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.