Jven before Jesse Findling’s inspiring “American Idol” audition aired on TV, he was already a star. Millions of people have watched a sneak preview video that ABC released before the season 24 premiere on January 26, 2026.

The 19-year-old college student from Long Island, New York, moved judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie as he shared what it’s been like growing up with a stutter, and how music has been an escape for him. The video of Findling’s flawless performance of “In The Stars” by former “American Idol” contestant Benson Boone, combined with his inspiring story, has gone viral and he can hardly believe it.

Jesse Findling’s Audition Has Already Been Viewed by More Than 20 Million

ABC released a sneak preview video of Findling’s audition on January 20, and within two days, over 20 million people had watched it, from YouTube to Instagram.

On January 22, Findling wrote in his Instagram Stories, “I just wanted to come on here and say thank you again for the overwhelming love and support on my @americanidol audition. It’s now passed 20 million views across socials, which is absolutely unreal! Thank you for watching, sharing, and cheering me on — I hope you’ll stick around and follow me on this crazy journey ❤️”

Fans have responded with awe, moved by his bravery to audition and how his stutter disappears when he sings. Even season 23 runner-up Breanna Nix wrote on the Instagram reel of his audition, “Wow! what a story and so heart touching 🥹 YOU BETTER SING 🔥”

Someone else commented, “As a speech therapist who has worked with many children who stutter, this brings me so much joy. I know how difficult it can be. Bravo young man!!! Beautiful voice!! Share it with the world. ❤️❤️🙌”

“Jesse you have a beautiful voice,” another viewer wrote on YouTube. “Never stop singing. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.”

“Everything about this performance was just spellbinding,” someone else wrote. “To see how far he’s come despite what he’s gone through regarding his stutter is not only beautiful but he has that type of voice that deserves to be on the radio it’s that good. He already might be one of my favourites this season”

Jesse Findling Says His Stutter Developed in Elementary School

 

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Before singing for the judges, Findling told them during his interview, “I’ve had a stutter ever since I was little. It’s something that I’ve struggled with since elementary school. It was something embarrassing for me, something that I really had a hard time with. I wouldn’t raise my hand in school, and it was just something that made me feel alone.”

But he went on to share how music had been a gift to him, explaining, “Singing has always felt freeing for me because when I sing, I don’t stutter. When I sing, it is a way for me to express myself in a way where I didn’t have to worry about being embarrassed at what people would think or that somebody would laugh.”

Findling’s younger brother was with him at the audition to cheer him on. Findling told the judges, “Me and my brother sing with each other, and he also has a stutter, so it’s really special when we sing together. I want to be a role model for him because I knew how hard it was for me in school.”

The judges were more than happy to grant Findling a golden ticket to Hollywood Week, which will air after several weeks of auditions.