Monday, May 31, 2010

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox interviews with Larry King

Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox visits Larry King Live as part of the American Idols Open Up: On what happened on and off stage.



Saturday, May 29, 2010

Stop the Presses! American Idol's Crystal Bowersox: No recording contract signed yet

Toledo Free Press Exclusive: Crystal Bowersox denies Billboard.com report.

Written by Michael Miller | Editor in Chief | mmiller@toledofreepress.com

Crystal Bowersox said if she is committed to a record company, it is news to her.

Billboard.com reported May 28 that “American Idol” runner-up Bowersox has been “signed to 19 Recordings Limited and Jive Records,” but when asked to comment about the news, she denied knowledge of the commitment.

“I haven’t signed anything,” she told Toledo Free Press in a phone interview at 6:27 p.m. EST May 28. “Unless it’s something I don’t have a choice in, I haven’t signed anything. There are a lot of details to be worked out and I haven’t signed anything.”

Bowersox said she and other “Idol” contestants “have a lot of help” in negotiating the myriad proposals and legalities of contracts.

Bowersox, who said she does not watch television and is “out of the loop,” was also surprised to learn that news of her pre-finals break-up with boyfriend Tony Kusian was being reported by news outlets such as USA Today and Associated Press.

“I knew I would lose privacy through this process, but my life has been an open book through my music,” the Northwest Ohio native said. “I am an open book and I am comfortable with that; I have nothing to hide.”

Bowersox said life after the competition is still “very busy” as she prepares for an “American Idol” tour and recording her first album.

“I am ready to get to work,” she said, adding that while she is “open to working with other writers,” she hopes her debut album will be “100-percent original compositions.”

She said she was still “blown away” from her finale duets with musicians Alanis Morrisette and Joe Cocker.

“Alanis was sweet but not a big talker,” Bowersox said. “Joe knew my name but said he wanted to call me ‘Angel,’ and he did, the whole time.”

Bowersox said she has not yet heard from Patty Griffin, whose song “Up to the Mountain” has been released as Bowersox’s first post-”Idol” iTunes single, but hopes the recording ends up making a lot of royalty money for the writer.

When asked if she sees herself continuing to be an ambassador for Northwest Ohio and Toledo, and if she would fall on the side of the scale of Jamie Farr, who returns every year for his charity golf tournament, or on the side of the scale of Katie Holmes, who is rarely associated with Toledo, Bowersox laughed and immediately said, “Oh, I’m Jamie Farr, no doubt. Come on; I wrote a song called ‘Holy Toledo.’ I love Toledo.”

More of this interview will appear in next week’s Toledo Free Press Star.

Friday, May 28, 2010

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze Sign Record Deals

Note to fans: Please see article "Stop the presses!...." In an exclusive interview with the Toledo Free Press, Crystal says she has NOT signed with anyone, yet. Billboard.com printed an unsubstantiated rumor in the article below.

It hasn't even been 24 hours since Lee DeWyze was crowned this year's "American Idol," but already he and his runner-up, Crystal Bowersox, have signed their record deals.

DeWyze is signed to 19 Recordings Limited and RCA Records, while Bowersox is signed to 19 Recordings Limited and Jive Records, a source confirms exclusively to Billboard.com.

DeWyze joins Daughtry and Adam Lambert at RCA, while Bowersox can now count past "Idol" winners Jordin Sparks and Kris Allen, and 2009 finalist Allison Iraheta, as her labelmates.

If 19 and Sony Music stick to the release schedule of past years, fans can expect DeWyze and Bowersox's debut albums to be released in the fourth quarter, as "Idol" albums are typically targeted for release around the holiday season. Last year, Allen's self-titled debut and Lambert's "For Your Entertainment" were released on Nov. 17 and Nov. 23, respectively.

In the meantime, the pair's debut singles were released to iTunes and radio today. DeWyze's single, a cover of U2's "Beautiful Day," and Bowersox's version of Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain". It's too early to tell how many downloads "Beautiful Day" and "Up to the Mountain" may sell in their first week. However, industry sources contacted suggest looking to how the past few seasons'-worth of first and second-place finishers have fared with their debut singles in the week after the finale in order to forecast how DeWyze and Bowersox might do this week.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Crystal Bowersox on American Idol Outcome: "We Both Win"

'My life is never going to be the same, and I'm ready for all of it,' she says backstage after the finale.

By Kelley L. Carter/m4v

LOS ANGELES — Don't cry for Crystal Bowersox. Before Ryan Seacrest announced Lee DeWyze as the new American Idol, the single mom said she knew she wouldn't be taking home the top prize.

"I knew Lee was going to win," she said backstage, minutes after the finale ended. "People seem to be surprised by that. But I had a feeling. I couldn't be happier for him. He deserves every minute of this. There wasn't really a reason why [I thought I wouldn't win]. It was just something that I felt and I knew, and I'm fine with that. Before the show ... I had this strange sense of peace and calm. I've been that way through the whole season. If you haven't noticed, I'm just mellow. I was ready and willing ... for the outcome. We both win. It's not win or lose; it's winner and non-winner. Both of us are going to have very successful careers, and we're going to be friends for a long time."

For Bowersox, winning was performing alongside Alanis Morissette and Joe Cocker. She also said she was moved by the tributes for Simon Cowell.

"Joe Cocker is a living legend, and every noise, grunt that came out of him, every fiber in my being felt it," she said. "He didn't give me any advice, but he kept calling me 'Angel.' He said, 'I know your name is Crystal, but I want to call you Angel.' And I'm like, 'That's fine. You can call me whatever you want. You're Joe Cocker!' "

Bowersox said she learned a lot about herself during the "American Idol" experience. The most important lesson?

