Interview with 2009 Dove Award Nominee Francesca Battistelli
Eight years ago, Francesca Battistelli could have been found performing in a group called Bella, which was a mainstream girl band from Florida. Fortunately, for all of us they were all led in separate directions. For Francesca, that direction was into the music ministry.
Today, this vibrant 23 year old can be found performing with groups like Toby Mac, Hawk Nelson, Newsong and Big Daddy Weave to name a few. She can also be found topping the Christian music charts and in her kitchen. Yes, that’s right! She loves to spend time at home relaxing during her spare time and she recently started to enjoy cooking.
What other interesting information did I find out about this intriguing 2009 Dove award nominee for vocalist of the year? Well, I am glad you asked!
It was a beautiful day in Ohio when my phone rang last week. When I answered a sweet, soft-spoken "Hi" came back from Nashville where Francesca continued to tell me it was kind of dreary and rainy outside there. However, just like in her music, her personality exuded SON-shine.Tina: "I was curious if any of the girls that were in Bella stayed in contact with each other after the group disbanded."
Francesca: "I don’t know, I don’t really. But if I could still talk to them, I would like to. I think that would be good."
Tina: "Now, from what I understand, it was shortly after Bella parted ways that you went to a youth ministry meeting and God rekindled a flame in you. Was there a certain band playing or a speaker that caused that to happen?"
Francesca: "No, not really. I just started getting really involved with our youth ministry and surrounding myself with people that could support me and motivate me and God just really ministered to me that way."
Tina: "So, did you get involved on the praise and worship team at your church?"
Francesca: "No, not really. Maybe, a little bit."
Tina: "You obviously had a lot of other projects you were working on yourself that you were committing a lot of your time to in the way that God was leading right?"
Francesca: "Yeah, I just picked up the guitar and started playing a lot, I have been performing since I was really young and had a desire to make a difference ." Tina: "Many of the songs on your new CD, "My Paper Heart" have very mature lyrics in regards to trials and temptations. Many times older Christians often judge the younger Christians and doubt the authenticity of hardships in their lives. What would you say to someone if they asked you what the hardest trial was that brought you closer to God?"
Francesca: "Gosh, I don’t think you can really narrow it down to one thing. You know life is a journey, and there are a lot of people half my age that have gone through twice as much as some people my age. I would say that He has used everything to bring me where I am today. I don’t think anybody can look at another person and judge what they have or have not gone through. I think that is wrong. God is the only one who can do that."
Tina: "I like that answer, thank you. So, how do your fans make you feel when they tell you that a certain song of yours has ministered to them?"
Francesca: "Yeah, definitely that’s great! It’s very encouraging when it helps someone through a tough time. Or even a bad day if it cheers them up and puts a smile on their face. I mean that’s the whole reason why we do what we do. "
Tina: "Yeah, that’s true. So if you could pick one group that you have learned a lot from in the music ministry since you have been touring who would you say it would be?"
Francesca: "Oh, I think I would have to say Newsong, you know cause they are focused on everything being about ministering to others."
Tina: "Yeah, Newsong is a great group, my favorite song from them is "Before the Day". I love that song cause it talks about how hectic and busy our days can get, but before the day starts let God know we want to stop and tell Him we love Him."
Francesca: "Yeah, exactly! Gosh, I don’t think I could pick a favorite."
Tina: "Ok, one more question for you that I am sure all of those young men out there are curious about. Is God the only one who has hold of your paper heart, or does anyone else have a corner of it?"Francesca: "Well, you can let them know that I am extremely NOT available. I have a truly wonderful man in my life."
So, sorry guys’ she is spoken for and from someone who is stuck on her song "Beautiful, Beautiful" I can truly say that God has definitely made her personality and voice just that, a beautiful reflection of Him.
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