Chris Medina on Meeting Fiancee Juliana and Why J.Lo Cried When He Got Kicked Off 'Idol'

By Dave Steinfeld Posted Feb 25th 2011 01:36PM

Fans of 'American Idol' know that periodically, a contestant brings more than a good voice to the show -- they bring an emotional backstory that touches both the judges and the viewers. This year, that contestant was Chris Medina.

The 26-year-old aspiring singer from Illinois was engaged to marry Juliana Ramos, his longtime girlfriend, in December 2009. But two months before they were supposed to walk down the aisle, Juliana was involved in a major car accident. Tragically, the crash left her partially paralyzed and caused traumatic brain injuries. Medina continued on with her, not only as her fiancee but now as her primary caretaker. And he didn't give up singing.

On Wednesday, Medina was eliminated from the 'Idol' competition, before making this season's top 24. A lot of people were sad to see him go -- one being judge Jennifer Lopez, who broke down weeping after telling him that he'd been eliminated, fearing that she didn't break the news to him in the right way. For his part, Medina disagreed. He seemed to take it well, perhaps because his experience with Juliana has put a lot of things into perspective.

Still, Medina's music career isn't over -- far from it. Super producer Rodney Jerkins was so moved by the young singer's story that he wrote a song just for him, 'What Are Words' -- be sure to watch the exclusive video for the new song below. With an appearance Friday evening on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,' this may just be the beginning for Medina. PopEater caught up with the singer to discuss his 'Idol' run, his future and the inspiration he gets from Juliana.

A lot of people were sad to see you go. How did you feel about the way things turned out?
I thought that the judges nailed it pretty much on the head. They kind of had a good explanation as to why I was being released. I think they got it right. With the talent that's there, I kinda felt like I was gonna go home before they even said it.

You seemed to take it pretty well. I guess you weren't shocked.
No. I didn't think that highly of myself. I believe in myself, but I didn't think I belonged in the top 24. I felt honored to be where I was. If I had [the] chance to do it all over again and be eliminated again, I would because I was in such prestigious company.

Tell me a little more about the judges. Did you have a close relationship with J.Lo? She seemed especially upset to see you go.
When she was telling me that she liked my character, she liked that I was a good man, I think that she meant it. I think she really did like who I was as a contestant. I think she even liked what I brought to the table. I just wasn't right for the competition at that moment.

Any thoughts about either of the other judges?
I love 'em both. I love all three of 'em, actually. Steven Tyler, what he's done for Juliana has been remarkable. [The Aerosmith frontman told Ramos, "That's why [Chris] sings so good, because he sings to you."] Just like a magic kiss. She's been getting better at a faster rate ever since that happened. It's pretty surreal. And Randy's just a character and half, man. He's too cool.

Tell me about some of the musicians you like or that have inspired you over the years.
Some of the newer music that I've listened to -- I would have to say the Script, OneRepublic, Maroon 5. I love a lot of older [artists] too: John Lennon, Elton John, Billy Joel, Queen, Aerosmith, you name it. I guess I'm just a lover of all music. OneRepublic is one of my favorite bands.

How did you and Juliana first meet and how soon did you know she was the one?
I met Juliana through a friend of hers. I was trying to date her best friend. I'd never met Juliana at the time, but I was in this small band, and I had invited her friend to come watch [us] play. I was hittin' on her, trying to make her laugh, [but] Juliana was the only one laughing at my jokes! I was going, "Who's this girl laughing at my jokes?" Something about her energy caught my eye, and I couldn't get her out of my head. I went back to college that night, [and] I was like, "Who is that wacky girl that I [can't] get out of my head?" After that, I started dating her. It was within the first three or four weeks that I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.

How does she continue to inspire you now?
She knows the impossible task that she has ahead of her. She knows that every day she wakes up, there's a new challenge that is so difficult that anyone else would give up. The fact that she gets up and toughs it out and tries to get better, it's an inspiration. It makes you not complain about the caramel that you don't get on your caramel macchiato. Or the fact that you got a flat tire. The trivial things in this world don't mean anything when you're faced with "I can't even hold a cup without [it being] completely difficult." It changes your whole life.

It puts things in perspective for a lot of us, and that's why so many people have been moved by your story and Juliana's. On a music-related note, you're working on a new tune with Rodney Jerkins. Can you tell us a little about that?
I would love to tell you a little about that, or a lot about it actually! It's called 'What Are Words.' It's a song about making promises and fulfilling them, about telling someone you love that you'll be there and having them be able to count on you because you said it. Because the words that you say really mean something. It's a powerful song. A [short] time after I had gone on the show, I got a call saying, "Rodney Jerkins wrote a song for you, and he wants you to come in and hear it." You know, I've always known who Rodney Jerkins was and that he's worked with some pretty big people, but I had no idea that he was THE man. Flattered is not even a good enough word. I was just 100-percent honored to be working with someone like him and that he gave me this opportunity.

