American Idol Update: Jesse Findling Sings 'You Found Me' In Hawai'i Performance

KO OLINA, HI. — Massapequa’s own Jesse Findling continued his American Idol journey Monday night, singing The Fray’s “You Found Me” at Disney’s Aulani resort in Ko Olina, Hawai’i.

In a pre-performance vignette, Findling talked through his goals for the song with actor and recording artist Keke Palmer and country music star Brad Paisley. Specifically, Findling told the duo that his voice had been a bit rougher since being in Hawai’i. That concern, the country music superstar said, wasn’t something he should let define him.

“I don’t think you’re made or broken by anything being exactly right,” Paisley told the Long Island native.

Findling has been on a whirlwind journey since January, when his idol audition received rave reviews from the panel of judges including past “American Idol” champion Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. In more recent episodes of the ABC show, Findling's singing has been called "beautiful."

“American Idol has been one of the best journeys of my life. With each round I’ve gotten so much more confident in myself,” Findling said on Monday’s episode. “I think it’s ironic that I’m singing a song about being lost and insecure in a moment where I feel found, and the best I ever have. I’m proud of myself.”

That journey continued Monday, when the Massapequa high school graduate returned to his alma mater to sing in front of students at the main campus.

As for what's next for the Long Islander, it'll be a couple of weeks before fans find out if he's made it to the next round of "Idol." Findling joined nine other singers in performing last night, with the rest of the top 20 performing next Monday night. After another week of voting (which can be done on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and by text), the results of top-20 voting will be revealed Monday, Mar. 30.