Thursday, July 29, 2010

Crystal Bowersox Storms the White House on Behalf of JDRF/ Sign Petition for Congress to Renew the SPECIAL DIABETES PROGRAM!

Crystal Bowersox storms the White House on behalf of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and brings us a video of her visit. Crystal shows off her acting chops and comic abilities in the White House Press Room in order to shed light on the very serious issue of Juvenile Diabetes.

After watching the video, please follow the link to the JDRF website. SIGN THE PETITION for Congress to renew the SDP (Special Diabetes Program) this year and ensure the JDRF continues to speed daily progress toward a cure. Also, make sure to watch the Special Diabetes Program: Speeding Daily Progress Conversation videos, with topics ranging from "Bring on the Artificial Pancreas" to Crystal Bowersox on "Delaying the Onset of Diabetes."

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox helped raise diabetes awareness

Northwest Ohio's Crystal Bowersox has already done good things with her American Idol fame, including raise awareness about juvenile diabetes.

Susan Harms with Diabetes Youth Services talk about the organization in this edition of FOX Toledo Talk Back.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox Visits the White House with JDRF

American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox was in Washington, D.C., for a White House meeting to discuss the critical need for an increase in federal funding for diabetes research. With Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Bowersox asked the Administration to renew the Special Diabetes Program, noting that if the program is not renewed, federal support for type 1 diabetes research will be cut by 35%.

Crystal, who is currently on the "American Idol Live" tour, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was six years old.

"I took some time out today from the American Idol tour to be with JDRF and represent people with diabetes and tell the Administration why research for type 1 diabetes is so important," said Ms. Bowersox. "I was honored to have the opportunity to talk with the President's advisors about the research progress that has been made thanks to JDRF and the federal government. It was a great meeting and I hope that the federal commitment to diabetes research remains strong."

The Special Diabetes Program was created in 1997 and has been renewed by Congress four times. The program consists of two parts - research funding for type 1 diabetes and treatment and education programs for Native American populations. Last year, both components of the program were renewed for one year. The renewal will seek to secure annual funding of $200 million for five years for both parts of the program.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can occur at any age, but is mostly diagnosed before age 30; between 1 and 3 million Americans live with type 1 diabetes. The disease requires multiple insulin injections daily just to survive, is difficult to manage, carries the constant threat of devastating complications including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and amputation, and usually results in a drastic reduction in quality of life. According to the National Institutes of Health, the financial impact of treating diabetes, in all its forms, accounts for more than $174 billion in health care costs in the U.S. every year -- and individuals with diabetes represent approximately one in three of all Medicare expenditures.

Find out more and/or donate to the JDRF at http://www.jdrf.org

Monday, July 26, 2010

Best of Crystal Bowersox comes out at NJ Idols Live show (MTV Review)

American Idols Live! Shows Best of Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox
Casey James, Andrew Garcia, Katie Stevens also sound better on Newark, New Jersey stage than they ever did on TV.

Fans of all ages donned their finest homemade puff-paint T-shirts for the American Idols Live! tour stop at the Prudential Center on Tuesday night. And judging from the excitement in the healthily populated arena, they did not leave disappointed.

Without a TV-friendly two-minute time limit for songs (and without a panel of judges ready to lay into them for any missteps), many of the season-nine performers were well-served by the live setting, particularly winner Lee DeWyze, who smiled more in his five-song set than he did in his entire run on "American Idol."

Also-rans like Didi Benami and Andrew Garcia each delivered sets that reminded the crowd why they emerged as faves during Hollywood Week. In particular, Garcia's take on Paula Abdul's "Straight Up," now with added funked-up fuzzy synths, suggested he may have made it farther had he brought that energy and ear for arrangement to more of his "Idol" performances.

The most-improved award goes to the youngest performers, high school student Aaron Kelly and recent grad Katie Stevens. If a Nashville scout saw the way Kelly owned the stage during uptempo country hits by Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts — and the crowd's warm reception to him — he or she would be insane not to scoop him up and groom him to be a Justin Bieber for the NASCAR crowd.