"I can walk in heels — downstairs, nonetheless," she said, joking about her Tuesday night performance, where she wobbled a bit in high heels. "I've learned a lot about myself and I've learned a lot about the business. I already knew who I was, but I'm picking the things that I like and adding to it. My life is never going to be the same, and I'm ready for all of it."

Up next, Bowersox says she's going to go "hug my baby boy and get back to living." She'll start to prepare for the summer tour and also plans to get to work on her album.

"Now the real work begins," she said.

Were you surprised Crystal didn't win "American Idol"? Let us know in the comments.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Thoughts on why I like her - and it's not just her music. Crystal seems to have genuine self-esteem by reporter Catharine Hadley

Crystal Bowersox seems to have genuine self-esteem
CATHARINE HADLEY • May 24, 2010 portclintonnewsherald.com

I looked through the newspaper's archive system and realized that since February, I've written 40 stories that had at least something to do with Elliston's Crystal Bowersox being on "American Idol."

I've seen every show -- something I've never done before.

I've watched all sorts of people cheer for her, and it's possible I've had my fair share of cookies and brownies at the Wednesday night gatherings at the Elliston Trinity United Church of Christ.

On May 14, the day of her hometown visit, photographer Jonathon Bird and I followed her to Toledo, back to Ottawa County and back to Toledo before our work day was done.

Some of my friends have asked me if I'm tired of her yet.

I'm not.

It's not just the music. I do like her music, but it goes deeper than that.

I only met her for a brief moment, so my assessment is mostly conjecture based on what I've seen of her.

She seems to have a genuine self-esteem, which is a rare thing.

A person with a genuine self-esteem doesn't talk up to or down to anyone. That person never feels the need to belittle anyone else, because he or she wants other people to feel comfortable.

That person doesn't feel threatened by much, and is more than ready to laugh at himself or herself.

That person takes criticism in stride and keeps praise in perspective.

That person might see success in the physical world and appreciate it, but knows it's not key to true happiness.

That person also tends to nurture true happiness in other people.

Whether or not she's the winner on Wednesday night's episode of "American Idol," I can see why she's the winner in the hearts of her fans.

So, here's this week's question: What is your favorite of Crystal Bowersox's attributes?

E-mail your answers to chadley@gannett.com or drop them at the News Herald, 115 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452.

Here are two responses to last week's question, which was also about Crystal Bowersox:

I did not know Crystal Bowersox, but I have been watching her on "American Idol" every week. Every week at first I called 30 times and voted for her. When there were five left, I voted 60 times. Four left, 80 times, three left, 100 times, two left, 120 times. It took me a half an hour to make 80 calls.

I was at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds to see her. She's awesome. I took her picture at the parade and got one of her T-shirts. I have all the clippings from the News Herald and from the Toledo Blade. What I like about her is she is a down-to-earth person, not a show-off and an excellent singer, and I love country music.

After I got home from the fairgrounds, I made two signs to put in my front yard. The say, "American Idol -- Vote Crystal Bowersox."

I know she's our next "American Idol." I would love to meet her and talk to her. She's great.

The people who came to see her that Friday will never forget that day. I'll remember that day as long as I live.

I can't wait until the next shows are on Tuesday and Wednesday. I know Crystal has won it. Our next "American Idol" is from Ottawa County.

I did have a few favorite singers that sing country music, but since I have heard Crystal sing, she is number one in my book.

Good luck, Crystal.

-- Joan Atwater

I grew up with Ron Rasberry, one of Crystal Bowersox's main musical mentors, in Mendon, Ohio, which is not much bigger than Elliston. When I heard he was playing at a Toledo bar five years ago, I made my way to Papa's Tavern to catch up with him.

During the second set, he invited a young woman onto the stage to join him. It was Crystal Bowersox.

After one song, I was a believer. After two songs, I knew she had greatness in her. She was just that good.

At the end of the set, Ron introduced to me to Crystal. She was selling CDs to get gas money together so she could go to California, or "Cali" as she kept calling it.

I gave her $20 and she gave me a CD and started looking in her bag for another one. "They're only $10," she said, apologetically.

"Please, just keep it," I said. "You're going to need it. But trust me, you're really, really good, and you're going to be a big star someday."

I had never heard anybody (still haven't) with the combination of ability and emotional power that Crystal brings to her music.

Thank you, Ron Rasberry, for introducing me to this exceptional performer.

-- Steve Fought
*Want more of Catharine Hadley's local, home-town stories on Crystal Bowersox? Click portclintonnewsherald.com, then type 'Crystal Bowersox' in the SEARCH box.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Huntington Center Arena to Host ‘Idol’ Finale Viewing/Crystal Bowersox Fan Party

Arena to host ‘Idol’ finale viewing
Written by Toledo Free Press Staff Writers | | news@toledofreepress.com

Crystal Bowersox’s march to “American Idol” history will be shown on the big screens at the Huntington Center in Downtown Toledo.

On the evening of May 26, the streets around the arena — Huron, Jefferson and Madison — will be closed to host a block party sponsored by the City of Toledo and Lucas County. At 6:30 p.m., Huntington Center doors will open for free admission to the first 8,300 people to view the FOX broadcast of the “American Idol” results show.

After more than 47 million total votes, the Elliston native will face Chicago’s Lee DeWyze in the Season 9 “American Idol” finals May 25. The pair will perform live in the Nokia Theatre.

During the May 19 show, Bowersox’s original song, “Holy Toledo,” was featured on air during her hometown visit coverage. Bowersox mentioned to Ryan Seacrest that the song has become an anthem for the city. Video of the song is available right here on the blog and on Toledo Free Press’s Facebook page.

