Saturday, June 26, 2010

Crystal Bowersox Wants Lenny Kravitz to Give Her a Call (interview)

GiveMeMyRemote's Marisa Roffman talks to American Idol season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox about the early elimination of the other girls, why she wants Lenny Kravitz to give her a call and more. (Part 1)


Friday, June 25, 2010

AI Now Interview with Crystal Bowersox & Aaron Kelly

Today we bring you the second installment in our series of interviews from the Idols Live Tour media day at Center Staging last week. Check out our interview with Crystal Bowersox and Aaron Kelly - video below!

We started the interview off by asking Crystal how she plans to remain herself while working with Jive Records, a label that is most known for its successful pop artists. "I don't want to believe in stereotypes," Crystal said. "Jive has a lot of really credible artists and musicians...Jive might be known for more of a pop kind of thing, but that is not going to matter. It's not going to be a limitation."

Aaron also has an album in mind, saying that he's been writing several original songs since "Idol." "I don't want to sit back and wait for someone to approach me," Aaron said. "Right now I've been working with Taylor Swift's producer and we're going to get lots and lots of songs written. And, if a label doesn't approach us, then we are going to record a demo and pitch it to some people."

Crystal complemented Aaron saying that even though we didn't hear about it on the show, Aaron is a "brilliant songwriter." Crystal also said that Aaron plays guitar really well. She joked, "He was too chicken to do it on the show." Aaron admitted, "I play better on my original stuff rather than other people's songs."

When we asked Crystal which one of Aaron's performances was her favorite, she couldn't name just one, saying he was so great every time. "I don't think you ever missed a note," Crystal said. Aaron said his favorite Crystal performance was the finale song, "Up To The Mountain."

And, we couldn't help but ask who Crystal and Aaron would pick to replace Simon Cowell on the judges panel. Crystal said she would really like to see Bret Michaels on the panel for his straightforward attitude and support of type 1 diabetes awareness. Aaron, meanwhile, is pulling for Harry Connick Jr. "Just because he has such a great ear...And another great thing is that he's honest. He's going to tell you what he thinks. He might not be as brutal as Simon, but you definitely don't want someone who is going to try and copy Simon."

To see the entire interview, including an update on Crystal's plans for a juvenile diabetes awareness event, watch the video below!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Crystal Bowersox and Casey James interview each other (video)

During a break from rehearsals for the upcoming American Idol Live summer tour beginning July 1, and after running through their group number - a cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You” more than a dozen times - the Top 10 Idols paired up to grill each other. While some Idols did their interviews completely unscripted, others had the help of index cards. All offered plenty of laughs!

Crystal Bowersox and Casey James interview each other:

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

I'm Speechless! Crystal Bowersox performs one of her favorite songs.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox visits The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and gives one of the best performances by any Idol contestant, EVER! Crystal belts out a soulful rendition of 4 Non Blondes "What's Up." Linda Perry - Are you listening?? I can only imagine the incredible music that would come out of a Bowersox/Perry collaboration. Both women put their whole being, their soul, into every song they sing. (If you're not familiar with Linda Perry, click "4 Non Blondes" above and get that CD NOW! "Once best known as the lead singer and primary songwriter of 4 Non Blondes, Perry has founded two record labels and has become a major songwriter and producer responsible for hit songs by a number of successful female singers such as Christina Aguilera (who had a #1 hit with Perry's song "Beautiful"), Gwen Stefani ("What You Waiting For" from her album Love Angel Music Baby) and Pink (who had a #1 hit with "Get the Party Started", written by Perry). Perry has also contributed heavily to albums by Courtney Love and Kelly Osbourne as well as signing and distributing James Blunt in the United States.")

Just yesterday, Crystal was asked "What is your favorite song to sing" during the Father's Day 'Live Chat," where Crystal, Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Didi Benami answered fans' questions submitted via Twitter. Her answer, ""What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes. It's a fun one. Lot of yelling." Crystal looked like she was having a great time performing "What's Up" with bandleader Ricky Minor and his band. Crystal owned the song and the stage, and it was obvious from the gleam in Crystal's eyes that this is what she was meant to do. Crystal does not perform because it is a job, she performs because it is sheer joy to do so.

Ricky left Idol after the Season 9 finale to become the house band for Jay Leno. Crystal tweeted, "Reunite with Ricky Minor and the band!!!! Rehearsals today for the tonight show with Jay Leno. ;)...Reunited and it feels so gooood." Later, after taping the show, Crystal tweeted "... Had an amazing time with Ricky + band, Dakota fanning and Jay!! Thanks to everyone at the tonight show!"