Meanwhile, Stevens took her "Idol" persona (wear the clothes of a middle-aged secretary, sing like an untrained teen with self-esteem issues) and completely flipped it on its head. She's now dressing her age (in a fun, flirty dress and killer knee-high boots) and singing like a seasoned veteran. Demi Lovato might regret clearing "Here We Go Again" for Katie, because it will never sound this good live again.

For some singers, the "Idol" tour is a shot at redemption. Heartthrob Tim Urban boldly tackled the Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days," the song that got him eliminated on the show, and then followed it up with an earnest "Viva la Vida." It was a surprisingly serious set from a guy whose greatest asset is his smile and charming personality. When Urban finally did show off his pearly whites, the little girls in Newark shrieked loud enough for folks at the Jersey Shore to hear. Here's hoping it didn't interrupt Snooki from important business.

Speaking of shrieks, Siobhan Magnus delivered her signature wail at the end of "Paint It Black." While the audience appreciated the energy she brought to that Rolling Stones classic and No Doubt's "Spiderwebs," Muse's "Stockholm Syndrome" flew over the heads of the young ticketholders. It was a bit like watching a Tim Burton character stuck in a Ron Howard movie.

Michael Lynche (a.k.a. Big Mike) kicked off the second half of the show with a smooth, mellow R&B set that relied heavily on his falsetto. (He was, after all, performing songs by Kate Bush and India.Arie.) But it was an uptempo Justin Timberlake track, "My Love," that proved to be the most entertaining, if only for his out-of-left-field rap. (Don't worry, T.I., Big Mike ain't stealing your job anytime soon.)

Casey James, often stiff and awkward on "Idol," had one of the more effortless sets of the night. His impressive guitar work on the Black Keys' "I Got Mine" and the Rolling Stones' "It's All Over Now" made many forget they were watching an "Idol" concert.

Season-nine runner-up Crystal Bowersox kept that energy going with a showstopping set that further proved that the dreadlocked singer is more than just your everyday coffeehouse troubadour. If MamaSox can connect this deeply and emotionally with karaoke staples by 4 Non Blondes, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge, (not to mention a chill-inducing "Up on the Mountain" reprise), it's downright scary to imagine how well she'll perform her own self-penned music. We're in for a hell of a debut album this fall, folks.

As much love as Crystal received, there was no question whom the audience was there to see. "Idol" champ Lee DeWyze's entrance caused near hysteria from his New Jersey fans, and not just because his pants' zipper was accidentally down. (Whoops!) The winner appeared to be positively giddy as he darted back and forth from one side of the stage to the other. The singer rarely stopped moving while putting his laid-back, gruff spin on '70s lite-FM staples "Rocket Man," "Hallelujah" and "Treat Her Like a Lady," showing off a looseness rarely seen on "Idol." Like Crystal, Lee gave the impression that his talents would be better displayed by performing originals. On the other hand, then we'd be deprived of a massive audience sing-along of Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody."

Much has been said (often snarkily) about the latest crop of "Idol" finalists, and while the live concert might not turn haters into slobbering fan-girls, it may leave them pleasantly surprised.

Source: Jim Cantiello, MTV

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

MTV Review: Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze & the Top 10 ~ Good Morning America Concert

'American Idol' Top 10 Begin 'Beautiful Day' With 'Good Morning America'
Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox and company strummed and belted through the rain in Central Park on Friday.

With their signs and banners eagerly clutched in their hands, fans marched into Central Park to see "American Idol" season-nine winner Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox chat with Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos about "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" before two 12-year-old girls competed and a guy who looked like Santa's older brother competed in an "Idol" trivia quiz. And also to see all of the top 10 Idols perform for the "Good Morning America" Summer Concert Series on Friday (July 9).

Crystal was the first one to perform, singing Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" while strumming her guitar, of course. She did the song justice despite the slight spray of rain.

Next up was Lee, again with a guitar, awaiting his time to shine amid the continuing showers. The crowd shouted their love for him, as he responded to their makeshift banners, wishing happy birthdays and anniversaries.

Asked about the life-changing experience of winning "Idol," he said it was "important to remember where you came from" and managed to plug the October release of his upcoming album. He then performed "Treat Her Like a Lady" by the Cornelius Brothers, to which the audience reacted with more enthusiasm and excitement.

