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"American Idol" auditions continued with the heartbreaking story of "AI" participant Chris Medina. Before the contestant sang, everyone got a chance to see pictures of him and his longtime girlfriend Juliana Ramos enjoying life and their upcoming marriage. Most likely every "AI" fan such as myself was watching the heartfelt storyline wondering how the young love story was going to play out. After all, many "American Idol" contestants have had heartbreaking stories over the years, such as in Danny Gokey's case and his young wife Sophia, who died just four weeks before the auditions from a congenital heart condition.
Chris Medina's story, however, grabbed "AI" fans attention by showing pictures and video of these two young people with their whole lives in front of them being torn apart by a tragic accident. It seems that Juliana Ramos was in a almost fatal car accident that left her with a severe and permanent brain injury. In the first part of the story, fans had seen how the young woman was so full of vitality and how both of them were eagerly looking forward to their future together. The second part showed his devotion to young Juliana now after her accident and what character the young man has to continue his quest and love with her even after such a traumatic medical prognosis.
Chris Medina performed for the judges in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, not only sharing his wonderful and heartwarming story but sharing his voice of hope for them both. All "AI" fans could see what this chance would mean to them both if he made it through to Hollywood. After all "American Idol" basically when you get down to brass tacks offers all their young talented contestants a chance at a whole new life, including money and fame. Watching Chris Medina perform, you could see that he would have a chance to provide for her if he made it through the "American Idol" process.
Medina sung the song "Break Even" by The Script and not only blew away the judges with his story but with his voice and genuine love for Juliana. Chris Medina is 26 years old and told of how he felt after Juliana was injured. He stated that after six years of dating and only two months from the wedding, "What kind of man would I be if I walked out on her when she needed him the most?" All the judges were so taken with Medina that they asked him to bring her in the studio to meet them.
I have to be honest, most of the time while watching "American Idol" auditions fans like myself get a little bored with the funny antics of some of the contestants and the many commercials the show seems to be plagued with. However, this contestant's story kept many fans glued to their sets, especially after he wheeled in Juliana for the judges to meet. It was so heartwarming to see Jennifer Lopez, Randy, and Steven Tyler make their way over to meet the young Juliana, especially when Steven Tyler leaned into Juliana and stated, "He sings to you all the time. That's why he sings so good, he sings to you."
Even with the injury as the show was going off, Juliana quietly whispered to Chris Medina, "I knew it."
References for this article include:
www.suntimes.com/news/metro/3528523-418/medina-idol-chris-season-american.html
