Wednesday | February 08, 2012
College Senior an American Idol
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By
Jennifer Valdes
13 May 2005
(U-WIRE) GAINESVILLE, Fla. -Christina Christian isn’t the American Idol. And that’s just how she wanted it.
The University of Florida senior relocated to Los Angeles in summer 2002 as a top 10 contender on Fox’s "American Idol" talent search showdown. But winning was never the goal, she says.
So why bother?
"Any artist would like that type of exposure," the 21-year-old said sitting on a black leather couch in her Gainesville, Fla., townhouse, a brown tank top and light blue jeans hugging her 5′4", 110 pound frame.
Christian’s fiancé, Nicholas Cewe, first told her about the local auditions and waited in the 6 a.m. line with her at Miami’s Fountainebleau Hotel.
"When you win, you get stuck with that label," said her fiancé.
The winner of the grand finale, Kelly Clarkson, scored a record contract, but Christian says she wanted to be discovered on the show as a springboard to find a company that would allow her to control her music.
"I didn’t give it my all," she said about her performances which included Bette Midler’s "The Glory of Love" and Bill Wither’s "Ain’t No Sunshine" — a classic she revisited a cappella during a special appearance at The Palace Friday night.
Christian has a semester-long obligation to Fox, when the finalists will tour the United States, record a compilation CD and tape a Christmas special. But Christian said she is still considering the costs of a career that may leave her little privacy or time with her family and friends, she said.
"I actually had a life I was happy with before the show," she said, adding that she is the only one of the 10 pursuing a college degree. "I don’t want it to be my whole life."
Although she’s never had any vocal lessons, she received a superior award in high school for her rendition of "Cabaret" and performed the national anthem at various high school sporting events. But since then, the only real singing practice she’s had is in the shower.
"You’re so tired and your voice feels that," she said about the weekly performances she endured on ‘Idol.’ She would swallow honey to help soothe her hoarse throat before performances.
Her health was jeopardized just hours before viewers’ decision to eliminate Christian was announced in early August, leaving only five contestants remaining.
"I was shocked that I lost but happy," she said.
"She would call to say she wanted to come home," said her best friend of seven years, Krissi White, a UF graduate.
For Christian, almost everything about the show became a chore: from the $5,000 wardrobe she bought to the grueling schedule, which left her weeks without seeing her family.
After her Idol obligation, Christian can choose from the four or more "major" labels that have contacted her with an interest to sign her next year. A mailed television script sits in her suitcase waiting to be read, and she says most of the main television networks have contacted her with possible roles.
"I love to do music but I want to make sure it’s mine," she says. "I have to be in control — this business is ruthless."
Copyright ©2003 Independent Florida Alligator via U-Wire
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Remembering 2000 – 2010… Through South Park said:
[...] Lessons from South Park [...] |
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Michael said:
Glad to know all those years watching South Park weren’t in vain. I’ve been part of a social movement! Thanks for your insights Ms. Tress. |
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Wendy said:
Great article. We need more outside-the-box thinking like this (and South Park!). Sometimes human behavior is so ridiculous, it just needs to be called out. Times are changing faster than ever these days, and we cannot rely on how things used to be. Good for you ending on a note of hope. We need that, too! Thanks. |
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Rehana said:
After living in the U.S. for over 20 years, I still struggle to understand aspects of American pop culture and humor . . . what’s up South Park – the kids just belch, fart, and curse . . .why a massive following over this !!?? You’ve helped me bridge the gap. There’s meaning there . . .mmmmK . .. lots of it, that’s a big part of the why! |
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Birgitta said:
Brilliance! It’s funny because it’s true. |
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Amina said:
This is a delightfully written article with well thought out concepts. I hope all young readers will take Jennifer Tress’ words to heart and really pursue those great ideas. In addition, Ms. Tress is an amazing writer, I would love to see more of her work! |
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Liz said:
Great article! You really can’t go wrong when you use South Park as an analytical tool. |
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Amanda L said:
I learned something today (that Jennifer Tress should be given more assignments). Also, while I’m unable to view an entire episode of any animated program (it’s my curse; I blame The Smurfs), I LOVED the YouTube clip of Kyle taking back the Margaritaville Maker to Sur La Table. Try walking into that place and not ending all your words with “able,” the Frenchation. But I digress. We’re in America and this article is able to make me smile. |
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Cece said:
Well done!! |
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Jen said:
Michael, I like it. Part of a social movement indeed… |
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HS said:
Love the article!! Makes you go “Hmmmmm” |
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Jen said:
Thanks everyone for the nice comments! I’m really amazed that after 13 seasons, Trey Parker and Matt Stone are still able to come up with clever ways for us to look at ourselves. |
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Brad said:
I once saw Trey Parker in Aspen, which is close to South Park. That’s why I like this article even more. Well done, entertaining piece that draws some good conclusions from a seemingly crass cartoon. |
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marci said:
If I could know now what the next “Facebook” breakthrough would be, I could be the next to be mocked on a cartoon bent on spewing social commentary through farts and hand jobs. Ah, aspirations. |
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Annie said:
I’ve never been a big South Park fan but did appreciate it for what it was …though this article makes me look at SP in a different light as well as wanting to be mocked on there. Thanks and props to the author! |
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B Spice said:
A very layered and timely piece. |
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Tara said:
Great article! I often seem to enjoy reading analysis of pop culture more than consuming it. My tastes are too narrow and limited. Why don’t you write something about Law and Order — maybe I could come up with an intelligent response. |
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Ria said:
I always knew I liked south park, but now I know why! Great piece! |
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Super Bram said:
South Park is the official historical documents of the good ole U S of A.. Respect my Authori-tie.. |
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frankie said:
Way to bring it home, Mrs Tress. It is the time of innovation on all fronts and the box should no longer exist. First, the war and second, the economic crisis has forever changed the face of the global market. Maybe you’ve got some ideas to to save the world and could write about in the future? |
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Cynthia said:
Thanks Jen for the great article and insights. I agree with you; the words “traditional career path” scare me and I think that this can only breed creative new approaches to living a more fulfilling, purposeful and self examined life. Love to see more of your work. |
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jaime said:
relevant + funny = great article. to be honest, ive always thought south park was crass and annoying, but this definitely made me think of the skits differently…good insight by the author! |
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Jen said:
I’m loving the thoughts YOUR comments are all provoking. |
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Matt said:
Great article. Someone will write a Ph.D. thesis on South Park someday. Along the lines of this piece, the “Canada On Strike” episode was genius. “The internet has money! Give us some of the internet’s money!” |
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Emily said:
Once again, JT, you’ve brought humor and intelligence to what the untrained eye (an uneducated brain) may think is simple and banal…keep it up! |
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JG said:
Jennifer Tress is brilliant and always has a fresh take; I’ll stay on the lookout for her commentary in the future. |
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Great piece. I propose South Park and this article be placed in a time capsule NOW!