Then all of the top 10 took the stage and the band began the riff for Bon Jovi's "It's My Life." The guys gave their best for the rousing anthem, before the girls took over with "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson. The rain seemed to bring down the energy of some, Lee in particular, who almost seemed bored at times. But as all 10 sang the song as an ensemble, they gave it a powerful finish.

Before the last song, Lee, Andrew Garcia and Michael Lynche began to beat box and rap for the slightly drenched crowd. But instead of capping off the set with another group performance, Lee went solo for his single, U2's "Beautiful Day" — and fans didn't seem to mind the irony of the bad weather.

Actually, as one fan told MTV News, there's more than one reason to consider it a beautiful day. "It was great to see the American Idols on stage together, and the rain was nice, as it has been so hot!"

Source: Christopher MacAllister, MTV

Monday, July 19, 2010

Crystal Bowersox's LA Music Examiner backstage interview

LA Music Examiner was on the scene of rehearsals and spoke with American Idol's Crystal Bowersox. Crystal talks touring and music.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Video of "Crystallize Me" ~ A song written in honor of Crystal Bowersox

"Crystallize Me" was written for American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox by musician David Kav of Chicago in 2007 or 2008. David says he "had totally forgotten about it (believe it or not) until American Idol Season 9 was under way."

David used to play Open Mics with Crystal at Uncommon Ground, Silvie's, etc and opened for her a couple of times at Stadium West in Chicago and the Elks Lodge in Berwyn, IL. David crashed the stage once for harmonies during a set or two. He never exclusively played or wrote a song with Crystal. "A regret of mine," David acknowledges.

Here's the story of how "Crystallize Me," a tribute to fellow musician Crystal Bowersox came to be, in David's own words - "Crystal was speaking on stage before performing one of her original songs. She stated (to paraphrase:) "I've written songs for so many people. But, no one's ever written a song for me."

"Really?" I say to myself. "I'm up for the challenge!"

Kat Fitzgerald puts it out to Jeff Brown, Brian Walker and me to write a song for her. Well, I had to act quickly (my gut told me.)

I sat down with guitar, computer, recorder, & put together "Crystallize Me" in one week (two weeks tops.) I premiered it at an Uncommon Ground gig. Upon seeing Crystal, I said, "I'm doing a show at UG on July ... I'd really love it if you'd attend. I've got a surprise for you."

"Great," she says. "I'll definitely try my best to make it."

The night of the show, Crystal's in the audience. My nerves are wracked. I get a recording (very faint and very bad) of the show and the aforementioned song. At the very end, you hear Crystal cheer loudly and scream "I love it!!""

So, here for your listening pleasure is David Kav performing "Crystallize Me" at Let Them Eat Chocolate on Sunday, May 23, 2010. Kat Fitzgerald joins him on cajon (percussion).



~Peace, love, music, laughter, life, and charity,
D Kav

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Crystal Bowersox ~ In Her Own Words...

Mama Sox Rocks!
By: As told to Lori Berger, Redbook

"Why don't you try out for American Idol?" That's what Crystal Bowersox heard over and over from friends and listeners at her local gigs in Chicago. For years, she resisted. What would the Hollywood glitz machine make of a girl with dreadlocks, imperfect teeth, and a raspy, soulful voice? Then, when she was 22, she found out she was pregnant. As soon as her son, Tony, was born, she wanted more than anything to be able to give him a safe, secure life. So she swallowed her doubts and auditioned for the Idol judges. Here, in her own words, Mama Sox tells us all about the wild journey--almost getting kicked off the show, her breakup the night before the finale, and the thrill of being able to give Tony all he'll ever need.

How music has shaped her life

"I knew from the time I was 6 or 7 that music was something I had to do. Growing up, my parents did everything they knew how to do to support me. My dad was always kinda my roadie; he drove me from gig to gig. But I got my own gigs. I was this 12-year-old kid, shuffling business cards, calling people, telling them I wanted to play.

