Jesse Findling is an American singer and rising star, best known for his appearance as a contestant on American Idol Season 24 (2026) on ABC. A native of Long Island, New York, Findling first garnered national attention in January 2026 when he auditioned on American Idol, where his inspiring personal story and powerful voice won over the judges and audience alike.
Early Life & Background
Jesse Findling was born around 2006–2007 (making him 19 years old as of January 2026) and grew up in Massapequa, New York, on Long Island. He was raised in a close-knit family with two siblings – an older sister and a younger brother – with whom he shared a love of music. His parents are not musicians, but all three children turned out to be very musical. As a child, Jesse often sang with his siblings at home, in karaoke sessions, and in school choirs.
From an early age, Findling had a lifelong stutter when speaking. He has said that singing became his “safe place” because “when I sing I don’t stutter”. In interviews and on Idol, Jesse explained that singing let him express himself without fear or embarrassment, turning what was once a struggle into inspiration. He even cites British singer Ed Sheeran – who also had a childhood stutter – as an inspiration for dealing with his speech difference.
After graduating from Massapequa High School, Jesse pursued higher education at Binghamton University (SUNY Binghamton). He enrolled as a biology and musical theater double major. His time at college has been balanced between studying and honing his musical skills. Findling has joked that his roommate often “hated” hearing him rehearse songs daily, as he would practice singing at all hours.
- Hometown: Massapequa, Long Island, New York
- Education: Massapequa High School graduate; currently a student at Binghamton University, double-majoring in Biology and Musical Theater
- Family: Musical household; older sister and younger brother (both sing)
- Speech: Has had a stutter since childhood; it disappears when he sings
- Other Details: Height and personal relationships (dating, marital status) are not publicly known. His net worth is not publicly disclosed.
American Idol Audition and Career Highlight
Jesse Findling’s public profile began when he auditioned for American Idol during the Season 24 premiere, which aired on January 26, 2026. At 19 years old, he walked into the audition room and candidly told the judges that he has a stutter. He explained that singing was how he found confidence: “Singing has always felt freeing for me, because when I sing I don’t stutter”.
For his audition, Findling chose “In the Stars” by Benson Boone, a pop ballad he often sang with his younger brother at home. The performance was deeply emotional; Findling dedicated it to his siblings and imagined them as he sang. His delivery earned him a standing ovation from all three judges – Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. All three judges enthusiastically voted “Yes,” which meant he earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood Week.
The judges heaped praise on Findling. Luke Bryan admitted he “didn’t blink one time” during the performance and called him “a real singer” who made him proud. Carrie Underwood told Jesse he had a “beautiful voice” with great tone and vibrato, noting that he delivered the song’s emotion perfectly. Lionel Richie warmly dismissed Jesse’s mention of a “problem” with his speech – “What problem? You don’t have a problem” – and encouraged him by saying the only challenge ahead was figuring out how to build a music career. When the judges brought his family on stage, they all voted yes, and Carrie Underwood said she believed Findling “could go really far in this competition”.
After learning he had received a Golden Ticket, Findling became emotional. He told the cameras that earning the ticket was proof that “everything I’ve struggled with in the past… has all led me here and I can do whatever I want if I work hard.” His audition immediately became one of the most-watched clips online, touching viewers with his talent and perseverance.
Personal Details
- Age: 19 years old (as of Jan 2026). (Exact birthdate not public.)
- Height: Not publicly available.
- Hometown: Massapequa, Long Island, New York.
- Education: Massapequa High School graduate; currently attending Binghamton University studying biology and musical theater.
- Family: Jesse’s parents are not musicians, but he, his older sister, and younger brother all sing. His brother shares his speech impediment, which has made the two especially close.
- Speech: Has a lifelong stutter; singing is an outlet because it erases the stutter.
- Net Worth: Not publicly known. (Jesse is just starting his career.)
- Relationships: Not publicly known or documented.
Social Media Presence
Jesse Findling maintains an active social media presence to share his music. He frequently posts singing clips on TikTok, where he has gained a following by covering songs and sharing behind-the-scenes of his practice. He also has an Instagram account (e.g. @jessefindlingmusic) where he posts audition updates and photos. Fans often find him on these platforms by searching his name or watching trending videos of his Idol audition.
Public Interest & Search Trends
Since his American Idol audition aired, Jesse Findling has attracted widespread attention. News outlets such as People Magazine and American Songwriter featured his story, and local media in New York ran interviews about his inspiring journey. Viewers have been moved by his determination and talent, making him a trending topic on social media and Google searches related to American Idol Season 24. People commonly search for “Jesse Findling American Idol,” “Jesse Findling stutter,” and other details about his background and audition performance.
FAQ
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Who is Jesse Findling?
Jesse Findling is a 19-year-old singer and college student from Massapequa, New York. He became known as a Golden Ticket recipient on American Idol Season 24 (2026) after a touching audition that highlighted both his vocal talent and his journey with a speech stutter. -
How did Jesse Findling do on American Idol?
In the January 2026 premiere of Season 24, Jesse auditioned with the song “In the Stars” by Benson Boone and earned a standing ovation. All three judges (Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan) voted “yes,” giving him a Golden Ticket to the Hollywood round. His progress beyond Hollywood Week will be revealed as the season continues to air. -
How old is Jesse Findling?
He is 19 years old (as of January 2026). -
Where is Jesse Findling from?
Jesse grew up in Massapequa on Long Island, New York. -
Does Jesse Findling have a stutter?
Yes. Jesse has had a stutter since he was young, which he openly discussed on his Idol audition. He says singing eliminates his stutter, and music became his “outlet” and confidence-builder. -
What did he sing on American Idol?
He sang “In the Stars” by Benson Boone during his audition. -
Is Jesse Findling on social media?
Yes. He uses social media to share music. He posts singing videos on TikTok and has an Instagram account under his name (for example, @jessefindlingmusic). -
What is his net worth?
Not known. Jesse is just starting his career, and no reliable net worth information is available. -
Does he have a girlfriend or wife?
There is no public information about any romantic relationship. His personal relationships have not been disclosed. -
What is Jesse’s educational background?
After high school in Massapequa, he went to Binghamton University, where he is (as of 2026) studying biology and musical theatre. -
Will he win American Idol?
His journey is still unfolding. So far he has earned a Golden Ticket (meaning he advanced to Hollywood Week), but the competition is ongoing. Fans will have to watch Season 24 to see how far he goes.
Conclusion
Jesse Findling’s story is one of resilience and talent. A young college student with a stutter, he found his voice through music and captured the hearts of American Idol judges and viewers alike with his audition performance. As the show’s Season 24 continues, audiences are eager to see how his journey develops. To follow Jesse’s progress and discover more about Season 24 of American Idol, tune in to new episodes airing Monday nights on ABC. His story reminds us that overcoming challenges can lead to inspiring moments – and that the music is worth listening to.