19-Year-Old Jesse Findling Stuns American Idol Judges Despite Struggling With a Stutter

“This is just proof that everything is working out how it should,” Jesse Findling shared after his life-changing audition.

Jesse Findling, a 19-year-old college student from Long Island, New York, turned vulnerability into strength on American Idol with a soaring, emotionally charged cover of Benson Boone’s “In the Stars.” His performance earned a standing ovation from Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan—an extraordinary moment made even more powerful by the fact that Jesse has lived with a stutter since elementary school.

For years, his stutter made him feel isolated.

“I’ve been singing ever since I was little with my brother and sister,” Findling explained. “I’ve had a stutter ever since I was little. It’s something that I’ve struggled with since elementary school. That was something embarrassing for me… I wouldn’t raise my hand in school. It made me feel alone.”

Because of this, Jesse often felt the need to hide. Singing became his safe place—one space where his voice flowed freely.

“When I sing, I don’t stutter,” he said. “It’s a way for me to express myself without worrying about being embarrassed. It was an outlet for me when I was little, and it’s still an outlet for me now.”

Singing for His Brother

Jesse’s younger brother also has a stutter, creating a special bond between them. Music became an escape for both.

“Me and my brother sing with each other, and he also has a stutter, so it’s really special when we sing together,” Jesse shared.

Before stepping into the audition room, Jesse revealed that “In the Stars” is the song they often sing together.

“I want to be a role model for him. I know how hard school can be. I’m going to be thinking of him when I sing it.”

Cameras then cut to his brother, who said, “It’s crazy to see how far he’s come. It’s insane.”

A Performance That Silenced the Room

Wearing a gray crewneck sweatshirt and jeans, Jesse auditioned at Belmont University in Nashville. Accompanied by a pianist, he delivered a heartfelt performance of “In the Stars,” drawing the judges in with both vocal control and emotional honesty.

“I’m still holding on to everything that’s dead and gone…
Now you’re in the stars and six feet’s never felt so far…”

The room fell quiet. When the final note faded, the judges rose to their feet.

“Luke, you jumped awful quick,” Carrie Underwood said.

“I don’t think I blinked one time,” Luke Bryan replied. “You’re a real singer. I’m really proud of you. This is why I love this show—because we get to meet kids like you.”

Lionel Richie added, “Your voice is beautiful. You have a beautiful vibrato and a beautiful tone. We understood every word. You were emotionally in the song. Problem? What problem? You don’t have a problem.”

A Golden Ticket and a Message of Hope

Jesse’s family entered the room as the judges prepared to vote.

Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan both said “yes.” Carrie Underwood followed with encouragement:

“I think you could go really far in this competition. We just haven’t had voices like yours coming through those doors. I’m excited to give you a big ‘ol YES.”

With three votes, Jesse earned a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Reflecting on the moment, he said:

“When I was singing, I was thinking of younger me—the kid who wouldn’t speak in class, who was scared of what people thought. The fact that I got this is proof that everything is working out how it should.”

Jesse then turned to his brother.

“I love you. You can do anything you put your mind to. I’m always here for you.”

“I’m very proud of you. I love you,” his brother replied, as they embraced.

Jesse Findling’s audition became more than a performance—it became a reminder that courage can be louder than fear, and that every voice deserves to be heard.