"When I hit 20, 21, everyone was like, 'Well, what if music doesn't work out?' And I was like, Maybe I should have a backup plan. I was living in Chicago then, and I went to work full-time in a real estate office and went to school full-time at night. Every morning I'd go to the office, answer phone calls, dress up really pretty, and, you know, be somebody I wasn't. I was miserable.

"During the time I worked at that office, I had started dreading my hair. Two weeks after my boss saw them, I was let go for other reasons, but I know it was because of my dreads. But those people really did me a favor. I walked out the door and down the street, and Kingston Mines [a blues club] was hiring. I was a cocktail waitress, but I was in my world and I could be me. And on jam nights, when things weren't busy, I'd get up on stage and sing with different bands. I had the best time, and I felt like I was where I belonged."

On surprise motherhood

"When I found out I was pregnant, I was 22. It was really scary because I was working the music thing, and with a kid coming, you just can't live that life with a child. I was single, I was on my own--but I had a great group of friends who backed me up and helped me through the whole thing. My son, Tony, was healthy when he was born, but he had to be in the hospital because he was a little jaundiced; he was also about three weeks early. I called my dad crying, and I was like, 'How did you do this with three kids?' I was a juvenile diabetic, and I was sick all the time growing up, and in the hospital. I had a completely newfound respect and love for my parents and what they must have gone through. Having a kid makes you appreciate your parents so much more."

Mistakes she won't make

"I had what you could call a chaotic childhood. My parents divorced when I was 2; I went back and forth between my mom's and dad's houses for years.

"But, you know, my parents tried to do the right thing. As crazy as everything was, and as much fighting and everything, there was always a feeling of support from them. They were doing the best they could, and you understand that when you grow up. But I know now, through their example, what things I don't want in my child's life. When I was younger, my mom loved me so much that she didn't know how to handle it when I didn't do the right thing. And her disappointment would come out through anger. But you know what? I don't hold it against her. I'm not mad at her now. But that will never happen with Tony and me. You live and you learn and you come to understand that your parents have their own frustrations and issues that you don't know about or aren't capable of understanding when you're young. Just like now, my son has no idea of what I've just been through for him. But no matter what you're going through as a parent, you don't ever lay that on your kid. Children need to be surrounded by nothing but love, kindness, and support."

Her Ryan Seacrest pep talk

"I went into the Idol audition with no expectations; that's just the kind of person I am. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't hurt so badly, you know? But once I made it past the first round, and the second, and third -- I started to realize, Maybe my goals and dreams really are attainable. It was hard during Idol because there were times when I didn't even get to see Tony awake. Toward the end of the show, [my ex-boyfriend] big Tony and little Tony were living with me. I'd wake up early to leave for rehearsals, and my son would be sleeping. Then sometimes I wouldn't get home until 10 to 15 hours later, and he'd already be in bed. It was hard, and I did go talk to Ryan [Seacrest] at one point because he works 24/7 and I knew he would understand. He gave me the best advice: He said the best thing I could ever do was work hard enough now so I could take care of my family. And it's true. Sometimes you have to work really hard and make sacrifices so you can provide for the people you love."

The truth about her breakup

"I really want to clear up some misunderstood stuff about Tony's and my breakup the night of the Idol finale, and let people know how amazing he was through the whole process. I feel like he's getting portrayed as this person who up and left me on the biggest day of my life, and that's not the case at all. I mean, he's getting hate mail and horrible messages online. So I want to make clear how amazing, kind, and generous a person he is, and that he truly considers my son his son and little Tony loves him. He's been there since my son was about 3 months old. And in a lot of ways, he's the perfect man; he really is. But ultimately, we both knew it wasn't going to work out, considering the different lives we were leading. And it's better to come to that realization than to have an unhappy relationship. Mommy and Daddy need to be happy in order for baby to be happy."

Her scariest Idol moment

"During Idol, I really hadn't been taking great care of myself. You want to forget you're diabetic for a while, and maybe you don't watch yourself as well as you should. I ended up getting sick in March, and they told me I was off the show. I wasn't going to take that. I begged, I screamed, I pleaded. I said, 'I want to meet with the head honchos. I need this so bad for my kid. I'll go home if I'm voted off, but not because of this.' That's the one time I threw a huge fit, and thankfully, they gave in."

