The Five Question Challenge with Singer Christina Wells

Singer Christina Wells visited “Jake’s Take” to talk about her time on “America’s Got Talent.” (Photo courtesy of Christina Wells)

By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com

It is a real honor and privilege to welcome singer Christina Wells to Jake’s Take.

Christina became a household name when she first auditioned for America’s Got Talent (AGT) during the Season 13 Judges Auditions.  The registered nurse delivered a moving performance of Hairspray’s “I Know Where I’ve Been” and received a standing ovation from judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel.  After receiving the four “Yeses” she needed,  Christina performed a moving cover of “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman at the Season 13 Judge Cuts, which received high remarks from guest judge Ken Jeong.

The performance awarded her a spot in the Season 13 Top 36, where she performed twice at the Dolby Theatre and wowed the nation with her covers of Dreamgirls’ “I Am Changing” and Aretha Franklin’s “(You’ve Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”  In this edition of The Five Question Challenge, Christina Wells shared her thoughts on how the Queen of Soul inspired her as a recording artist and the lessons she learned while performing on AGT.

Jacob Elyachar: When did you get interested in auditioning for America’s Got Talent?

Christina Wells: My interest in the show began after some people reached out to me and suggested that I go audition. I had seen the show online, and I loved the fact that it had a variety of acts and it had the ever challenging Simon Cowell.

Jacob Elyachar: During the Judge Cuts, you delivered a sturdy cover of The Greatest Showman’s “Never Enough.” A few weeks later, Glennis Grace performed the same song. What was your reaction when you watched her performance?

Christina Wells:  I thought that she did a fantastic job and I knew that Simon liked that song. There were a number of songs repeated throughout this season including “This is Me” and “Natural Woman.”

Jacob Elyachar: You dedicated your last performance on AGT, “(You’ve Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” to the late Aretha Franklin. How did the Queen of Soul influence you as an artist?

Christina Wells: I have been asked to sing Aretha Franklin songs for a very long time, most likely because I am a big woman and I am not afraid to sing with passion. The Queen of Soul influenced me with the way she conquered a very challenging life with domestic abuse and being a single mother. She turned her pain into a song that we all dance to but the message behind the song, “Respect,” is so powerful. She is an icon that I hope young performers today look for inspiration.

Jacob Elyachar: What were some of the lessons that you learned during your time on AGT that helped you grow as a performer?

Christina Wells: I think the biggest lesson that I have learned from being on AGT is to follow your gut, always be yourself and choose songs that you believe in. Being a performer can be so hard but also very fulfilling but only if you are there for the right reasons.

Jacob Elyachar: If you had the opportunity to meet with future contestants who want to audition for AGT, what advice would you share with them?

Christina Wells: Make sure that you are mentally and emotionally prepared to go on the show. Being in front of millions of viewers sounds fantastic until someone says something hurtful. And remember you are not going to be liked by everyone….you aren’t a pizza.

For more information about Christina, visit her website. Her mixtape, Sing Christina, is available for download on both iTunes and Spotify.  Also, you can also buy a physical CD on the shopping section of her website.

You can also connect with Christina on social media by visiting her Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & YouTube channels.

I do not own all of the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to NBC, FremantleMedia North America, & Syco Entertainment.