Monday, June 21, 2010

Crystal Bowersox ~ The Idolatry Interview, Part 7 & 8 of the "Epic Mamasox Interview", Crystalatry

Crystal Bowersox is a fighter by nature, which is why she wasn’t going to let anything — a Hollywood Week put-down from Simon, a semifinal hospital scare, or the finale-night combination of high heels and a steep flight of stairs — get in the way of her American Idol run. Now, in her Idolatry interview, the season 9 runner-up discusses her dreams of co-producing her major-label debut disc, the duet she and Lee DeWyze almost chose over “Falling Slowly” from the movie Once, and what she wishes she’d done differently the night the season 9 Top 12 was announced. We also get Crystal’s thoughts on Tuvan throat singing, group-performance lip-synching, that controversial lyric change on Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” and the unprecedented playing of Crystal's "Holy Toledo" during the final!

Part 7: Dancersox

Part 8: Flowersox


Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James & Didi Benami Chat with Fans (Video ~ Recorded Live!)

Good News, Fans! If you missed the Live Chat with Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Casey James and Didi Benami, you can watch it now on The Crystal Bowersox Blog! The 2-hour event was recorded live. The Idols answer questions submitted by fans via Twitter.

It's great to see the Idols like this...interacting and having fun with each other, letting down their hair - so to speak, and really letting the fans get to know them. We get a much better sense of who Crystal and Lee really are. They seem so much more natural and at ease sitting around answering questions with their good friends than we've seen in the many one-on-one interviews the Idols have been doing lately.

The Live Chat was organized as a promotion for the American Idol LIVE tour kicking off July 1 in Detroit, Michigan.

The first live chat, held with Tim Urban, Katie Stevens, and Michael Lynche, drew more than 100,000 live responses from engaged fans. The second featured Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia and Siobhan Magnus.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze & Casey James ~ LIVE CHAT TODAY!!

American Idol fans will get to interact with the Top 10 finalists today, Sunday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.. Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox along with other finalists including Casey James and Didi Benami will answer questions from their fans.

This audience - American Idol finalist’s talk is being organized as a promotion for the American Idol live tour starting off on July 1 at Detroit.


Fans will get an excellent opportunity to tweet their questions to #IdolsLive. The audience has a chance to get an answer to all their queries regarding American Idol and its contestants.

The first live chat held with Tim Urban, Katie Stevens, and Michael Lynche drew more than 100,000 live responses from engaged fans. The second featured Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia and Siobhan Magnus. Tickets for the Idols Live Tour are for sale.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox & Lee DeWyze LIVE CHAT on Father's Day

Nothing says, "Thanks, dad" like chatting it up with some "American Idol" singers.

Before the Top 10 finalists from Season 9 kickoff their nationwide tour, a few of them will take to the computer for a live Ustream chat on Sunday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:40 p.m. PT on AmericanIdol.com.

Besides winner Lee DeWyze and runner up Crystal Bowersox, fans will get the opportunity to pose questions like, "What conditioner do you use?" to Casey James and Didi Benami if you so wish.

Just tweet your questions with the hashtag #IdolsLive to submit them for consideration.

The "American Idol Live!" tour starts on July 1 in Detroit.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox's Debut Album will Sound both "Folky" and "Commercial"

Crystal Bowersox's Album Will Sound Both 'Folky' And 'Commercial,' Says Collaborator Wayne Wilkins

Crystal Bowersox hasn't been any less busy since "American Idol" wrapped up last month. The season nine runner-up has already started recording material for her debut album, and so far, at least one collaborator is highly impressed with what she's bringing to the table.

"She's the real deal," producer/songwriter Wayne Wilkins -- who hit the studio with Bowersox on Wednesday (June 16) -- tells Billboard.com. "I've only worked with a couple of 'Amerian Idol' contestants before, and in terms of songwriting, she's the most developed on that front. She literally could sit in a room with anybody, grab a guitar and start writing."

Wilkins, who has worked on hits with Jordin Sparks ("Battlefield"), Beyoncé ("Sweet Dreams"), David Archuleta and Natasha Bedingfield, says Bowersox arrived to the studio ready to work, with her guitar and lyrics in hand. (Unfortunately, the Ohio native's favorite mic stand from back home did not make it to the session.)

Along with fellow songwriter Priscilla Hamilton, Wilkins and Bowersox came up with "two pretty great ideas" for songs. "We did one song that I wouldn't say was totally pop, but it had slightly more of a commercial edge to it," says Wilkins, who adds that the "Idol" finalist already has "an album's worth" of material that boasts a more "folky" vibe in the Melissa Etheridge vein. "The other song was a bit darker and had a breakbeat on it. They were contrasting but still fit with her genre."