The perks of insta-fame

"Sometimes I wake up and all of this good fortune seems crazy; other times it feels like the next step on my path. But I have to say, I'm still the same person. When I had my hometown parade on the show, I called up my twin brother, Carl, and I was like, 'Hey, Carl, I'm coming home.' And he was like, 'Parades are for presidents and astronauts. What did you do?' I loved it. He made me laugh for a good hour.

"Even though I have some financial security right now, it's not me to go start splurging on random things. I mean, I've lived my entire life with basically nothing, so what do I need now? The only thing I have splurged on is my son's college fund. He has a college fund, and that makes me happy. I love to say that: 'My son has a college fund.' I never had one. My parents couldn't do that for me. So I love that I'm now able to give that to Tony."

Stepping into a new life

"I like being busy; I like working hard. So in a lot of ways, everything that's happening feels completely natural, like this is what was meant to be. This summer I'll be all over the country on the American Idol tour, flying back and forth between that and Los Angeles. I think Tony will stay here with friends and family who are helping me look after him. But once it's my own tour, he will definitely be with me. And he'll be able to see and have all these experiences, meet all these new and interesting people, do a lot of unique things a lot of kids don't get to do. So it's a lot of new stuff for both of us. I'm looking forward to it.

"Eventually I'd love to find us a more stable place. I'd like to be either here in L.A. or in New York, because that's where Mommy can work. But for now, Tony's jet-setting, and he enjoys it. He loves going new places. And as cheesy as this is, home to me is where the heart is. I'm very at home in my skin. I'm at home when my son is with me."

Why her love life is on hold

"I'd love to have another kid, but as far as love.... You know, love happens when it happens; it's not something you search for. 'Cause you won't find it when you're looking. And when I think about, Do I want to get married someday?--it's a strange thing. For me, marriage is about love, not paperwork. I've never been the kid who dreamed of the big white dress, the long veil, the fancy diamond ring. If I ever do get married, I want my husband to be someone who's honest, kind, generous, with a sense of spirituality. I'm not so worried about looks; I'm more attracted to someone's mind than anything else."

The big reward

"Tony's first word this morning was happy. I am not joking. At some point in the night, I must've grabbed him out of his crib and brought him into bed with me, and we woke up this morning cuddling. And he sits up and he looks at me and he goes, 'Happy.' And I almost cried. I'm like, 'Really?' I'm doing something right and it feels so good. To me, the definition of success is happiness."

By: As told to Lori Berger, Redbook

Monday, July 12, 2010

Crystal Bowersox: On Balancing Motherhood and Music

Crystal Bowersox: Balancing Motherhood and Music Is Hard

American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox has seemingly mastered motherhood by day, musician by night, but now that she’s ready to head out on tour, the singer is preparing herself for a new routine — without her 17-month-old son Tony by her side.

“People don’t realize that before Idol, I gigged a lot. I used to play four one-hour shows a night, five nights a week in Chicago and Ohio,” Bowersox, 24, tells to PARADE.

“But on the Idol tour, I’m just doing four songs a show. The traveling is going to be the hard part. Also, the fact that my son’s not coming with me.”

Fortunately, Bowersox’s family has stepped up to the plate when it comes to caring for her toddler while she’s away.

“My son will be with family and friends. No matter where he is, he’ll be well taken care of and loved,” she insists.

“And his Mama’s gonna miss the crap out of him! But I’ll get to see him for little bits here and there.”

And although, at times, they’ll be hundreds of miles apart, thanks to modern-day technology, the mother-son pair will always be in contact!

“I just discovered Skype! So, he and I will definitely be Skyping!” Bowersox reveals. “Tony is getting the hang of how to use the phone. He can’t have a full conversation yet, but he knows it’s Mama.”

As for Tony following in her footsteps, Bowersox admits she wouldn’t be against the idea of her son joining her in the music industry. After all, she notes, he has been hearing music since the womb.

“I played gigs up until he was born. I had to put my guitar off to the side a little bit because my belly was too big to have my guitar hanging in front of me,” she says, adding that the music world is all Tony — whose favorite toys include a keyboard and baby bongos — knows.

