Livy may spend her days serving rolls and leading birthday “yee-haws” at Texas Roadhouse, but on American Idol, she proved she’s serving something much bigger — serious vocal talent.
The 22-year-old West Virginia native, whose full name is Olivia Spino, brought her high-energy personality into the audition room — along with Texas Roadhouse’s signature rolls, cinnamon butter, and peanuts. Greeting the judges like customers at her restaurant, she joked, “Welcome to Texas Roadhouse. I’ll be serving you. Can I get y’all started with some drinks? We’ve got some Coke products, sweet tea… and Luke, we got that one margarita, two margarita, three margarita — but no shots.”
The playful introduction instantly broke the ice.
Livy explained that her love for performing often shows up at work, where she sings “Happy Birthday” for guests celebrating their big day. Videos of those moments began circulating on TikTok, building confidence — and momentum — that eventually led her to audition.
She also made sure Luke Bryan knew her mom, Maria, is one of his biggest fans. “She thinks you’re the sexiest man alive,” Livy teased. “You better get prepared. That little Italian woman’s about to come get ya.” The room erupted in laughter.
But once the jokes ended, the real moment began.
Dressed in a red button-up under a black jacket, black denim, and bright red sneakers, Livy launched into Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins.” Her voice came out bold and powerful, filling the room from the first chorus.
“I believe you and me are sisters and brothers…” she sang, delivering the soaring hook with confidence and intensity.
Afterward, Luke Bryan turned to Underwood and asked what many were thinking: “Is she pushing too hard?”
Underwood agreed gently. “You have such a big instrument,” she explained. “If you start out going a hundred miles an hour, there’s nowhere left to go.”
Bryan asked Livy to try the chorus again — this time softer, more controlled.
The shift was immediate.
Pulling back the power, Livy leaned into the emotion of the lyrics. The room grew still. What had started as a strong performance transformed into something far more intimate.
“That was so much more emotional,” Underwood said, clearly moved. “Hello. That was really nice. My vote is yes. Please show us all the sides — your softer side, your powerful side.”
Bryan agreed. “You’re a good enough singer that you don’t have to push so hard. Capture the emotion like you did that second time. I’m a yes.”
Lionel Richie delivered the final verdict with a grin. “I’m full,” he joked, nodding to the snacks she’d brought. Then he turned sincere. “It is an absolute yes for me. And I mean this from the heart — you are a sweetheart. If you just calm down and let that voice out, you’ve got something magical.”
With three yeses, Livy earned her Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week in Nashville.
Afterward, she celebrated not only her success but her mom’s dream moment of meeting Luke Bryan. “I think Luke was a little scared,” she laughed. “I worked my butt off for this. Carrie Underwood, Gabby Barrett — they’ve all held this ticket. Now it’s my turn.”
From birthday serenades at Texas Roadhouse to the national spotlight, Livy’s journey is just beginning — and she’s bringing a Texas-sized yee-haw with her.
American Idol airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.
