Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Stuttering Teen's Idol Audition Earns Standing Ovation

1/24/2026

31 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jesse Findling, a 20-year-old from Massapequa, New York, will compete in Season 24 of American Idol, which premieres January 26.
Despite a stutter, Findling performs without stuttering during his audition.
The judges gave him a standing ovation and praised his performance of 'In The Stars'.
Findling is a junior at Binghamton University studying biology and now considers pursuing a music career after the judges' feedback and his family's support.

1 of 1

Story summary

Jesse Findling, a 20-year-old from Massapequa, New York, will compete in Season 24 of American Idol, which premieres January 26.
Despite a stutter, Findling performs without stuttering during his audition.
The judges gave him a standing ovation and praised his performance of 'In The Stars'.
Findling is a junior at Binghamton University studying biology and now considers pursuing a music career after the judges' feedback and his family's support.