For NW Ohio residents, “American Idol” is on 8 p.m. May 25, with the result show May 26 at 8 p.m. on FOX Toledo.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Bowersox an Idol to idolize

Bowersox an Idol to idolize

By Alex Strachan, Canwest News Service May 21, 2010

There was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment on American Idol earlier this season, during the auditions stage. It was a quick, video screen-grab of a then-unknown young woman playing guitar on a Chicago subway platform, while all around her commuters rushed by. No one gave the singer with the dreadlocks and folk-styled voice a second glance.

On May 26, Crystal Bowersox is poised to become one of the most improbable and remarkable stories in American Idol's eight-year history.

The shy farm girl from small-town Ohio who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, whose parents divorced when she was a child and who and was picked on in high-school for being too poor to fit in with the in-crowd, started writing songs when she was just 13 years old - songs with names like "Ohio Flies," "Sandman" and "Put Your Guitar Down."

She sought refuge in music, and that's where she found it. Her then-recently divorced father, struggling to keep the family farm afloat, hauled her speakers from small-town venue to small-town venue across northwest Ohio, while she was still in her early teens.

During the day, she went to school in Toledo, Ohio, near the small town of Elliston where she was born and raised. At night, she played area clubs to raise a little cash on the side. Her musical inspirations were Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Tracy Chapman Tracy Chapman and Melissa Etheridge, and by the time she struck out on her own, she knew she would never be a Top 40 artist.

She sang in smoky dives, roadside diners and half-empty coffee houses, suffered a few hard knocks on the road and, one day, tired of a life of uncertainty and not knowing where the next paying gig might come from, she did what she never dreamed she would do: She auditioned for American Idol.

As luck would have it, her audition would prove both fortuitous and telling, though no one knew it at the time.

The guest judge that midsummer afternoon in Chicago was Shania Twain, herself no stranger to a turbulent, rocky upbringing. At that same audition, out of the thousands of hopefuls who showed up that day, Bowersox was seated alongside another unknown - Lee DeWyze.

And then it happened. She walked into the Idol audition room, tired and dishevelled, grabbed her guitar and lit into Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart."

Twain, herself no stranger to a rough childhood, felt a pang of recognition, and told Bowersox she had a "raw, natural talent."

The other Idol judges that day knew that whatever they had, it wasn't a Britney Spears or an Avril Lavigne, or even a Kelly Clarkson. For Simon Cowell, Bowersox was not even Idol material. Bowersox later realized that Cowell's reaction that day was an endorsement, not a put-down.

"Simon told me that he didn't think I was part of this competition," Bowersox posted on Idol's official Facebook page. "But it was unanimous among the judges that I'm still here. I interpret that as, 'You're a little off the beaten path, but we like you.'"

Like: verb. To take pleasure in; find agreeable or congenial: "We all liked the concert."

Love: verb. The Idol judges' cumulative reaction to a run of performances that, after her tearful rendition last month of the folk anthem "People Get Ready," had one MTV music critic wondering if she had just delivered the single finest performance in American Idol history.

"You just schooled all those (other) contestants," Kara DioGuardi told Bowersox, moments after the singer broke down in tears - "My dad's here," she explained, in a faltering voice - during the closing notes of "People Get Ready."

The normally reserved Cowell said, of her performance: "Now - that - was inspirational."

Something else happened that night. Bowersox ascended to the pantheon of American Idol performances that isn't about picking an eventual winner, or even finding a recording artist, but something more meaningful: The discovery of an artist who has the soul, power and voice to move the audience on a profound, fundamental level.

For her first live performance, Bowersox covered Alanis Morissette's "One Hand in My Pocket," prompting praise from the judges for originality and honesty; Ellen DeGeneres said Idol was fortunate that Bowersox overcame her initial misgivings and decided to try out for the show.

Jamie Foxx, the mentor for Idol's film night, pressed a T-shirt on Bowersox with the word "ARTIST" on it, and told her, as she rehearsed Kenny Loggins's "I'm Alright," "Vamp, get yourself together and don't ever stop. You have to not be intimidated. Raise those pretty blue eyes up and let people see that you're going to be alright. When you're - vmmm - when you're like that, now, it's not just a song; it's a testimony."

It hasn't all been easy, though.

Bowersox was rushed to hospital in March, prompting speculation about her diabetes. Cowell characterized Bowersox's hospitalization at the time as being extremely serious. Idol's producers switched programs that week, moving the male contestants ahead a day and delaying the women's performance program to the following night, allowing Bowersox time to recover, sparking accusations of favouritism.

The following month, intimidated by constant hounding from the gossip sites and tired of the media spotlight, Bowersox came close to quitting Idol altogether. Idol host Ryan Seacrest talked her out of it, stressing the opportunity in front of her and reportedly telling her that it was because of Idol that he was able to buy his mother a house.

Days later, Bowersox said she had no regrets about reconsidering her decision to audition for Idol.

"No apologies for being human," she posted on Idol's official Facebook page. "Life is always testing one's strength- and weakness threshold. That's how we learn how strong we really are."

American Idol, television's most-watched reality-competition program at the moment, has a lot at stake this season. An Angus Reid poll published May 18 in the U.S. found that Bowersox was respondents' favourite singer by a more than three-to-one margin over runner-up DeWyze. The same poll, however, also found that 61 per cent of respondents said they are unlikely to watch Idol after Cowell leaves at the end of the season.

American Idol doesn't just need a winner, in other words. It needs to find a credible recording artist, a born performer with the ability to inspire and move.

