Hours before he dazzled a national audience with his rendition of The Fray’s “You Found Me,” Massapequa High School Class of 2023 graduate and American Idol Top 20 contestant Jesse Findling visited his alma mater on March 16.
Jesse spoke to band, chorus and orchestra students at the end of the day and hosted a question and answer session, with topics ranging from his American Idol journey to his experiences in Massapequa’s performing arts program to his music inspirations. After the final bell rang, all students and staff were invited to the auditorium for a live performance. His set of five songs enthralled an audience of about 200. Jesse was accompanied by guitarist Sal Nastasi, as well as his former music teacher from East Lake Elementary School, Dr. Gina Aspetti, who played the piano.
Beginning in ninth grade, Jesse performed in four Massapequa High School musical productions, going from an ensemble member in “The Wedding Singer” to a lead role in “Footloose.” He shared how those experiences made him more comfortable performing in front of audiences, which has benefitted him as an American Idol contestant.
Jesse, who is a biology major at Binghamton University, has always enjoyed singing and said he was discovered by American Idol producers from his Tik Tok videos. After several Zoom auditions, he had his first in-person tryout in November. Jesse was among 100 contestants to appear on American Idol’s Hollywood Week shows, filmed in Nashville, and was selected for the Top 30. After performing Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” in the Ohana round, he advanced to the Top 20.
The support from his family has been instrumental in his success on American Idol so far. Jesse was joined for his performance at the high school by his older sister, Samantha, a Class of 2021 graduate, and brother, Jack, a sophomore.
“The students were so attentive and were all interested in hearing about Jesse's success, how he achieved it and what he's doing while he's on the national stage,” said Director of Fine and Performing Arts Vincent Green, who led the Q&A. “For most of them it’s the closest they may come to someone at this level of fame and they are enjoying their part of it.”