Wilkins hopes to get back into the studio with Bowersox soon to complete the songs, but he'll have to contend with her soon-to-be even busier schedule. Bowersox, "Idol" winner Lee DeWyze and the rest of this year's top 10 kick off their American Idols Live! tour on July 1 in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Bowersox, who signed a record deal with 19 Recordings and Jive Records almost immediately after the "Idol" finale, has been asking her fans for suggestions about her debut album. "Would you all hate it if I sang a pop song?" she asked aloud on Twitter.

No matter which musical direction she takes, Wilkins has no doubt that Bowersox will be successful. "To me, Crystal is potentially one of those people that will have a career way past the 'American Idol' thing," Wilkins says. In three or four years, she'll still be around and have a lot of fans supporting her."


source: Monica Herrera, billboard.com

Crystal Bowersox: The Idolatry Interview, Parts 5 & 6

American Idol Season 9 Top 2 Finalist Crystal Bowersox sits down with Michael Slezak for the Idolatry Interview. Parts 5 & 6 (O Brother Where Art Thou Sox & Cinemasox) below.

Part 5: O Brother Where Art Thou Sox



Part 6: Cinemasox

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Crystal Bowersox: 2010 TEEN CHOICE AWARD NOMINEE!

American Idol Season 9 is over. As one fan so eloquently wrote, "Crystal wasn't really competing with anybody; that's not what she's about. Crystal was just using Idol to present herself to the widest public (audience) possible, and to do it her way, nobody else's." Even though she didn't win the title, she is still the "Idol" in many fans' eyes.

The 2010 Teen Choice Award nominees have just been announced. Crystal's fans now have an opportunity to give her the recognition and honor she deserves!

Starting today, fans ages 13-19 can vote once each day for their favorite 2010 Teen Choice Awards nominees. The winners will be announced when the Teen Choice Awards, hosted by Katy Perry, air on Monday, August 9 on FOX.

Crystal has been nominated in the following category:

Choice TV: Female Reality/Variety Star
Crystal Bowersox, “American Idol”

Monday, June 14, 2010

Crystal Bowersox ~ The Idolatry Interview, Parts 3 & 4

We had to wait until the very end for this "Epic Mamasox interview" between EW's Michael Slezak and Crystal Bowersox, the American Idol season 9 runner-up. Idolatry becomes Crystalatry ~ and it is well worth the wait!

Press play below for the whole hoo-hah and whatnot, and to get all Michael's post-season updates on all your favorite Idol alumni, follow him on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak, and the Crystal Bowersox Blog @CBowersox .

Part 3: OPRAHSOX


Part 4: TUVANSOX

Crystal Bowersox ~ #4 on list of "Breakout Stars"

Breakout stars of the 2009-10 TV season
By Kati Johnston, MSN Entertainment

The 2009-2010 TV season featured a particularly gifted class of freshmen who won our hearts and made us tune in week after week. Let us toast the breakout stars of this season, whom we can't wait to see a whole lot more of next fall.

Crystal Bowersox, "American Idol"


Yes, Lee DeWyze won the season, but it was Bowersox who imprinted her soulful, gospel-flecked voice onto the American psyche. Her version of Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee" owed a lot to Janis Joplin's, but Bowersox also added a dusky folk flavor, giving the song a new layer of heartbreak and appeal. Her twisty blond dreads and punky look belie the genuineness of her open heart and truly memorable voice. We agree with Randy, who said, "Yo, check this out! America! ... That's what's called being a star." Maybe we're amazed.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Crystal Bowersox's Idolatry Interview on dream collaborations (Adam Lambert?), confrontations with judges, and what she'd change about 'Idol' ~ Part 1 & 2

Idolatry
by Michael Slezak

Crystal Bowersox is a fighter by nature, which is why she wasn’t going to let anything — a Hollywood Week put-down from Simon, a semifinal hospital scare, or the finale-night combination of high heels and a steep flight of stairs — get in the way of her American Idol run. Now, in her Idolatry interview, Michael Slezak finally gets to sit down with his favorite Idol. In "Crystalatry," the season 9 runner-up discusses her dreams of co-producing her major-label debut disc, the duet she and Lee DeWyze almost chose over “Falling Slowly,” and what she wishes she’d done differently the night the season 9 Top 12 was announced. We also get Crystal’s thoughts on Tuvan throat singing, dream collaboration (Adam Lambert?), group-performance lip-synching, and that controversial lyric change on Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.”

Volume 1:NATURALSOX



Volume 2:TOUGH-COOKIESOX

Friday, June 11, 2010

Idol's Crystal Bowersox on Her New-Found Fame and "The Amazing Metaphorical Dreamcoat"

'American Idol' runner-up is determined to push the envelope even farther than Adam Lambert did, in Bigger Than the Sound.