Why should Bowersox be that performer?

"'Cause I deserve it," she said simply, earlier this season. "I've struggled long enough. I want to play music. I want to get to work."

American Idol's final performance program airs Tuesday, May 25, and the final vote results will be announced May 26 in a live broadcast.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Celebrities That Are Rooting for Crystal!

Celebrities That Are Rooting For Crystal Bowersox!

What is it about this potential Idol that excites high-profile stars? A host of former Idol contestants -- from Kelly Clarkson to Jason Castro to Fantasia -- have joined the chorus of support from music legends and movie, TV and sports stars for Crystal Bowersox. Here’s a sampling of the Bowersox ballyhoo:

Kelly Clarkson - "Crystal Bowersox you are my favorite!!" Clarkson tweeted. "Keep it up."

Christina Applegate - "Are you kidding me? If Crystal Bowersox doesn't win this thing......wow. Everybody did a great job but this girl is something else!!! VOTE!" Christina twittered after one night's show: "Mama Sox may need our votes tonight. So let's help!” She's also twittered "I am loving Crystal Bowersox! Seriously loving! Good on ya girl!" and "Bowersox bowersox bowersox!!! Enough said!!!!"

Fantasia - Interviewed on VH1 Top 20 Countdown, and was asked if she had any faves this year. Fantasia said she loves the girl with the dreads (Crystal), "she's dope," and wants to meet her and work with her.

Justin Bieber - After he just saw Crystal Bowersox's performance. "She is incredible and she is right...Thank the lord." Apr 21st via web

Wanda Sykes - Comedian Sykes compliments Ellen DeGeneres on the great job she's doing so far and then picks Crystal as her favorite. "She is something special ... in a different class from everybody else."

Allison Iraheta - “She’s the one I’m rooting for,” says Iraheta. “She’s amazing. I saw her performances and she’s just her. I really like that.”

Å anjaya Malakar - Posted to Crystal's Facebook fan page, "I'll be at the finale next week, hope to see Ryan say her name :)," and "I've been voting for her all season."

Jane Krakowski - 30 Rock's Jane Krakowski told OK! Magazine “She’s organic...Organic is my favorite thing about her. I think that’s really who she is...She’s not faking anything, I don’t feel.”

Miranda Lambert - Miranda told Zap2it.com "[Crystal] is who she is, and I love people [with whom] there's no question what they do...They get up there, they do it, and you know who they are. That's my favorite kind of artist...I'm always interested to see what she'll do.” "When someone like Crystal Bowersox is on there," Lambert says, "it's easier for me to watch, you know? I'm always interested to see what she'll do." Miranda Lambert likes American Idol, and she likes it even more with Crystal Bowersox on it.

Derek Jeter - The New York Yankee told The Insider, "Crystal…should win in my opinion...They're all talented, but I like Crystal." He says that he 'Tivos' Idol and that Crystal is his favorite and she deserves to win!

Harry Shum Jr. - "I liked her," the Glee star tells us in the video below. "When I went and watched a taping, I really liked her vibe and I loved that she plays the guitar. She's kind of like a real artist, you know? So I loved her."


Jason Castro - "[I've] been a fan of Crystal Bowersox for a while, and there's a couple other good people, but [her and Casey] are my favorites right now."

Didi Benami, American Idol 2010 - Didi Benami wants to collaborate with Crystal Bowersox. “I really wanted to do an originals night. I would love to collaborate with Crystal. We’ve already talked about it. We like the idea of writing together,” she said.

Edward Norton & Catherine Keener - Stopped Crystal one day and told her that she and Edward were fans of her.

Melissa Etheridge - Melissa Etheridge is on American Idol 'Team Bowersox'! "She's My Spawn" Though Melissa's songs have often been performed on American Idol over the years, Melissa Etheridge claims she only watches the show because her kids do. But now, she's got a vested interest in the show: she's rooting for Crystal Bowersox. Melissa was a big musical influence on Crystal, who even has her signature on her guitar. And though Melissa admits that she doesn't remember signing Crystal's guitar -- "I've signed a lot of guitars over the ages," she explains -- she adds, "I'll watch when she performs because I feel like she's my spawn or something...I feel responsible for her now." Melissa says what she likes most about Crystal is her "fierce individuality...unapologetically." Melissa told ABC News Radio, "She's just being herself and that's so great to see on that show...and that's what I've been trying to shine light on for the last twenty years: 'Hey, we can be whoever we are...we don't all have to be the same.'" Melissa says she'd like to see Crystal perform some of her songs, such as "Bring Me Some Water" or perhaps "I'm The Only One." During Etheridge's appearance on The View, the Grammy winner added, “I like her. She’s real.”

Adam Lambert - Adam was impressed with Crystal Bowersox, as he told MTV in a video in Japan after he mentored the contestants. He also announced he was hoping for Crystal to win, because he loves her rebellious attitude.


Alyson Hannigan - The How I Met Your Mother star gushed about Crystal Bowersox during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres. They didn't mention any other American Idol contestants. Alyson's husband, actor Alexis Denisof calls Crystal 'Tristal FlowerPots'.

Amanda Dunbar - The Dallas artist and creator of the Precious Rebels line of Swarovski crystal-adorned guitars is a fan of Crystal's. Enough said.

Alicia Keys - Crystal is one of her favorites.

Jared Cotter - This American Idol Season 6 contestant said, “She’s different from everybody else. She’s got the Janis Joplin old school vibe. I hope she wins.”

