This week, I’m joined by American Idol Top 20 contestant and New Jersey artist Jake Thistle to talk about his experience performing on one of television’s biggest music stages.

Jake shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of American Idol — from the strategy behind song choices (including his audition take on Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home”) to the pressure of performing original music in front of the judges and a national audience, as he did with his song “Sleep On Me.”

We also dive into his roots in the New Jersey music scene, the artists who helped shape his sound — including Tom Petty and John Hiatt — and the moment he realized music was his path in life.

Along the way, we preview his latest single “Alone, Together,” and Jake shares three songs he thinks deserve a spot on your musical radar.

Whether you’re already a fan of Jake’s music, an American Idolfaithful, or simply curious about the reality behind televised music competitions, this conversation offers a candid look at the journey behind the music.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform—and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review to help more music fans find the show! Then, scroll down to hear all of the songs discussed in this episode! 👇

Can’t Find My Way Home (Originally by Blind Faith)

Seventeen Going Under (Originally by Sam Fender)

Sleep On Me (American Idol Performance)

Sleep On Me (Studio Version)

Alone, Together

Tom Petty – Crawling Back To You

Tom Petty – Have Love, Will Travel

Tom Petty – I Won’t Back Down

John Hiatt – Adios To California

John Hiatt – Tennessee Plates

John Hiatt – Cry Love

Brian Dunne – Loser On The Ropes
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Sam Fender – People Watching

The War On Drugs – Harmonia’s Dream

John Hiatt – I Just Don’t Know What To Say