A simple karaoke video recorded in a car has completely transformed the life of Ryssi Avila, a single mother and singer from the Philippines who has become a TikTok sensation. Her viral performance of Air Supply's "Come What May," posted in February 2023, has garnered over 5.2 million views and catapulted her from struggling performer to full-time content creator with a global following.
Before her breakthrough moment, Avila lived a demanding lifestyle as the sole breadwinner for her family, constantly traveling and performing wherever she could find work. "I used to sing everywhere, at events and corporate shows," she explained during a recent interview. "I worked all day because I'm the breadwinner." The viral video showed her in an unpolished, authentic moment – sitting in her car with her hair down, minimal makeup, and a calm expression as she softly delivered the classic ballad.
The unexpected success has allowed Avila to create a more balanced life that combines her musical passion with her responsibilities as a mother. She now maintains a structured schedule as a full-time content creator, streaming twice daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., then spending quality time with her son Angel and taking him to school. "At night, I go back to creating content and livestreaming," she said. "It's nonstop, but I've learned to plan ahead and balance everything."
Her son Angel serves as both her greatest inspiration and most devoted fan, often watching her livestreams before bedtime and singing along with her performances. This family dynamic has become an integral part of her content creation journey, showing viewers the authentic relationship between mother and child that resonates with her global audience.
Avila attributes the overwhelming response to her viral video to its genuine, unfiltered nature. "People loved the rawness and the pure emotion," she reflected. "That's how I built a community. I realized people connect most with authenticity." This realization has shaped her approach to content creation, emphasizing real connections over polished performances.
The singer has embraced TikTok Live as her primary platform for engaging with fans, praising its interactive capabilities. "It's dynamic," she explained. "The connections are instant but real. When I perform on TikTok Live, it's not just me performing for people; it's me performing with them. It gave me a global space to share my music, build relationships and grow as an artist."
Avila's success has opened doors to international opportunities, including her recent visit to Korea as part of a side event for the APEC CEO Summit, where TikTok invited her as one of the creators making a positive impact both on and beyond the platform. "It's proof that creators with purpose, even from a small corner of the world, can reach global stages," she said proudly. "I'm proud to show that Filipino creators can inspire not just through talent but through heart and authenticity."
The viral video has led to numerous international appearances, including participation in TikTok LIVE Fest events in Miami and London, as well as Community Fest Vietnam. "For someone who started as a small singer from the Philippines, those moments felt surreal," she admitted, reflecting on her journey from local performer to global content creator.
When she first began creating content on TikTok, Avila struggled with self-doubt and perfectionism. "At that time, I thought I needed to be perfect to be accepted," she revealed. "But over time, I learned that being real matters more than being perfect. When I started showing up authentically, emotions, flaws, and all, people connected even more. That reminded me that vulnerability is a strength."
For aspiring creators looking to follow in her footsteps, Avila offers straightforward advice rooted in action rather than hesitation. "Don't be afraid to put yourself out there," she encouraged. "Create something. Make a positive change. Make an impact." Her message emphasizes the importance of taking that first step, regardless of perceived imperfections or limitations, demonstrating that authentic content can resonate across cultural and geographical boundaries.