And last of all Jane Lynch, aka SUE SYLVESTER - The Glee star is on board with Idol powerhouse Crystal Bowersox. Crystal had Sue Sylvester's alter-ego clapping and snapping and moving and grooving in her seat from the get-go. Some of her good vibes must have been flowing across the aisle into Simon Cowell's vicinity, because he was feeling the Bowersox love, too, swaying his normally stoic head from side to side. (In our dream world, Sue Sylvester would fill in for Simon when he leaves.)

Do celebrities root for Bowersox because so many have felt the pressure to conform (and risk losing their true self) on camera? Or is it because the newcomer's abundant talent commands respect? Perhaps it's both.

Why do you think so many celebrities root for Crystal Bowersox? Chime in below!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Crystal Bowersox's Musical Mentors Saw 'Idol' Hopeful's Promise Early

Toledo, Ohio, musicians Ron Rasberry and Bob May share memories of the 'American Idol' favorite.

By Gil Kaufman


TOLEDO, Ohio — Ron Rasberry has been playing music his whole life and has seen plenty of good players come and go. But when the amiable, redheaded guitar strummer with the glint in his eye spotted a 13-year-old Crystal Bowersox more than 10 years ago, he knew he was seeing a rare talent.

"I was hosting an open mic night, and she was there already ... sitting at the table with her ma, and I asked the bartender, the owner, 'Who's that?' " recalled Rasberry last week of the season-nine "American Idol" front-runner. He learned soon enough who she was when Bowersox got up and sang Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me."

"Of course, she got up there and played and then sang and ... she was amazing," he said. "She was a showstopper then."

Bowersox followed up that performance with an original, one of several she'd already written at that tender age. Thus began a musical friendship that endures until this day. Rasberry — who has been playing local bars for most of his adult life — has seen his young protégé leapfrog past the humble confines of Toledo's gritty Papa's Tavern, the venue where they first met.

After asking her mother's permission, Rasberry invited Bowersox to come out to his upcoming gigs, lending the singer guitars and amps and helping her hone her stagecraft. "And she just did it, she stayed focused," said Rasberry, who still plays on a beat-up $75 Fender guitar covered with the carved-in initials of friends and fans, including one on the back that reads "With (heart) Crystal 6-00."

Crystal started out playing between set breaks for Rasberry, who said the "aw, cute kid" factor of her sets quickly gave way to genuine amazement at her talent. While Bowersox's mom nixed Ron's idea of forming a band to back Crystal, he continued to support her around town along with another of his longtime cohorts and fellow beloved local musical figure, Bob May.

Sliding into a booth with one of his omnipresent Red Stripe beers and settling in right in front of a mural of Bowersox painted on the wall of Papa's, May (who bears a slight resemblance to rock icon David Crosby) said he was stunned even then by Bowersox's poise and musical chops.

"Of course, when I first met her, she was very young," May said. "But she always ... I was impressed by her great voice. And she still has a great voice; it's just that she even uses it better than she did back then. But it was wonderful even back then. She was creative with her lyrics and the melodies, and now she's even better, a much better guitarist, too."

May and Rasberry are paid homage to in Crystal's song "Grey-Haired Rock Star," one of more than two dozen Bowersox originals that are stocked in the jukebox at Papa's, including the local hit "Holy Toledo," "Sandman," "Ohio Flies By," "Put Your Guitar Down" and "Barbed Wire Halo."

"She's an artist who can bring an emotional response from you," May said. The two men got Bowersox gigs whenever they could, and May tried to encourage the singer to seek out the emotion in her songs and find the words and music that would evoke a response from her audience. She accomplished that tricky feat with "Rock Star," which was inspired by a conversation she had with May about how he played with an injured finger for more than a year because of his dedication to music. Like Bowersox, Rasberry suffers from diabetes, and he said there are plenty of times he doesn't feel well enough to play, but pushes through anyway. "It's what we do," May said. "It's what we love."

"It made me cry the first time I heard ['Grey-Haired Rock Star,'] " said Rasberry, who had heard about the tune through the grapevine. "So, she [played] it when I was in here and pretty much pulled the heart out of my chest."

Both men described the young Bowersox as a "sponge," who carefully observed other performers and absorbed what worked. Crystal eventually hooked up with May's son, Frankie, who accompanied her on bass at many of her local shows when she returned from living in Chicago last spring.

"She just had a way of captivating people with how real she is; some people would be mesmerized," said the soft-spoken Frankie May, who used to perform with Bowersox on regular gigs at the Village Idiot pub on Monday nights that he lamented were sometimes poorly attended. "It's hard to get people to come out to a bar late night on Monday ... but once we got people here to hear what it was about ...we'd start to get more and more people back."

Though they'd known each other's families for more than a decade, the two performed together for only about a year before Bowersox made it to "Idol," and Frankie said he's not sure if they'll jam again. "I really have no idea what the future holds, and I don't even know if she will be coming back down here," he said. "I'd love to play with her again. If at all possible. ... I love her, and every time I watch her, it does something to me. ... It moves me."

Friday, May 21, 2010

Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze in "Idol" spin

Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze in "Idol" spin

*Very interesting to reflect back on Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze when they made the Top 12...

Less than an hour after learning they had made the final 12 on Fox's American Idol, Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze arrived Thursday night at a nightclub on L.A.'s busy La Cienga Boulevard for their first taste of what Idol stardom could bring them.

"This is insane. This is crazy. This is nuts," Dewyze told the Sun-Times, spinning around to take in the media melee of shouting reporters, flashing photographers and TV journalists.

The Arlington Heights native, who prior to making the Idol cut was splitting his time between Mount Prospect and Chicago, was quick to credit his local roots as being key to his success.

Over the past few years, Dewyze has played gigs at numerous area venues, including FitzGerald's in Berwyn, the Abbey Pub, the House of Blues, the Elbo Room and the Underground Lounge.

