Lauren Christy Branches Out

SHE WROTE THE "WORDS": Former American Idol contestant Chris Medina's touching, Rodney Jerkins-produced "What Are Words," written by The Matrix's Lauren Christy (see embedded video below), was inspired by the singer's talking to the judges about his fiancee Juliana's accident: "What kind of a man would I be if I left the woman I love when she needs me the most?" "The song kind of wrote itself after that," says Lauren. "Every word came rushing right through me, it was such an emotional experience." Christy also penned Enrique Iglesias' current #1 hit, "Tonight (I'm Loving You)," with DJ Frank E. It marks a decade since Avril Lavigne's "Complicated," which she co-wrote, spent 11 weeks at the top of the singles chart for the Matrix's first #1 hit. She is now starting to work with collaborators outside the Matrix. (2/28p)