Nikko Santo Pietro's Viral Moment on Wheel of Fortune Explained

Jan 24, 2025 at 5:43 AM

In a surprising turn of events, Vanna White's son, Nikko Santo Pietro, became an internet sensation in December 2022. During a special edition of Wheel of Fortune, White and host Ryan Seacrest discussed the unexpected viral fame that Nikko gained from a cooking video. The clip showcased White and her son preparing a family recipe, but it was Nikko's appearance in a form-fitting white T-shirt that caught everyone's attention. While White seemed puzzled by the sudden interest in her son, Seacrest explained that Nikko had become a "thirst trap" due to his striking good looks and tight clothing. The conversation brought laughter to the show as Seacrest playfully commented on how distracting Nikko's appearance was. Later, White and Nikko released another cooking video, this time with Nikko opting for a more relaxed outfit.

A Closer Look at Nikko's Unexpected Fame

On a crisp winter evening, during the January 23 episode of Wheel of Fortune, the spotlight turned to a heartwarming yet humorous exchange between Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest. The two were reminiscing about a video White had posted in early December, featuring her and her 30-year-old son, Nikko Santo Pietro, preparing a family recipe called "Uncle Roy’s Chicken." What began as a simple culinary demonstration quickly spiraled into a viral sensation, much to White's surprise.

The video, which showed the duo meticulously chopping onions and peeling ginger, garnered attention not for its cooking techniques but for Nikko's eye-catching attire. Dressed in a snug white T-shirt and jeans, Nikko inadvertently became the center of attention. Seacrest humorously pointed out that Nikko's shirt, purchased from Baby Gap, was so tight that viewers couldn't help but notice his striking good looks. "The kids are calling Nikko a thirst trap," Seacrest remarked, leaving White bewildered. She responded with a lighthearted, "I don’t get it."

As the segment concluded, the pair teased their latest cooking adventure, which they uploaded to Instagram later that night. This time, Nikko chose a looser fit, pairing a white T-shirt with a red flannel. The new video introduced a parsnip soup recipe, complete with detailed instructions in the comments. White shared that she has two children, Nikko and Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro, from her previous marriage to George Santo Pietro. In a separate interview with Entertainment Tonight, Nikko revealed that he is in a loving relationship with Easae, a singer-songwriter, whom he described as an absolute sweetheart.

From a journalist's perspective, this story highlights the unpredictable nature of internet fame. Nikko's unexpected rise to viral stardom serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most ordinary moments can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It also underscores the importance of embracing life's surprises with grace and humor, as both Vanna and Nikko did throughout this experience. Their ability to laugh at the situation and continue sharing their passion for cooking demonstrates a refreshing authenticity in an age where online presence often feels contrived.