Crystal Bowersox stood just off camera, looking slightly perturbed. A publicist tugged on the zipper of her brand-new leather jacket, a fashionably cut, butter-soft thing that had been given to her as a gift, presumably after finishing second on "American Idol." It was a very nice jacket. The problem was with the zipper.

"Man, you would think this thing would work better," Bowersox said to no one in particular, tugging on the tab, sticking her fingers in the metal teeth of the contraption. "If people want to give me nice stuff, that's cool. I'm going to Goodwill."

Ultimately, she and her publicist managed to force the zipper three-quarters of the way up the jacket, Bowersox smiled, sat down, and our interview began. At the time, it seemed like little more than an inconsequential wardrobe matter — and maybe it still is — but in retrospect, the situation seems to have taken on added meaning, at least for me. It was, after all, a pretty handy (not to mention fashionable) metaphor for Bowersox's entire life, post-"Idol." She's not exactly comfortable with this newfound fame, and you get the feeling that the zipper's just gonna keep on sticking, but she'll be damned if she's not going to keep forcing the thing up.

Because over the next 40-something minutes, Bowersox seemingly delighted in making it clear to me that she was "a fighter," someone hell-bent on forging her own career path — her own songs, her own sound, her own way — despite overwhelming evidence that what she wants might very well be impossible (see the post-show bows of folks like Allison Iraheta or Diana DeGarmo for proof of this). She hasn't even begun recording her first album, but she already knows how she doesn't want it to sound: like an "American Idol" album.

"I'd like to do the songs that I've been doing for years. ... I'm not opposed to working with other writers and producers, but my goal is to put out an album I really enjoy," she said. "I'm aware of it, I'm a fighter, I'm a passionate person, I believe in certain things very strongly and I don't go down easy. I'll take everything into consideration, but it's my CD, it's my music. I'm not going to put something out that I'm not proud of."

And that's the tip of the iceberg. Bowersox said she doesn't care about money or fame ("I have everything I need in my life right now. I don't need a fancy house, big cars or bling or anything like that. My son's healthy, and life is good"), doesn't see the point of keeping her private life private, and not only freely admits to Googling herself, but reading the nasty comments too ("It gives you the outside perspective you don't get within the 'Idol' bubble"). She rarely watches television. She thinks kids should read more books. She is blissfully unaware of the cultural import of Justin Bieber ("He was on the show, right?"). Oh, and she maintained that, despite what her "Idol" handlers might say, she plans to speak out against things that she deems are unjust. Because she wants to use her fame to bring about change.

In other words, Bowersox is probably the least "American Idol" contestant in "American Idol" history: a willful, delightfully stubborn throwback to a bygone era when music meant something and musicians stood up for their beliefs. Sure, Adam Lambert may have spat out the "Idol" ball gag — or, you know, used it in his American Music Awards performance — but Bowersox seems determined to make his bid for independence seem positively childish. She's focused on bigger things than just shock and awe: She really, truthfully wants to be an individual, a singular star, and she wants it on her terms only.

Of course, whether she succeeds in that endeavor is largely up to her. Is she strong enough to stay on her own path, to fight off the creeping insurgence of her "Idol" handlers and to still remain unchanged by fame? Is she willing to keep tugging on that zipper, no matter how uncomfortable things get? I wouldn't bet against her. But whatever happens, one thing's for certain: After meeting Bowersox, I can safely say I never knew anybody like her at the juice bar, despite what I may have written more than a month ago in this very column. No one had a jacket as nice as hers. Metaphorical or not.

Source: James Montgomery/Mtv

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Ford Gives Crystal Bowersox & Lee DeWyze Cars

One of the perks of making it to the American Idol Finale is the gift of a Fiesta from the Ford Motor Company. The Season 9 Top 2, Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze, created custom graphics with the Ford design team. Crystal designed her red Fiesta with large Sunflowers at the front, with petals blowing off and along the doors. Lee's black Fiesta has musical notes down the side, and his favorite fabric pattern - plaid - on the hood.


Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Crystal Bowersox and Diabetes. "It's All About Your Attitude"

"1 Happy Diabetic" gives a video Shout-out to American Idol Season 9's Crystal Bowersox.

Crystal, a type 1 Diabetic, is not the first Idol contestant to have to manage this difficult disease while dealing with the grueling practice and performance schedule of American Idol. Season 5 competitor Elliott Yamin was diagnosed with type I diabetes at the age of 16 and wears an insulin pump to help him manage his diabetes. Judge Randy Jackson stated in a February 2008 television commercial that he has type 2 diabetes.



