Chris Medina Debuts Inspirational New Song 'What Are Words' Tonight After Exiting 'American Idol'

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 hit-making songwriter-producer Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige), will debut 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 fiancee, 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.'"  

About INTERSCOPE GEFFEN A&M RECORDS

Combining the legacies of three of the most influential record labels in modern music history, Interscope Geffen A&M Records embarked on a new tradition of musical achievement with its unification on January 1, 1999.  Headed by Chairman Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Geffen A&M is a major force in global music, developing chart-topping artists across a wide range of musical genres including rock, rap, pop and alternative. Interscope Geffen A&M Records is part of Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company.

About CKX, Inc.  

CKX, Inc. is engaged in the ownership, development and commercial utilization of globally recognized entertainment content. The Company's current properties include the rights to the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali and the operations of  Graceland.  Through it's wholly-owned division 19 Entertainment Ltd., CKX owns proprietary rights to the IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance television brands, including the American Idol series in the United States and local adaptations of the IDOLS and So You Think You Can Dance television show formats which, collectively, air in more than 100 countries, as well as other television properties.  Also through 19, CKX has relationships and partnerships with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry and David Cook. For more information about CKX, Inc., visit its corporate website at www.ckx.com.

SOURCE Interscope Geffen A&M Records