Helping Children Find Their Soul’s Success with American Idol Alum, Christina Cewe.

Written by Samantha Skelton

From American Idol to mother and book author, Christina Cewe is a leading example of how to go after what you want, be flexible with your dreams and goals, and always believe in yourself. In today’s world, we’re constantly flooded with messages about how to be successful in life but rarely do people talk about what success and happiness mean to your soul. Christina walks us through her life journey as she discovers the grounding feeling of harmony, her personal idea of success, how she wanted her kids to feel like they could do anything they put their minds to, and that same message she’s spreading to children everywhere in her book I Believe in Me: Do You Believe in You?

Continue reading for this exclusive interview.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in South Florida, the North Miami beach area to be exact. I didn’t leave until college and then I was in American Idol, which I’ll dive into more. I met my husband at the University of Florida, and we fell in love quickly.

My family is from Trinidad. My grandparents had a travel business and opened a few agencies in Florida. I grew up around the business and my mom was also a dancer. I also grew up in theater and singing. I sang for the Miami heat when I was in high school. I had both business and creative influences in my life.

What was your experience like being on American Idol? When I tried out for American Idol, it was my first experience being in that limelight. I was signed from that season of American Idol. I ended up signing a record deal and made a music video. But eventually, I had to make a choice between my husband and continuing to make music. I chose the more fulfilling path for me. I’d love to hear about your book, I Believe in Me: Do You Believe in You? The book came about around my first child. He was about two and a half and I was looking for ways to build his confidence. My parents told me I could do anything as long as I worked hard at it and I wanted to give my son that same message. So, I created this poem that I would read to him! Basically, I wrote part of my book 14 years ago and then came full circle to make it into a fully fleshed-out book during covid. What do you hope both children and kids get out of this book? It’s really an affirmation book. I want parents to read to their kids over and over. It’s truly about building that narrative of belief in themselves. I want kids to feel joy, and take that and say, “You know what, I can build myself back up if I’m having a bad day.” I want them to take these messages and fill themselves up with these messages throughout life. What was that process like creating the book with illustrations and everything? I finally found an illustrator after four or five different tries of taking everything in my head and putting it on the page but eventually, we were able to create the book. I remember when I first showed my kids the first completed copy it was s