Chris Medina, ‘What Are Words’ – Song Spotlight

Chris Medina may have been cut from the competition on 'American Idol' last night amid much fanfare -- but it hasn't kept the former contestant from releasing new music, such as his itunes single, 'What Are Words.'

The achingly beautiful song reminds us a bit of James Blunt. The song features spare instrumentation, but it's Medina's big voice that takes center stage. This ballad will definitely have you wondering why he didn't make the cut.

His words ("I would never leave / When she needs me most / What are words / If you really don't mean them when you say them / What are words / If they are only for good times") are a direct reference to staying by his fiancée Juliana Ramos' side. She suffered brain damage from a car wreck two months before they were to be married. Knowing this back story, the song resonates and strikes even more of an emotional chord.

Medina performs the song this evening on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno,' proving that you don't need to be a finalist on 'Idol,' much less the winner, to capture America's heart.

Listen to Chris Medina, 'What Are Words'