Monday, June 7, 2010

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox's Secret Influences ~ The Rolling Stone Interview

Illinois native on Sufjan Stevens and Marilyn Manson, plus Crystal Bowersox talks up her metal muse
By Rolling Stone

With an all-star list of producers and songwriters opening their door to Lee DeWyze since his improbable American Idol victory, the low-key Chicago rocker surprised Rolling Stone when he told us that one of the artists he most wants to collaborate with is Sufjan Stevens, who like DeWyze hails from Illinois. As the new American Idol champ tells Rolling Stone, Stevens' 2005 disc Illinois — part-Land of Lincoln travelogue, part-historical concept album and all-around impressive LP — provided endless inspiration when he first heard it a couple years ago.

"I heard of Stevens through friends and I was like, 'Man, I'd really like to check it out,' and I listened to it and I was just in love with the music. I love that kind of stuff, that deep, earthy, lyric, folk feel is just really, really cool," DeWyze says. "I don't shy away from anything. I sing rock sometimes, but sometimes I can break it down and I like it to have a quieter feel, a more intimate feeling to it. I've been listening to him for a long time now. I'm a big fan."

DeWyze's first post-Idol single is a cover of U2's "Beautiful Day," an appropriately ambitious choice considering DeWyze hopes his brand of music reaches the same peaks as arena-filling rockers like Dave Matthews Bands, Kings of Leon and Ben Harper. "I listened to a lot of Ben Harper before I came on the show. I remember I listened to that on the flight out here," DeWyze says. "I love Rage Against the Machine, Counting Crows. I really do like all types of music, and I think that's why the show kind of worked for me a little bit. It was a lot of different genres, and I can get into all that." Though Bono didn't reach out personally to give DeWyze the thumbs up, Lee says the U2 frontman approved the selection. "They had a huge part in allowing me to do that, so thanks to them."

Runner-up Crystal Bowersox revealed to Rolling Stone that her first taste of rock & roll came in the form of a Pearl Jam cassette tape given to her at the age of six. "I love it, though I didn't listen to it for a long time because I didn't know who Pearl Jam was when I was six," Bowersox admits. Despite being tailor-made to sing the blues, Bowersox says her musical influences go well beyond — and somewhat louder — than that. "Type O Negative is one of my favorite bands. It's something people probably don't guess abou me," Bowersox says. "I like old punk, classic rock, country, blues, rock, R&B. I mean, there's really no limit."

DeWyze took some Idol fans aback when they discovered he'd stripped down Marilyn Manson's "Beautiful People" into an acoustic tune years before he entered the competition. "You'd be surprised at how many people have come up to me that never listened to it like, 'You know I really like that song, was that yours?' I think it's got a cool melody, a cool hook, everything is cool."

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Crystal Bowersox's American Idol exit interview

Crystal Bowersox had her exit interview conference call with the nation’s media, discussing a wide variety of topics including breaking up with her boyfriend, Simon, her music, coming in second on American Idol and the strangest music gig she has ever had.

Following is the entire interview:
What was your impression of Alanis Morissette? And would you embrace harder-edged material like “You Oughta Know” for your first CD?

CB: “I thought Alanis was amazing. She is a kind, gentle spirit and we really didn’t talk very much. It was more like quick hellos and a hug, it was very genuine. Performing is really where we communicated. My music is pretty versatile. I got songs in a lot of different genres and styles. I really don’t feel I should be pigeonholed in any one thing. We’ll see as my career develops where I’m going to go.”

Were you surprised with the split with your boyfriend the day of the finals? Will it affect you going forward?

CB: “Tony’s been my rock through all this. He’s been amazing. I’ve got a great amount of respect and love for him. It was a mutual thing. He a small-town guy and wants a simple quiet life and I respect that. This is my career, this is what I’ve strived for my whole life and I want to do best for my son. We’re going to be OK. We’re going to be friends for a long time.”

Would you enjoy living in a small town if you weren’t doing music?

CB: “Of course, but I love music and I want to do good things for the world and my family and community. So, I’m loving every minute of this.”

Did you have any idea what affect trying out for Idol would have on your life?

CB: “Yeah. I’m a pretty smart girl, I knew what I was signing up for. At least I had a good idea, anyway. You never really fully comprehend the situation until you’re in it, and out of it. I’m rolling with the punches, that’s what I’ve done with everything in my life and just go forward and do what feels right and what makes me happy.”

Do you think all the publicity you’ve had will make it difficult in the future to meet someone?

CB: “No. I don’t feel that way at all. I surround myself with good people and people I trust wholeheartedly. I feel like I’ve got a really good circle of friends and support. I need really good friends right now. I’m focused on my son and my career.”