"So many people have been supportive. Family, friends and the whole town -- Chicagoans I never have even met -- have reached out and been so supportive. It's been an incredible experience."

As one of the contestants on the top-rated talent competition, Dewyze knows the Idol judges rank him among those who truly know who they are as performers. Yet Dewyze said that while his personal confidence and secure understanding of his talent is helpful, it doesn't necessarily make him a front-runner.

"Does it give me an edge? Maybe yes, maybe no," he said. "But I definitely know who I am and what kind of musician and artist I want to be. That's something I've always known."

"This is just the beginning for me, a platform to help me do many great things in music" -- like following in the footsteps of his inspirations, including "classic rockers like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, but also great lyric writers and storytellers like Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel or Eric Clapton."

Bowersox of Toledo, Ohio, auditioned in Chicago last summer after spending a "good part of the last five years living in Chicago." Like Dewyze, Bowersox knows it's her seemingly cool confidence and clear understanding of how best to project her gifts that has many Idol observers ranking her high among the finalists.

"I've known who I am for a long time," she said. "I've been doing this for a long time. Yet, it was this year -- after becoming a mother -- that I came completely into my own and became completely comfortable in my own skin."

"I think that shows, and people seem to be responding to it."

While the singer worked the music scene at various local clubs, "I really think some of the best training -- so to speak -- for 'American Idol' came from all the times I was playing for quarters in the subway and on the L platforms."

As she walked the Idol blue carpet Thursday in a sexy black wrap dress and carefully applied makeup, it was clear that Bowersox had glammed up her look from her days by the trains.

Thursday was a "bit of a roller coaster -- pretty emotional," as Bowersox put it. While she and Dewyze were thrilled to make the final 12, the two singers felt sad that competitors they had personally bonded with -- Katelyn Epperly and Lilly Scott -- had been sent home.

"I'm celebrating the fact I'm still here, but I'm also grieving for the loss of my friends," Bowersox said.

Dewyze agreed. "I made some really good friends, and it's never fun to see friends go. But as far as the competition goes, I'm going to keep doing what I think I do best and go as far as I can."

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Crystal Bowersox Live Radio Interview w/101.5 The River

American Idol 2010 finalist Crystal Bowersox, during her "Top 3 Hometown Visit", came to the studios of Clear Channel Radio, Toledo, home of 101.5 The River. The first video shows Crystal's arrival and departure from the station, and meeting fans. The second is her on-air interview.


Monday, May 17, 2010

Crystal Bowersox Concert at Ottawa County Fairgrounds, including "Speak Now", "Holy Toledo" and others

Crystal Bowersox, the American Idol Top 3 favorite, visits Toledo, Ohio during her Homecoming visit Friday, May 14, 2010. Crystal gives a very emotional concert at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds with her bassist and friend Frankie May. In recognition of Crystal Bowersox Day, the event was called 'Bowerstock'.

Crystal first performed Janis Joplin's "Me and Bobby McGee", the song that showed her fans and the judges on American Idol she 'was in it to win it.' Then, she sang her heartfelt original song "Holy Toledo" with the great line "my dread's are locked, my watch has stopped, my glass half full, my gun half cocked." The song asks "How do I get to Heaven from here?" Crystal told the crowd "And the answer is you guys...Because really the only way to make it to the top on this thing is if you guys are doin it. Because it ain't up to me. It's completely up to you, completely up to you man God Bless you all for carrying me this far, I don't know what else to say. I'm very thankful."

She then opened Alanis Morissette's "Hand in My Pocket" with a great harmonica solo.

Crystal then tells the crowd "We have time for one more...do you want an original or a cover?" The overwhelming response, "ORIGINAL!" Crystal lets outs a mighty "YEA! YEA!" and plays one of her personal favorites, "Speak Now," which she wrote right before moving back to Ohio, when she didn't know where her life was heading.

It's obviously headed in the right direction!


Sunday, May 16, 2010

American Idol Top 3 'Judges' Choice' Picks

By M.S. Chloe

Friday was 'Homecoming Day' for the American Idol Top 3 contestants. During this whirl-wind meet-the-fans/media blitz - which included parades, singing of "The National Anthem", interviews and their first chance to sing original songs for their fans - Crystal Bowersox, Casey James and Lee DeWyze learned what song the judges have picked for them to perform this Tuesday.

This week, the Top 3 will perform 2 songs. One will be the judges' choice and the other is the finalist's choice.

Ellen Degeneres picked "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney for Crystal.

Casey James will be singing "Daughters" by John Mayer, chosen by Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardia.

Simon Cowell picked "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen for Lee to perform.

If two of the three songs don't immediately come to mind, join the club. I don't think I've ever heard of "Daughters", and it took a few secs for "Maybe I'm Amazed" to start playing in my mind's soundtrack, but I think that's because 'maybe I'm amazed' Ellen would choose this song for Crystal. With all the songs that would allow Crystal to show her amazing range and really shine, this song's a bit too safe to sing at this point in the competition. Ellen, we're down to the Top 3, not the Top 24! But then, look what Crystal did to "I'm Alright." Maybe she'll completely re-arrange this song too, and like "I'm Alright", make it better than the original.

Just listened to John Mayer's "Daughters" - no wonder I've never heard it before, it sounds like a public service announcement. Does Kara expect Casey to sit down in an 80's turquoise jacket with his little ukulele and imitate Tiny Tim again? Plus, she's making it too easy for Casey, allowing him to sing the guy mother refers to as "The One-Note Wonder."