Watch Chris Medina's 'What Are Words' Exclusive Video // Get the song on iTunes

What's in store for you, Chris? If you were to look at 2011, what are a couple of things that you hope to accomplish in the next year or so?
Well, one thing I wanna get past is 'The Jay Leno Show' tomorrow [Friday]. That's the biggest gig other than 'American Idol' that I've ever been a part of. I'm hoping to nail it. And after that, I just wanna write music, release it, make people happy -- just sing from my heart and do what I love.

Latest 'American Idol' News

Tags: american idol, chris medina

Comments

(129)

Friday 25 February

By B. ABALOS

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

GO CHRIS, ITS ALL YOURS YOU DONT NEED IDOL

By Nessa

AWESOME he is a true blessing!!! I prayer for them both and am so glad for the creator of this song for believing in him to touch so many lives. That is how we work for Jesus!!!! Purpose

By boomer

Vote down Vote up Report this

Me personally, I believe in God.

By SANCAM

BEAUTIFUL LYRICS FOR A BEAUTIFUL VOICE, BEAUTIFUL STORY.
GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS. AMERICAN IDOL"S LOSS IS AMERICA'S GAIN.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL.

By Maureen

Chris you already are an "AMERICAN IDOL".......Juliana is a very lucky woman to have picked an "AMAZING MAN" to live her life with. YOU truely are one in a million and your parents have done an "AMAZING" job raising such a stand up man!!! You both will be in our hearts and prayers and we wish you both much success!!!

ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR HEART!!!! I LOOK FORWARD TO MORE SONGS THAT TOUCH OUR HEARTS......THAT'S WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT!!!!

My best to you both!!! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WHEN YOU BELIEVE!!!!

By Crystal

Can't stop tearing. This was so emotional. I'm wishing you guys the best. Keep fighting Juliana. She really does look like an angel.

By Midnightdiamonds

I've been a fan of Chris Medina since his first audition although I can admit he wasn't right for the cut to 24 on Idol. However, I am utterly delighted that one of the oh-so-many folks who heard him and were touched by his story wrote this wonderful song for him and that he gets to be on Jay Leno. How fantastic for him! As for J-Lo crying, I'm not sure why she broke down over him since he seemed okay with it, but it's okay with me that she allows her true feelings to show. Only wusses think there is something wrong with crying.

By Janice

Not only is this a beautiful song, but he is a beautiful man, inside and out. I wish him luck with his musical career and especially his and Juliana's future together. God has and will continue to bless this young man.

By sgregg38

Chris i love u sooo much, u are the sweetest guy they have ever had on AI. i wish u could have stayed. its just not right. but u and your wife deserve everything good to happen to u! God Bless You Both!!!!!

By gracefuldash

The song is awesome! I hope he makes it!

By mif991

Chris Medina has caught my attention from day one. Such honesty and genuine heart is overwhelming. He is a winner already, and he certainly does not need American Idol. AI needed him.

By Joe Jannuzzzi

A real American Idol

By dan laporta

THE EPITOME OF A MAN. GOD BLESS YOU CHRIS....

By Danielle

This song is absolutely beautiful, for Chris to step up and be there for her through all the tough times shows that he has the greatest love for her. That is so hard to find these days. I hope that you guys have a happy and fulfilling life together and all ur prayers are answered. Ya'll deserve the very best!

By Amber Davs

Your music touches my heart..You are such a real singer and we need more singers like you..Chris your truely amazing! Keep being strong and singing from your heart..Juliana is such a beautiful girl and i hope she keeps getting better and better..Shes so lucky she has a guy like you that stays by her side..& your very lucky to have her..You both are very very beautiful people keep going strong and can't wait to see more from you! I'll keep you and Juliana in my prayers..Wish you both the BEST of luck! =D

By HELEN

Iwas so excited to hear Chris got this opportunity, he deserves the best for being the man he is.Juliana is so lucky to have someone that loves her so much.That's what love is all about.GOD BLESS YOU BOTH,PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

By midlandsoto

WOW, amazing, cant wait to c u tonight on Jay Leno, never watch that show but I am tuning in just for you. Theres a reason people say "things happen for a reason". You were eliminated because you were moving on to bigger better things in you life. Wish you n your fiancee the best of luck in life. Hope to see your album on store shelf's SOON!!

Sunday 27 February

By LS

I believe it is really a hard decision for the judges this year. There is some really great talent. Best wishes to Chris. This is a beautiful song, and his voice does it justice.

By james reginelli

she cried because the producers thought it would get rateings

By Joel

CHRIS MEDINA IS THE TRUE AMERICAN IDOL !!!!

Page 4 of 7