Does your son understand the magnitude of everything that’s going on? How have you handled being a mom through the process?

CB: “I’ve handled it very well. I’m sure he doesn’t grasp it. He’s 16 months. His favorite word is ‘Awesome’ right now. He’s having a good time, he’s well taken care of. He’s just a happy little guy. I balance it the same way any other mother does. I greet each day with love and joy because you have your child in your life. You wake up, take care of him, go to work, come back home and at the end of the day, you know, it’s what any mom would do.”

Is there any group or band you’d like to open for in a concert?

CB: “There are so many people I’d love to work with. I definitely have love and respect for Melissa Etheridge. Alanis was great, Joe Cocker was one of the highlights of my life. I’m a big fan of Ray Lamontagne. I like Leslie Fiest. There’s a lot of music that I personally love and enjoy. The craziest thing is that it’s all possible now to work with these people. I can say it, and it can be true.”

When will you be getting into the studio? Will you be singing some of the originals that we’ve already heard?

CB: “I’ve actually got a meeting next week. I’m not really sure of all the details yet, but I’m ready to start working and get this underway.”

Where would you like to play a show in Chicago?

CB: “I lived in Chicago for five years, I spent a lot of time performing in the subways. I’d like to do smaller venues— Metro —and do stuff like that. But obviously big venues too. I love Chicago. Chicago’s my town. Chi-town’s my town.”

Where do you want to go with the sound of your new CD?

CB: “My influences are pretty straightforward as well, but I definitely have my own sound and style. It might be a familiar sound, but at the same time, my songwriting … I don’t know how different it is but simple songs that people can relate to, enjoy and hopefully learn something from through my experience.”

Do you think gender had any sort of role in how the voting was swaying throughout the season and up to the finale?

CB: “I don’t feel that way. I think that American Idol is a competition in a certain way. It really is up to the voting public. Any predictions made at the beginning of the season for a female winner it’s not possible to know. When I became the last girl standing, it became clear to me then that it was definitely possible, however it wasn’t guaranteed. And Lee? I love Lee. Lee is great, he’s super-talented, and I would buy his album in a heartbeat. Whatever happened, happened for a reason, and I’m extremely proud of him and happy for him.”

Tell us about your original song, “Holy Toledo” (the only original song played during an Idol episode):

CB: “That song is very dear to my heart. I wrote it right before I moved to Chicago. I was 17 sitting on a friend’s front porch, and at a point in my life where I love my home town, but I always knew there was something bigger out there, hence the line ‘How do I get to heaven from here.’ Since the show, it’s become an anthem for my city, and what kind of hope is needed there, and I feel so blessed and honored that the show even considered letting me play it at my hometown, and using it on the show. And I will be allowed to play that on Tour, actually, in my hometown. I’m very excited about that.”

What was it like sitting there listening to Ryan (Seacrest) drag out the announcement? Were you pretty sure it was going to be Lee DeWyze?

CB “I woke up on Wednesday morning, and it was a calm morning like any other, and I just had an overwhelming sense of peace and acceptance, and just some strange feeling inside of ‘I knew Lee was going to win.’ I was fine with that because he’s worked so hard. No matter the outcome of this, there are no winners or losers. We’re both going to have pretty successful careers and I couldn’t be prouder of him.

“I think if you watched the video back, I had mouthed the words, ‘C’mon Ryan’ several times. It’s frustrating when he does it, but he’s a very smart man and he knows what’s good for TV and making our hearts beat out of our chest. I wanted to know for sure, I wanted to know if my feeling was right, and I wanted to celebrate for Lee DeWyze.

“When I saw Lee’s face, and (he) was about ready to pass out, I just felt everything he was feeling. We’ve been together through this whole process and understand each other completely and how much we’ve worked for. I looked up at his confetti falling down and I felt ‘This was my confetti.’ I’ve won vicariously through Lee because I could empathize so much.”

How did your experiences on Idol shape or affect the type of music you are hoping to create?

CB: “My experience on Idol … I’ve known who I am as an artist and for a very long time I’ve been comfortable in my skin since I can remember. Idol has really shown me what I’m capable of. I’m not sure if there’s going to be group numbers and dances in my career after Idol, but the fact that I made it through all that and I feel that I did a great job, I know it’s possible I could go in any direction I want. Idol taught me a lot, and I’m forever grateful to them.”

What’s the strangest gig you’ve ever played?