And for Simon's choice of "Hallelujah", all I can say is "How boringly predictable." Don't get me wrong, the Jeff Buckley version of this song is one of my all-time favorites. But, hasn't Simon chosen this over-played song before? Tim Urban already sang it this season and Jason Castro gave a great performance of Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" during Season 7. (It's on Jason Castro's new album...you gotta get it!) Does Simon really believe Lee has the passion needed to carry it off? We've seen the emotion come out during his duet with Crystal, so if Lee reaches deep down, he can do it! But really, if someone's got to sing this song on American Idol again, it should be Crystal.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Crystal Bowersox Homecoming Schedule

American Idol Season 9 Top 3 Finalist Crystal Bowersox will return home to the Elliston, OH area on Friday!

Here is her tentative schedule. Local time is EDT.

--10:30am: Arrive at local AT&T store (Monroe St. Toledo, OH)

--11:30am: Parade and short concert in downtown Toledo, OH

--4pm: Small parade and then a concert at Ottawa County Fairgrounds (7870 W. State Route 163, Oak Harbor, OH)

--7pm: Sing national anthem before Mud Hens game at Fifth Third Field

American Idol Viewers Send "Big Mike" Packing, plus Results Recap

Michael Lynche Eliminated after Predictable Michael Jackson Cover During Movie Week
By Joyce Lee

"Michael Lynche came painfully close to his dream of making it to the top three, but fell short when he received the fewest votes on Wednesday night's episode of American Idol.

Lynche, the 26-year-old personal trainer from St. Petersburg, Fla., left the viewers and the judges unsatisfied with his predictable performance of Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There." The judges deemed his performance safe and unimpressive.

During the results portion of the show, Casey James was the first contestant granted relief. This came as a shock since everyone assumed he would land in the bottom two with Lynche."

Next up was Lee DeWyze. Ryan Seacrest reminded the audience of the judges' assessment from last night. Lee didn't think his performance was karaoke-like, and was happy with the performance, but thought he could have done more with the arrangement. Ryan then called Mike's name, then asked him to "hang tight for a second." Then he said "Lee...friends, Lee is headed back to Chicago."

Lee DeWyze is safe!

"Instead, Crystal Bowersox was the one left standing next to Lynche at the end. But it was no surprise to hear she was saved, as she's a strong favorite to win the whole competition, or at least advance to the final two.

Despite being saved from elimination by the judges five weeks ago, Lynche had a good run. He won the viewers over early with his charm, and they were further endeared to him when his wife gave birth to their first child during the audition rounds.


Results Recap

American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino opened the show with her performance of "Bittersweet," a powerful ballad from her upcoming album. Bon Jovi also took the stage to sing "Superman Tonight."

Later, Season 5 finalist Chris Daughtry returned to the Idol stage with his rock band and performed "September." Grammy-nominated Daughtry offered a few words of advice to the finalists.

"Stay hungry and don't compromise the music you love -- stay what's true to you," he said.

Wednesday night's results show had 37 million viewers, a record high for the season.

Next week, the Season 9 Top 3 finalists - Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze and Casey James - will get a chance to visit their hometowns before hitting the stage once more, with one more contestant sent home before the May 26 finale."

On next Tuesday night's show, the Top 3 will sing 2 songs each – a song the judges choose for them and a tune they pick themselves. (At the time of writing, no theme had yet been announced for the Top 3 show. Wouldn't it be nice to have a theme-free night?) Traditionally, the contestants find out their judges' pick during their hometown visit - as if the finalists do not have enough on their minds during their whirl-wind tour of parades, ribbon cuttings, keys-to-the-city ceremonies and "God Bless America"'s. (See Lee's and Crystal's previous Blog entry for a taste of their hectic Friday schedule!)

with additional reporting by M.S. Chloe

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Crystal will visit Toledo & Elliston, Ohio if her 'Idol' success continues!

BY CATHARINE HADLEY • Staff writer, Port Clinton News Herald • May 8, 2010

If Elliston's Crystal Bowersox makes it through next week's "American Idol" competition, she'll come back for a hometown visit.

"If she makes it through to the top three she will be here for the hometown visit on Friday," said Tom Cook, program director for The River radio station in Toledo.

He's been in contact with the "American Idol" staff, and if Bowersox makes it through she will be interviewed on radio station 101.5 the River at 8 a.m. and on 92.5 at 8:30 a.m.

"They are working on some other stuff, both in Toledo and in Elliston, and I heard a mention of the Ottawa County Fairgrounds," Cook said. "They did not want to say too much until all the details are ironed out, but there are some big things brewing if she makes it through."

KISS-FM host Andrew Z of the "Andrew Z In The Morning" show made this post on the show's Facebook page:

"Be sure to vote for Crystal Bowersox this week, if she makes the cut this week then she will be on our show Friday for her hometown visit. More details to come, but be sure to vote for her."

If Bowersox makes the final three next week, she will also sing the national anthem at the Toledo Mudhens game Friday .

Cook was interviewed recently by MTV senior writer Gil Kaufman, who was in Ottawa County with a production crew this week.

The station has been playing a Bowersox song called "Holy Toledo," which has been popular with listeners.

"We have been the only ones playing it until today, I think 92.5 started playing it, but we've been playing it since the middle of March," he said.

"It's been pretty huge. We have gotten a lot of calls and a lot of e-mails about it. People are excited to have a song by somebody local. It talks about Toledo and you can't argue with having her on such a national platform. ... Everyone knows who Crystal is now."

In the song, she sings that better days are ahead.

"It seems like we always show up on the bottom of all these lists that we don't want to be on the bottom of and I think people seeing her and hearing her, she gives people hope," the program director said. "It's good news that is coming out of northwest Ohio."

