Recent Paramus HS Graduate To Become An 'American Idol,' He Just Isn't Sure When

PARAMUS, NJ — Jake Thistle graduated from Paramus High School in 2022, released two singles in 2023, performed at Bergen County's July 4 celebration in 2024, and this year, he may just get his big break.

Thistle announced on social media that he'll be part of the new season of TV's "American Idol," which kicked off Monday.

He followed up on Sunday in response to viewers' questions, saying that some of the process is still a mystery, and he doesn't yet know when he'll appear.

“I'll definitely keep you updated as I know more/am able to say more," he said.

He noted, "I'm not sure how the producers are editing the entire process together, so I have no way of knowing right now if I'll be in any particular episode...especially since I had some other gigs to work around during the Nashville auditions. The voting phase of the show doesn't start in the first episode; that comes a bit later pending the outcome of the judge results."

After graduating from Paramus High four years ago, Thistle graduated from Rutgers just this month, according to the University.

Singer/Songwriter

Back in 2023, Thistle announced he would release two singles, with a release blaring, "Though he is still a teenager, Jake Thistle exudes the kind of confidence and authenticity that one typically sees in only the most seasoned performers. Reminiscent of early Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, and John Hiatt, Thistle seems to be leading a revival of the '70s era singer/songwriter – a sound that many of us undeniably crave."

He performed at a sold-out release show that March at the Turning Point Cafe in Piermont, N.Y.

Thistle had started playing gigs at 10 years old, said a release from the time of his debut. He has since performed with the Heartbreakers, John Hiatt, Earl Slick, and Jim Keltner.

Thistle recorded his debut album, Down the Line, during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the debut, he was featured on CBS News, Billboard, BBC Radio, and other networks.

See some of Thistle's performances and more information here.