CB: “The strangest gig I’ve ever performed. I actually have a really good answer for this. There was a skydivers wake. It wasn’t the funeral, it was the wake. And it was a group of people in Perrysburg, Ohio, that were just really celebrating the life of a friend. They had a big party out in an open field and at the airport and my payment was I could have chosen to take money for the gig or half the money and go skydiving. I didn’t necessarily want to go skydiving but I knew I’d never do it myself, so I did it and it was the best experience of my life. The people were great, and I have fond memories of that.”
Was your experience on Idol everything she imagined it would be?

CB: “There were a lot of surprises – not really what was happening but in my reaction to it. It’s not an easy thing to go through, it’s emotionally and physically draining. However it was the most amazing experience of my life. It’s really taught me what I’m capable of and how strong I can be for my family and fans and my friends.”

How did you manage your diabetes during your time on the show?

CB: “This is probably my favorite question. Before Idol, I found myself in certain situations, and I never had a lot of money growing up. Good medical care takes money and sadly, there’ve been times in my life where I’ve had to beg for insulin and different things like that and I understand that side of things.

“Having tried out for Idol, I kind of kept my diabetes a secret from them, I played it down. It’s not a big deal. Every diabetic goes through that denial process. And once I had gotten sick back in March, a team of people swarmed in to help and, I never felt so loved in my life. And I just realized that through this show that I had a platform to be a role model for kids, and just for advocacy and to help out the diabetic community in our country and in the world. So that’s the main focus of my career after Idol. I definitely want to do good things.”

Did your blood sugar levels fluctuate a whole lot on the show?

CB: “Of course. Stress affects your blood sugar eating, sleeping habits, all of it affects you. Through the team of care that I received, I’ve never felt as healthy as I am right now.

Do you think you were the front-runner over the course of the season?

CB: “No, I was just happy to get past the stadium and then the next week, and the next week. You never know what’s going to happen in a competition like this, and it’s really up to the voting public.

“My approach to the whole thing was just to remain true to who I am as a person and as an artist. And just give my best personal performance each week. Whatever the outcome was, I was prepared to accept, and embrace and move forward into my career. Coming in second is an amazing feat in itself. This whole thing has just been an amazing journey.

“I couldn’t be happier for Lee. He deserves every minute of it. He’s worked so hard. Both of us have.”

What did you think when Bret Michaels came out to perform during the finale?

CB: “I didn’t actually get to meet Bret Michaels. I didn’t get to watch the performance, but I actually didn’t know Bret Michaels was a Type 1 diabetic until the show. I think it’s great that after everything he’s been through recently, to get out there and perform and just embrace it. I know that he does a lot of good things for JDRF, and I respect him. I would love to work with him in the future if possible, with diabetes advocacy or music, whatever.”

Who do you think should replace Simon?

CB: “Simon is such an epic figure in the show. Replace is not a good word for me. I think that Simon is irreplaceable in a sense that he’s Simon. He’s just such a figure. But whoever takes his position is going to do a great job and bring something new to the show, and I think it’ll keep things interesting and best of luck to whoever gets the spot, and to Simon.”

Do you think Simon gave Lee an unfair advantage by choosing “Hallelujah” for Lee on Top 3 week?

CB: “I don’t think that it gave Lee necessarily an upper hand. Lee took his song choice from Simon and completely made it his own, and did a beautiful job on it.

“With Ellen’s choice for me, I didn’t feel like I needed to change the song too much from the original, because it’s such an iconic song, and I respect Paul McCartney and love his work. I just sang it the best that I could. And there were things about my voice that I didn’t know I could do. I just think that the whole show is up to the American public and Lee has worked his tail off for this. I think it’s a great thing that he won. I love it. I love him for it. It’s awesome.”

Do you think the judges have any effect on the audience?

CB: “Of course they do. I think their opinions on the show may sway certain voters who aren’t sure how they feel about a performance. That’s fine. They’re experts they know what they’re talking about, and what they say is important.”

Adam Shankman says he’s really open to you and Lee trying out for ‘Rock of Ages’, the movie. Would you do that?

CB: “I’d have to look into the project. It’s an acting thing, right? I would love to. Drama was my first love actually, before music when I was young and I’m open to it. I’d have to do a little research and shake some hands and talk to people. I’m definitely open to something like that.”

How did your attitude toward the show change from beginning to end?

CB: “Oh, wow. For years people had approached me at my shows in Ohio and Chicago saying ‘You should try out for Idol, you should try out for Idol.’ I never really thought about it too much, just because I didn’t feel that I could be that kind of contestant. When I had my son, I was completely ready and needed to make a change. I decided to do it. I don’t regret it at all. I had an amazing time. The staff, the production, the crew just everything that goes into the show there’s so much behind the scenes that people, I feel, don’t get enough credit for. I love everyone there. It’s been an amazing trip and it’s taught me a lot about myself and showed me how strong I could possibly be.”

