Binghamton University Student Brings Judges to Their Feet on American Idol [WATCH]

Jesse Findling, a junior at Binghamton University, recently earned a Golden Ticket to Hollywood on Season 24 of American Idol after his emotional audition impressed all three judges and earned a standing ovation.

Originally from Massapequa on Long Island, Findling is studying both biology and musical theater at BU. His journey is about more than just talent. It is about resilience and using his passion to overcome obstacles.

Music as a Tool for Overcoming Stuttering

Findling has used music as a powerful tool to express himself and manage a lifelong stutter. Shared with his younger brother, who also stutters, singing has become a way for them to connect. Their bond shaped his choice of audition song: "In The Stars" by Benson Boone, a favorite he often performs with his brother. This meaningful selection helped propel him into the next round of the competition.

Managing Audition Stress with a Stutter

Auditions are nerve-wracking for any contestant, but for Findling, the stakes felt even higher. He admitted to the New York Post that the pressure made him worry his stutter would be more pronounced. “I was under a lot of stress and pressure, and I knew that I was going to stutter more under that environment, which was scary at first,” he said. “But I knew I had to be brave… and know that walking into that room, it’s not about my stutter, it’s about my voice.” Remarkably, when Findling sings, his stutter vanishes. This phenomenon continues to inspire him.

“There’s a whole science behind it. When you sing, you’re using a different part of your brain,” he explained.

Inspiring Children with Speech Challenges

After years of speech therapy and anxiety about speaking in class, Findling hopes his journey will inspire other children facing similar challenges. “I wanted to be something that, maybe a kid… would watch my audition and feel inspired to do something big or even just raise their hand in class,” he said. By sharing his story on such a public stage, he aims to show others that their voices matter, both on and off the screen.

Journey from Campus to American Idol Audition

Findling learned in September that he would have the opportunity to audition for judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Carrie Underwood. In November, he traveled to Nashville with his family, who supported him every step of the way. Anticipation built back on campus as well; Findling joked that his roommate at Binghamton probably heard every note of his daily rehearsals.

“My roommate at Binghamton probably hated me because I would sing a bunch of songs every single day. It was a lot,” he said.

Judges’ Reactions and Lasting Impact

After his moving performance, all three judges gave him a standing ovation. Underwood called the audition “beautiful,” and Bryan said he did not blink once. Richie, after hearing Findling speak, addressed his stutter with warmth and encouragement.

“What problem? You don’t have a problem,” Richie told him. “The only thing wrong with you is you gotta figure out how you’re gonna navigate this career,” Findling said the moment changed how he views himself as a performer. “I feel so much more confident now in my ability as a singer,” he said.

Family Joins Findling in Hollywood Moment

Before officially sending him to Hollywood Week, the judges surprised Findling by bringing out his parents, sister, and brother. “This is also big for them because they’re not used to all of this,” he told the New York Post. “So the fact that I got to include them in my story and have them be a part of that day… made me really happy.”

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Looking Ahead: Findling’s Future After Idol Audition

While Findling is currently majoring in biology, his viral audition and Golden Ticket have opened doors far beyond the classroom. Whatever happens next, one thing is clear. A Binghamton University student is heading to Hollywood Week, and the Southern Tier community will be cheering him on as his American Idol journey unfolds.