LI’s Jesse Findling advances to American Idol Top 14 as momentum builds

“There’s 14 people left, so to think I even made it this far is insane.”

For Massapequa Park’s Jesse Findling, the moment still feels surreal.

On Monday night, the American Idol hopeful was the final contestant to hear his name called by Ryan Seacrest, securing his spot in the next round. (Watch his performance below.)

“It was a hundred different emotions at once,” Findling told Greater Long Island. “When I heard my name, I was happy, I was shocked. There was also relief. It’s so hard to describe everything that went through my body.”

Now, with the competition down to 14, Findling knows he’ll need to elevate his performances if he wants to be the last one standing next month.

“The songs you pick really matter,” he said. “I’m trying to choose things people might not expect, because no one wants to hear the same type of song every week. I just want to keep people on the edge.”

That approach — combined with a growing confidence on stage — has helped him stand out.

“When I sing in front of the judges now, I’m not as nervous,” Findling said. “I’ve been doing it for a while, so this is my life now. It feels normal to learn and perform a new song every week.”

With the field narrowing, Findling says the experience has already changed him in ways that go far beyond the results.

“It’s become more than just singing,” he said. “I’ve grown so much. I’ve made friends for life. I feel like I’ve transformed as a person.”

And through it all, he hasn’t lost sight of the support back home on Long Island.

“I just want to say thank you to my fans — thank you to Long Island,” Findling said with a smile. “The support has been awesome, and it’s made this process so much less stressful for me.”