Tell us about the event with Ryan in the parking when you allegedly threatened to quit the show

CB: “I feel like I’ve addressed this before. I mean Ryan and I had a simple conversation as he was leaving out the back-door for the day. I just happened to be standing there as he was walking out. He gave me some quick, good advice and it was amazing.

“Ryan’s a good spirit, he’s a good man. He’s a hard worker and I respect him for it. I never really had a true intention of quitting. It’s a hard process. People don’t realize how grueling the show is, the emotional and physical toll it takes on you. You have moments of not necessarily doubt but you get tired. I missed my son and I just had a nice conversation with Ryan and he was very helpful. I highly respect him.”

You didn’t have the keys in the ignition, ready to pull out did you?

CB: “No, not at all. I’m not a drama diva queen, or whatever people have been saying, none of that.”

Did you care more about performing than winning?

CB: “No I wouldn’t say that was correct. I wouldn’t have tried out for the show if I didn’t think I had a shot at winning. It was an idea in my head, but people might interpret that wrong when I say that no matter what happened it was OK.

“I definitely had a desire to win. In any aspect of my life, I’m not going to be let down by something, because I believe truly, that everything happens for a reason. I accept that and move on. One door closing is a window opening.”

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze: Amazing journey for two

Winner Lee DeWyze, runner-up Crystal Bowersox keep warm spot for Chicago
May 28, 2010
BY BILL ZWECKER Sun-Times Columnist


LOS ANGELES -- Even the morning after their American Idol finale, winner Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox still seemed dazed and amazed by the journey they've been on together.

Chatting with me outside the Nokia Theatre, DeWyze said he owed it all to Simon Cowell. "I wasn't even going to be in the Top 24, except that Simon insisted -- totally demanded -- that I make that cut," said the ex-Mount Prospect paint store clerk.

• DeWyze and Bowersox, both 24, insist they will always keep a Chicago connection. "I may be from Ohio, but I completely think of Chicago as my hometown," said the singer we've come to call Mama Sox. It was due to "living in Lincoln Park and working and performing in Chicago that made me discover who I am as a person and an artist," she added, smiling happily as she recalled working at Kingston Mines and performing at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn.

• While DeWyze and Bowersox now will concentrate on putting out their solo albums and joining the upcoming American Idol Live national tour of the Top 12 competitors, they acknowledged a high point of this year's final weeks was their duet of "Falling Slowly" from the film "Once."

They nodded enthusiastically and simultaneously said, "Absolutely," when asked if they would ever do a duets album together. "Our voices and our sensibilities mesh so well. I definitely think that will happen down the road, and not too long from now," DeWyze said.

• Finally, Bowersox -- who often sang and played with the buskers on the Chicago subway and L platforms during the five years she lived there -- threw out this idea: "I don't know how the CTA would react, but I'd love to come back at some point and give a concert down in the subway!"

• Meanwhile, People magazine reported Thursday that Crystal Bowersox and beau Tony Kusian, 26, broke up Tuesday before the American Idol finale. "I want this more than anything -- this career, this lifestyle," she said. "He didn't think he was up for it."

• The American Idol Season 9 finale scored the lowest rating since the first season. The show drew 24.2 million total viewers, down 15.9 percent from 28.8 million in 2009, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Crystal Bowersox visits Live with Regis & Kelly

American Idol Season 9 runner-up sits down with Regis and Kelly as she continues her post-Idol media tour.

"During the interview, the singer-songwriter discussed her experience on American Idol addressing expectations that she would win and that throughout the season she had been perceived as the frontrunner. She also discussed the breakup with her boyfriend on the day of the Idol final week performances and the finale night experience of performing a duet with Alanis Morissette and, along with winner Lee DeWyze, with the legendary Joe Cocker."

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American Idol Live! Tour 2010 Tickets are NOW on Sale!!! Get them HERE!

The Top 10 finalists Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, Casey James, Crystal Bowersox, Didi Benami, Katie Stevens, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, and Tim Urban will hit the road this summer on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010.

See Crystal Bowersox LIVE!!

America’s #1 show will make 51 stops this summer at a mix of top arenas and amphitheaters across North America giving fans a chance once again to catch their favorite Idols performing live in a town near them. The Live Nation promoted tour begins on July 1st in Detroit and runs through September 14th in Pittsburgh. For the full list of locations.

Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of American Idol stated, “We are all looking forward to this year’s American Idol Live! Tour. This is always one of the highlights of the year. Each of the Idols have the chance to meet the people that voted for them and perform at incredible venues all over America, another special moment in their developing careers.”