Massapequa Park’s Jesse Findling shines again on American Idol

Massapequa Park’s Jesse Findling is one step closer to becoming the next American Idol.

The 19-year-old singer has advanced to the show’s Top 30 after once again earning a standing ovation from all three judges for his performance of Adele’s “Love in the Dark.” (Scroll down for the full video.)

“It’s insane to think about making it this far,” Findling told Greater Long Island, with a huge smile on his face. “Winning is definitely something you think about after the first audition, but that’s not been my mentality.  Right now it’s been about everything I’ve learned and the experience.” 

Findling first wowed the judges during the auditions with his performance of “In the Stars” by Benson Boone.

Luke Bryan told him he was a star in the making. 

As GLI previously reported, Findling has lived with a stutter since elementary school, something that even made speaking in class feel overwhelming. But he soon realized that the stutter went away when he sang and that’s why singing became his outlet. 

Now, he’s showing off those talents in front of a national audience. 

“To think that I was one of 200,000 people that tried out and I’m still around is crazy,” said Findling. “My phone was blowing up after that episode aired, and to hear all those nice words and support, it makes you feel so good about yourself.” 

And it’s not just on the phone. Findling has become a celebrity on Long Island since the show started. 

“Just going out and people walking up to me and saying hi, it’s something that I never thought would happen,” he said. “It’s awesome to know that people from Massapequa Park and all over Long Island want the best for me.” 

Findling says he knows the competition is only going to get harder, which is why he could do a different type of song next week.

But, he’s not looking too far ahead. 

“Yes, the idea of winning has crossed my mind and how insane that would be, but all I can do now is go up on stage and sing and hope everybody likes it.”

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