‘American Idol’ contestant Chris Medina shared his thoughts of his story overshadowing his singing, the opportunities he’s had since leaving the show, having the fortune to have Rodney Jerkins write a song for him called ‘What Are Words’, and how a portion of the single’s sales benefit the Juliana Recovery Fund. The interview video at YouTube has since been removed.
Chris Medina Lands Big Donations For Laurus Foundation
‘American Idol’ castoff and viral sensation Chris Medina visited ‘On Air with Ryan Seacrest’ to talk about his experience on the show when he’s surprised with a $35,000 donation from Guthy-Renker the makers of Proactiv. Chris also talked about his decision to try out on the show, thinking about the downside and the Laurus Foundation before Topher Grace and Ryan Kavanaugh entered the room to tell Chris they’d match the $35,000 donation and give 1% of the box office receipts for their new movie ‘Take Me Home Tonight’. Watch the interview via YouTube below.
Chris Medina Talks J.Lo, Fiance & ‘Idol’ Exit
Chris Medina visited with ‘Access Hollywood’ after his shocking ‘American Idol’ elimination on Wednesday night. The singer talked about the fan support that he has been receiving, donations he and his fiance Juliana have received to help with Juliana’s care after she was severely injured in a car accident, his believe that the judges made the right decision by the judges, what he thought about Jennifer Lopez tearing up after giving him the boot, and what he’d think about being asked to re-join ‘Idol’ if someone was unable to continue next week.
“I didn’t until I saw it last night, it was really touching,” Chris said about Jennifer Lopez’s breakdown. “I couldn’t believe that she had that kind of bottled up emotion over that specific situation. She handled herself really, really well until I left. You could tell she was sad when she was telling me, but I had no idea it was like that. It was very moving… It was real nice that she cared.”
Watch the 3-part interview below.
Chris Medina ‘What Are Words’ Video
Chris Medina left ‘American Idol’ earlier this week after the judges felt he wasn’t among the best 24 contestants on the hit FOX show. The exit prompted judge Jennifer Lopez to erupt in a flood of tears during the emotional exit interview. Now, Medina has released a song based on his emotional story called ‘What Are Words’ on the ‘Idol’ 19 Recordings/Interscope imprint. The track was written and produced only a few days ago especially for Medina to perform by acclaimed hitmaking songwriter-producer Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige). The song is now available for download at iTunes. A video, shot this past weekend, just premiered on AOL.com.
A 26-year-old barista from Illinois, Medina captured the hearts of viewers for more than simply his vocal talent. His story of becoming the primary caregiver to his fiancée, Juliana Ramos, who was severely injured in a car accident just months before they were scheduled to wed, won him fans around the country. One of those touched by the story was Jerkins, who was so inspired that he penned ‘What Are Words’ for Medina to record earlier this week.
“To go from a mass audition in Milwaukee to the ‘American Idol’ stage in Hollywood and then to record an original song by and for Rodney Jerkins has been an amazing journey not just for me but for Juliana,” said Medina. “To be able to work in the studio with someone of his stature was a dream come true.”
Added Jerkins: “When I heard the story of Chris and Juliana, the words and music just flowed. Sometimes a song is more than a song and that’s really true with ‘What Are Words’.”
Watch ‘What Are Words’ below.
