Here’s the official press release announcing the original song from Chris Medina. “What Are Words” written by Rodney Jerkins, will be available for download immediately after tonight’s American Idol.
A video shot last weekend will debut on AOL.com at 2 pm tomorrow. And of course, as we reported last night, Chris will sing the song LIVE on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno Friday, February 25.
Read the press release below, including quotes from Chris and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins.
SANTA MONICA, CA – February 24, 2011 – Beginning tonight, fans across America will be given the opportunity to show their support for Chris Medina, who left “American Idol” last night. An original song based on his emotional story, “What Are Words, ” (19 Recordings/Interscope) 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), will debuts tonight, and is available digitally immediately after the show. A video, shot this past weekend, will premiere at 2 p.m. (ET), Friday, 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.’”
