Findling once again brings the judges to their feet
“This has been the craziest experience of my life and now it’s up to America’s vote 🤯”
Jesse Findling has done it again.
The Massapequa Park native took to Facebook after another impressive performance on American Idol that once again brought the judges to their feet.
He has now advanced to the show’s Top 20.
“It’s honest, it’s real and it’s believable,” said Carrie Underwood about Findling’s voice after his rendition of “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran on Monday’s episode. “It’s just beautiful.”
The high praise comes one week after Luke Bryan posted “A star is born y’all” on social media following Hollywood Week, where Findling sang “Love in the Dark” by Adele.
Findling said his father suggested the Ed Sheeran song this week — one of Jesse’s favorite singers. (Scroll down to watch the full performance.)
“He had a stutter when he was younger and he’s been super open about it,” Findling explained to the judges.
As Greater Long Island previously reported, Findling has also dealt with a stutter his whole life. “I can relate to it in so many ways.”
So he dedicated the song to his late grandfather, who passed away six years ago.
“I just felt like I could really be myself around him and we could laugh with each other,” Findling told the judges before his performance. “Even though he can’t be here taking pictures of me, I know he’s watching right now. Looking back at the photos of him reminds me of the love that family shared with him.”
Now, the voting is out of the judges’ hands.
Beginning next week, viewers will vote to decide Findling’s fate.
Findling and the rest of the Top 20 return to the stage next Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Top: Jesse Findling Monday on American Idol. Credit: Disney/Eric McCandless
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