Funny how some things work out. Chris Medina, the American Idol contestant who grabbed so much attention from viewers (and Jennifer Lopez, who broke down when she eliminated him from the show), is a bona fide recording artist.

He doesn’t have to wait around for some reality competition to finish. The day following his televised elimination from the show, Medina debuted a brand-new single on iTunes, “What Are Words,” which you can hear in the video above. The entire song is based on the gut-wrenching, heart-twisting story Medina shared with the Idol judges at his first audition for the show.

Medina’s production company is 19 Recordings. But… wait! Isn’t 19 Recordings the same company that produces all the American Idols? Now, you’re catching on.