“Besides, music is good for cognitive development. Tony’s advanced — I think that every mom says that about their kids. But, really, Tony’s a very social little guy. He says ‘hi’ to everyone he meets.”

– Anya Leon, People Magazine

Thursday, July 8, 2010

19/Jive Records Press Release ~ Record Deal with Crystal Bowersox

Jive/19 Make Record Deal With Crystal Bowersox Official

Crystal Bowersox's record deal with 19/Jive Records was made official with a press release.

“I’m really grateful to be given this opportunity to make an album and let people hear my music,” Crystal says, “and I’m looking forward to working with all of the folks at 19/Jive.”

“Crystal is one of the most naturally gifted and talented singer songwriters to have ever come out of Idol,” says Simon Fuller. “The breadth of her talent is inspiring.”

“In addition to being a gifted singer, Crystal has demonstrated that she has a dynamic stage presence and fans really connect with her sincerity and straight-forwardness,” states Barry Weiss, Chairman and CEO of RCA/JIVE Label Group. “Crystal is in a league of her own and we look forward to working with her.”

Want a taste of Crystal's amazing stage presence? See Crystal Bowersox in Concert!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Idols LIVE Tour Update: 7 Concerts Canceled & 8 Rescheduled!

FANS here is the revised schedule for the Idols Live Summer Tour. Pay very close attention; some September concerts are now scheduled for July!

The tour kicked off July 1st and will now wrap up on August 31st.

In all, 7 concerts were canceled (Omaha, Kansas City, Winnipeg, Toronto, Buffalo, Cleveland and Portland) and 8 were rescheduled (Bridgeport, Pittsburgh, Des Moines, Minneapolis, Chicago, Toledo, Cincinnati and Indianapolis).


7/7 - Wantagh, NY – Nikon at Jones Beach
7/9 – Bridgeport, CT – Arena at Harbor Yard
7/10 – Atlantic City, NJ - Mark G. Etess Arena
7/11 – Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
7/13 – Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
7/14 – Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena
7/15 – Hershey, PA – GIANT Center
7/17 – Albany, NY – Times Union Center
7/18 – Mansfield, MA – Comcast Center
7/20 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
7/21 – Pittsburgh, PA – First Niagara Pavilion (venue change)
7/23 – Washington, DC - Jiffy Lube Live
7/24 – Baltimore, MD - 1st Mariner Arena
7/25 – Charlotte, NC – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
7/27 – Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena

7/29 – Virginia Beach, VA - Virginia Beach Amphitheater
7/31 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
8/1 - Duluth, GA – Arena at Gwinnett Center
8/3 - Sunrise, FL – BankAtlantic Center
8/4 - Tampa, FL – St. Pete Times Forum
8/7 - Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion
8/8 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center
8/9 - Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
8/12 – Phoenix, AZ – US Airways Center
8/13 – Los Angeles, CA - STAPLES Center
8/14 – Mountainview, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountainview
8/16 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
8/17 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
8/18 – Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena
8/20 – Seattle, WA – KeyArena
8/21 – Portland, OR – Rose Garden
8/23 – Denver, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheatre
8/25 – St. Louis, MO – Scottrade Center
8/26 – Des Moines, IA - Wells Fargo Arena
8/27 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
8/28 – Chicago, IL – United Center
8/29 – Toledo, OH – The Huntington Center
8/30 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
8/31 – Indianapolis, IN – Conseco Fieldhouse

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

UPDATE: Crystal Goes Home Before Tour/BID on CRYSTAL BOWERSOX SIGNED GUITAR to benefit OHIO TORNADO RELIEF EFFORTS

Mama Sox stops home before tour

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Crystal Bowersox spent Monday morning in Toledo and took a break from warming up in Detroit for the start of the American Idol 2010 Tour, which kicks off Thursday at The Palace.

Bowersox performed live at the Clear Channel radio studios.

The American Idol Season 9 runner-up and Elliston native said she's been quite busy since the FOX reality singing show, with rehearsals and appearances across the United States.

While at the radio station she signed guitars that will be auctioned off for the June 5-6 tornado relief effort.

"All I can really say is there's always a brighter day ahead of you no matter how dark it's been," Bowersox said. "I'm going to do everything I can to help Northwest Ohio and give back to my community."

