Bergen County Singer Will Face The Music When 'American Idol' Airs On Live TV Monday

PARAMUS, NJ — Recent Rutgers graduate Jake Thistle — who grew up in Paramus and has been competing on TV's American Idol — will appear on a different kind of episode this Monday, when the show airs live.

During the course of the episode, the crooner will find out his fate.

After the 22-year-old singer/songwriter delivered a high-energy performance of Huey Lewis' "Power of Love" two weeks ago, viewers were allowed to vote on whether he and the other musicians will continue to future episodes. They'll be given the results in front of the cameras on Monday.

In an interview with Patch this week, Thistle said he's hopeful.

He's been performing since he was nine, crooning covers of classic rock and pop hits, as well as originals.

He picked "Power of Love" last time, he says, because he was told to "just have fun" and perform with energy in front of the crowd. He only had a few chances to rehearse with the show's band and arrange the song.

"I was super excited about it," he said.

But this week will take a turn.

The remaining 20 singers have been assigned to perform a "Song of faith."

Thistle chose "Have A Little Faith In Me" by John Hiatt.

"I hope I get the opportunity to move forward," he said by phone on Thursday. "I really appreciate the support ... It's been an honor, getting to do this in front of an audience, to have that audience grow."

He said he's been recognized on the street a few times since his first appearance last month, including when he stopped home in Paramus between taping.

Will viewers have a little faith in Jake? The show airs live on ABC at 8 p.m. Monday, and will be available for streaming the next day.

Watch the moment Jake Thistle turns into a superstar at 1:28.

PAST REPORTING: Bergen County Boy Will Try To Be Next 'American Idol'