He rose to fame after becoming a runner-up in the sixth season of the hit Malaysian Talent reality show, Akademi Fantasia.
His previous attempt to make himself known in the music industry began in 2004 when he auditioned for Akademi Fantasia, Season 2.
In 2007, he came back to audition for Akademi Fantasia, Season 5 but only passed until the third stage.
In 2008, with great enthusiasm, he came back stronger and more prepared to audition for Akademi Fantasia, Season 6 till he was crowned as runner-up of the show on 25 May 2008.
At times, Riz also appeared on Aku Stacy, a TV program made for the champion of Akademi Fantasia.