Due to contractual obligations she can't do more in the relief effort right now, but does say a benefit concert is in the works possibly this fall after the tour wraps up in mid-September.

The American Idol Tour 2010 is scheduled for Sept. 2 at The Huntington Center in Toledo.

*UPDATE
During Crystal's appearance on the Rick and Mary Beth in the Morning show on 101.5 The River on June 28, Bowersox signed a guitar that will be auctioned off by Clear Channel to benefit the Greater Toledo Chapter of the American Red Cross. All proceeds will benefit area Tornado Relief efforts. The guitar, a Great Divide Summit Series solid cedar acoustic with case will be on auction until July 9 at 5 p.m.

Fox Toledo.com Tuesday, 29 Jun 2010
*Updated by MS Chloe Monday 5 Jul 2010

Crystal Bowersox Gets Rave Review from USA Today!

Mama Sox rocks Detroit

The audience greets Crystal Bowersox with a standing ovation, and she strolls onstage, strumming the opening chords for 4 Non Blondes' What's Up -- a song she has said she tried to perform on the show but couldn't get writer Linda Perry to grant the license.

Crystal has traded in her mic stand for a wireless headset mic, allowing her to roam the stage freely. "Sing along, guys, it's real easy," she encourages the crowd, and they respond, gladly.

For Crystal, the signs have come out: "Holy Toledo Mama Socks Rocks" reads one, and another says, "Village Idiot [Hearts] You," referring to a venue she used to play.

"These lights are so bright, it's hard to see anybody up in the back, so can I hear you?" A roar starts in the back and works forward. "That's what I like to hear!" Crystal says.

"This song is by a new good friend of mind, Melissa Etheridge," she says, as she introduces Come to My Window. The song starts slow, so the audience sits down, but many of them get on their feet again as it picks up at the chorus.

Crystal's smiling big tonight. "This is pretty cool, man. This is the first date on our tour. We've never done this before. How do you like it?" The crowd absolutely loves it.

Crystal sits on the edge of the stage for Patty Griffin's Up to the Mountain, and the audience in the front rows crowd as close to her as they can. She can't stay there long, though -- there's too much passion in this melody to keep seated. The crowd has offers scattered screams of support throughout her performance, and, when she finishes, many of them rise with their applause.

Crystal introduces her next song by saying she auditioned with it, singing it a cappella. She's glad to have the chance to do it with a full band now. It's Piece of My Heart, which she turns into a set-closing rave-up with just a touch of Janis Joplin. The audience knows she's got it, and it clearly makes them feel good.

source:USAToday.com

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Crystal Bowersox ~ The Us Magazine Interview, with Lee DeWyze

Days after being crowned the newest American Idol, Lee DeWyze tells UsMagazine.com he was honored to be a part of Simon Cowell’s final season.

"With Simon leaving the way he did...it was a big deal," DeWyze, 24, tells Us. "It was a really big season and a real big honor to be a part of it."

Adds runner-up Crystal Bowersox: "It's a pivotal season for American Idol. It leaves a lot of open-ended things and there's really limitless possibilities for the show," the singer-songwriter, 24, says. "For us, we've got a great launching pad and we're both going to be forever grateful to the show."

Since Wednesday's finale, both have signed record deals and will begin working on their albums while on tour this summer. In the meantime, DeWyze and Bowersox will join the rest of the Top 10 in rehearsals for the American Idol tour, which kicks off July 1 in Auburn Hills, Mich.

"We’re still working on the set and the order I’m gonna do them in, but I’m definitely looking forward to songs that I’ve picked," DeWyze -- who hinted he'll be covering a Kings of Leon song -- says. "It's going to be really fun."

Friday, July 2, 2010

Crystal Bowersox Reality Rocks Interview - part 2

American Idol Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox meets with Reality Rocks' Lyndsey Parker for a backstage Interview - part 2 of 2.



Thursday, July 1, 2010

Crystal Bowersox Reality Rocks Interview - part 1 of 2

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox meets Lyndsey Parker ('Reality Rocks') for an amazing Interview - part 1 of 2.