Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Interview With Christina Christian

Aired August 14, 2002 - 11:54   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Let's talk about a rising star. There are five left, five contestants left on "American Idol." Tonight, one more will go home and leave hope of instant recording contract behind. "American Idol" is part talent show, part reality show. And last week, University of Florida student Christina Christian was the one asked to leave.
Anybody who has been watching "American Idol" like we have here at CNN was absolutely shocked at that decision, but good to see Christina Christian is living on to tell the tale, and she joins us from our New York bureau this morning.

Christina, a pleasure to meet you. Good morning.

CHRISTINA CHRISTIAN, FMR. "AMERICAN IDOL": Thank you. Good morning to you.

KAGAN: As viewers of the show know, when you were voted not to be the one to go on, you weren't there because you were having a medical emergency, but you got go on last night and show folks you are doing great and say goodbye. How was that?

CHRISTIAN: That was -- it was a breath of fresh air actually. I was so happy I got that chance to just thank everybody for what a wonderful time I had and for them keeping me there as long as they did.

KAGAN: Frankly, at this point, Christina, there really are no losers. You guys had so beaten the odds by all of the people that you have survived across the country. What has this ride been like for you?

CHRISTIAN: It's just been a lot of fun, a great learning experience. And I love what you said that there are no losers. We've all accomplished a great goal, and we are definitely going to go on from here.

KAGAN: Tell us what's next for you.

CHRISTIAN: I can't really go into too much detail.

KAGAN: Sure you can. We won't tell.

CHRISTIAN: But there a lot of people talking.

KAGAN: It'S good stuff. CHRISTIAN: There are lot of thing coming up, plus we tour with top ten. A lot of different specials that we're doing, and we're also doing a compilation CD, so it really doesn't stop here.

KAGAN: It does not. Now what does go on, the show still goes on. As we said, five left. I know you saw the performances last night because I saw you live there in the audience. Who do you think did the best last night, and who did you think is going to win overall?

CHRISTIAN: I think RJ did the best last night.

KAGAN: Oh come, Christina.

CHRISTIAN: Vocally, he was on top of his performance. I think the best performance-wise was Tamara, but I definitely think Kelly has the competition.

KAGAN: You do? Why is that.

CHRISTIAN: She is the best vocalist there. She is amazing.

KAGAN: We are looking at Tamara right now, who had a performance a last night that seemed to really move the judges. I think Paula Abdul was even crying when it was done. How was her performance for the audience?

CHRISTIAN: It was a good performance.

KAGAN: Just want it leave it at that.

CHRISTIAN: No, I'm not saying anything bad. I love her. But it was a good performance. Everybody has their opinion, and I think RJ showed what he has. I think vocally, he's a good guy.

KAGAN: He does look like a sweetheart. In fact, we had his dad on. We had your dad on. Your dad and your fiance, I don't know if you know that, but they visited with us a couple weeks ago.

CHRISTIAN: Yes.

KAGAN: What seems to be clear, though, the women in this competition, especially toward the end, the women, and I include you in that group, so much stronger than the men in this group.

CHRISTIAN: Thank you.

KAGAN: And maybe that had to do with your getting voted out, because there weren't that many votes go around as you spread it across the strong women in the group.

CHRISTIAN: There are a lot of different reasons. There's a lot of different people thinking different things. But everything happen for a reason, and I'm very happy for where I am right now.

KAGAN: It's been a pleasure to get to know you over the airwaves, and I enjoy your singing. Congratulations and luck. I know only good things are ahead for you.

Christina Christian, thanks for stopping by.

CHRISTIAN: Thank you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com