Massapequa Park's Jesse Findling out of American Idol top 12

Source: newsday.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Massapequa Park's Jesse Findling, a 20-year-old Binghamton University student, was eliminated from American Idol during Monday's live episode after making the top 12. Host Ryan Seacrest announced his advancement at the start, but he fell short of the top 11 based on viewer votes from his "Wonderwall" performance. The article covers his song choice, judges' feedback, and background as a 2023 Massapequa High School graduate.[[1]](https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/jesse-findling-american-idol-amovjizo)

Key points

Details and context

The two-hour "90s Judges’ Song Contest" episode started with Findling in the top 12, creating a roller-coaster feel before his exit at the end. He had advanced steadily: golden ticket audition with Benson Boone's "In the Stars," top 30 via Adele's "Love in the Dark," top 20 with Ed Sheeran's "Photograph," and top 14 after The Fray's "You Found Me" in Hawaii.[[2]](https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/american-idol-jesse-findling-s55kbyuw)[[3]](https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/american-idol-hollywood-week-jesse-findling-e3c7zo70)[[4]](https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/american-idol-jesse-findling-ohana-xm7ozouc)

Findling, a lifelong stutterer who overcame nerves in his emotional audition, drew local support in Massapequa Park, including a pre-performance visit to his alma mater Massapequa High School.[[5]](https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/jesse-findling-american-idol-massapequa-park-kmg7g39y)

This marks the end of his run in season 24, now down to top 11.

Key quotes

Why it matters

Findling's journey highlights a local talent's quick rise on a national stage, inspiring Long Island viewers amid American Idol's ongoing popularity. Fans lose a strong vocalist mid-competition, but he returns to college with exposure that could boost future music chances. Watch the top 11 performances to see who advances toward the season winner.