He said the song can be found on YouTube.

"I listened to it and I thought, 'God, this is a great song,' so I put it in our normal rotation."

Top 4 Idols Mentored by Jamie Foxx During Cinema Week!

This week, Jamie Foxx, movie star and recording artist, will mentor the American Idol Season 9 Top 4 as they take on the Songs of the Cinema. If you’ll recall, Foxx mentored the Top 5 last year for Rat Pack week.

On the Wednesday night results show, Daughtry will perform their new single, “September.” Bon Jovi is also set to perform.

Each of the four – Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Michael Lynche will sing a solo. But, the 4 contestants will also pair up to sing a duet.

Duets for tonight! Crystal Bowersox/Lee Dewyze and Casey James/Mike Lynche! What do you think of that?

Another development: The list of songs have been expanded from 34 to 50. And man, the list is full of re-treads! Yikes. Not liking this list so much… Why are there so many bad 80’s songs on it?

New songs on the list include Prince’s “Purple Rain”, which is notable, because Prince rarely clears his songs for Idol. (He allowed fellow Minnesotan, Paris Bennett, to sing “Kiss” back in Season 5.) And there are songs nobody wants covered on Idol again, like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Falling Slowly”.

The sixteen additional songs don’t improve the original list, that’s heavy on cinema cheese and total WTF? Should be an amusing night.

So, what do you think the Idols should sing? Check out the list and leave your comments below!

* (Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
* (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
* A Whole New World – Brad Kane & Lea Salonga
* Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In – The 5th Dimension
* Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) – Christopher Cross
* Beauty and the Beast – Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson
* Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
* Can I Have This Dance – Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron & the Cast of HS Musical
* Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John & London Community Gospel Choir
* Can’t Fight the Moonlight – LeAnn Rimes
* Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
* Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds
* Endless Love – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
* Evergreen – Barbra Streisand
* Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
* Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
* Flashdance (What a Feeling) – Irene Cara
* Footloose – Kenny Loggins
* Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio
* Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.
* Gonna Fly Now (Theme From Rocky) – Bill Conti
* Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman – Bryan Adams
* I Believe I Can Fl – R. Kelly
* I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
* I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
* I’m Alright (Theme from Caddyshack) – Kenny Loggins
* Into the West – Howard Shore and Annie Lennox
* Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
* It Might Be You (from Tootsie) – Stephen Bishop
* Jai Ho – A.R. Rahman, Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah et al
* Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
* Kiss From a Rose – Seal
* Let the Riverrun – Carly Simon
* Live and Let Die – Wings
* Lose Yourself – Eminem
* Moon River (from Moon River) – Audrey Hepburn & Henry Mancini
* Mrs Robinson – Simon & Garfunkle
* My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
* One Night Only – Jennifer Hudson, Deena Jones & The Dreams
* Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland
* Purple Rain – Prince & the Revolution
* Separate Lives – Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin
* Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
* Summertime – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong
* Superfly – Curtis Mayfield
* Take My Breath Away (Love Theme from Top Gun) – Berlin
* Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
* We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) – Tina Turner
* Will You Be There – Michael Jackson
* You’ll Be in My Heart – Glenn Close & Phil Collins

This week, Idol hopefuls salute the golden hits of the silver screen, making their selections from the magical movie songs on the above playlist. Click the "Songs From the Movies" box below to download these great songs as singles, or download all - with just one click - as a special American Idol "Songs from the Movies" album.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Crystal Bowersox has Famous Fans!

If Crystal Bowersox doesn’t win Fox's American Idol, it won’t be for a lack of celebrity plugs. She may not have wowed the judges last night, but that hasn’t stemmed the tide of famous fans expressing love for this dreadlocked, self-assured 24-year-old mom from Ohio.

What is it about this potential Idol that excites high-profile stars? A host of former Idol contestants -- from Kelly Clarkson to Jason Castro to Fantasia -- have joined the chorus of support. Here’s a sampling of more Bowersox ballyhoo:

Melissa Etheridge told ABC News Radio: "She's just being herself and that's so great to see on that show...And that's what I've been trying to shine light on for the last twenty years: 'Hey, we can be whoever we are...we don't all have to be the same.'" During Etheridge's appearance on The View, the Grammy winner added, “I like her. She’s real.”

Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees told The Insider: "Crystal ... should win in my opinion ... They're all talented, but I like Crystal."

Wanda Sykes raved on The Ellen DeGeneres Show: "She is something special...[She’s] in a different class from everybody else." (How I Met Your Mother’s Alyson Hannigan also gushed about Bowersox during an interview with DeGeneres.)

Jane Krakowski of 30 Rock told OK! Magazine: “She’s organic...Organic is my favorite thing about her. I think that’s really who she is...She’s not faking anything, I don’t feel.”

Miranda Lambert told Zap2it.com: "(Crystal) is who she is, and I love people (with whom) there's no question what they do...They get up there, they do it, and you know who they are. That's my favorite kind of artist...I'm always interested to see what she'll do.”

Christina Applegate Twittered after last night's show: "Mama sox may need our votes tonight. So let's help!”

Do celebrities root for Bowersox because so many have felt the pressure to conform (and risk losing their true self) on camera? Or is it because the newcomer's abundant talent commands respect? Perhaps it's both. Granted, mentor Harry Connick Jr. didn’t seem to view Bowersox as a standout -- or if he did, he kept his opinion to himself during last night's episode (he gave more love to Casey James). Then again, Bowersox probably doesn’t need his vote at this point.

Why do you think so many celebrities root for Crystal Bowersox? Chime in below.

SOURCE: Jennifer Graham Kizer for iVillage