upbeat tempos that had defined his earlier performances. Instead, he leaned into the vulnerability of the lyrics. His rendition wasn’t just a carbon copy of the original; he infused it with his own signature R&B flair and a touch of Latin soul. His falsetto, which some critics had previously questioned, was controlled and surprisingly delicate, floating over the melody in a way that hushed the rowdy arena.

The Crowd’s Reaction and Judging Feedback

As the song progressed, the energy in the room shifted. What started as a standard performance turned into a “moment.” By the time he hit the final crescendo, the crowd was on their feet. It wasn’t just the teenagers screaming for a pop star; it was a genuine standing ovation for a musician who had finally found his voice.

The judges were equally impressed:

• Paulina Rubio was beaming with pride, vindicated in her choice to keep him in the competition.

• Kelly Rowland and Demi Lovato praised his growth, noting that his emotional connection to the lyrics felt authentic rather than coached.

• Simon Cowell, often the harshest critic, acknowledged that Carlito had finally “stepped up” and proven he was a serious contender for the title.

Why This Performance Mattered

Carlito Olivero’s “Stay” remains a fan favorite for several reasons. Firstly, it broke the stereotype that he was “just a dancer.” It proved he possessed the vocal chops to compete with the powerhouses in the competition. Secondly, it highlighted his ability to interpret a female-led pop song and make it sound like a personal confession.

Beyond the show, this performance helped propel Carlito into the Top 3 of the competition, eventually finishing as the second runner-up. It served as a launching pad for his multi-faceted career. Following The X Factor, Olivero transitioned successfully into acting, most notably starring in the hit series Step Up: High Water and the horror film Bad Samaritan.

The Legacy of “Stay”

Even years later, YouTube comments on the video of this performance are filled with fans reminiscing about the “Carlito Fever” of 2013. In the era of TikTok and viral music clips, Olivero’s “Stay” holds up as a masterclass in how to win over a crowd through sincerity.

It reminds us that while flashy productions are entertaining, nothing beats a talented singer, a microphone, and a song that everyone can feel in their soul. Carlito Olivero didn’t just sing “Stay”—he made the audience want to stay with him until the very end of his journey.