Crystal Bowersox sings "Up to the Mountain" on the Idols Live Tour!

American Idol Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox sings "Up to the Mountain" on the Idols Live Tour!

Crystal Bowersox sings "What’s Up" at Auburn Hills & Summerfest on the Idols Live Tour!

American Idol Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox sings 4 Non Blondes'"What’s Up" (the song many people refer to as "What's Going On") on the American Idols Live Tour! The first video of Crystal is from opening night of Idols LIVE at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, Michigan; the next is from the second night of the tour, where Crystal and the other Top 10 performed at Milwaukee's Summerfest.

Can't wait for Crystal's solo tour? Then see her 'mini-concert' this summer! Crystal gets more stage time than anyone except Lee! See Crystal Bowersox, Lee Dewyze, and the Top 10 finalists this summer at American Idols LIVE!

Crystal Bowersox and the American Idol Top 10 sing "It’s My Life" and "My Life Would Suck Without You"

American Idol Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox and the American Idol Top 10 sing Bon Jovi's "It’s My Life" and Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You" on the Idols Live Tour.

Crystal Bowersox sings "Piece of my Heart" in Milwaukee

American Idol Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox sings Janis Joplin's "Piece of my Heart" on the Idols Live Tour! The first video is from the second night of the Top 10's concert at Milwaukee's Summerfest and the second is from the July 5th show in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (the ONLY Canadian stop of the Idols LIVE Tour, now that Winnipeg and Toronto have been canceled...)

Crystal Bowersox sings "Come To My Window" on the Idols Live Tour!

American Idol Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox sings Melissa Etheridge's "Come To My Window" on the Idols Live Tour at Milwaukee's Summerfest!

Crystal Bowersox and the American Idol Top 10 sing "The Climb" Live!

American Idol Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox and the American Idol Top 10 sing Miley Cyrus' "The Climb" on the Idols Live Tour.

Crystal Bowersox Honors her Hometown! Sings "HOLY TOLEDO" at Idols LIVE!!

American Idol Season 9 runner-up (and the winner in the eyes of her hometown crowd!) Crystal Bowersox had a surprise in store for all her fans who showed up when the Idols LIVE! Tour came to Crystal's native Toledo, Ohio to play the Huntington Center on August 29th, 2010.

Crystal sang an original song ~ a very emotional rendition of "Holy Toledo" to her hometown Fans, and dedicated it to a friend who just passed, Mark Brink, the writer of "The Saddest Song That I Never Wrote." "Holy Toledo" replaced Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain" in Crystal's set, and was the first time, ever, that an Idol performed an original song on the Idols LIVE! Tour. The Fans seemingly loved it, and to use an apt metaphor, "The crowd went wild!" Or as one man tweeted, "all 40 year old males are going berserk!!"

Crystal Bowersox @ Staples Center singing to her son

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox sings Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window" to her son Tony, who was being held by a friend, right behind the videographer.

The Fifth Judge Interview with Crystal Bowersox from American Idol

By Kristen Coachmen for The Fifth Judge


After writing about the contestants of American Idol season nine this year, I had an opportunity to sit down with several of the contestants during their tour stop in Sacramento, CA.

Runner-up Crystal Bowersox and I talk water balloon fights, Ellen's decision to leave Idol and how she stays in contact with her son while on tour.

How’s tour going?

It’s good!

Good! Do you have any fun bus stories that you can share?

Ummm, not really. Today, however, is a special occasion, I ‘spose. I caught wind on Twitter that some fans were going to be waiting outside with water balloons.

Oh, I’ve seen them! They’re out there. They’ve got a ton. Crystal Bowersox performing in Sacramento, CA.

Well, so how much is a ton?

There’s a small cooler and it’s filled.

Okay, we’ve got a big cooler and we’re filling it up right now.

I’m going outside to watch.

It’ll be fun.

You’re signed?

Yes.

Have you been working on your album, yet?

Nope, I’m on tour.

Okay, so you’re not doing what Lee’s doing going back and forth?

Well, I mean, you know writing stuff and just kind of figuring all that out, but I don’t want to rush it. I want to be bright. I want to do one thing at a time. Right now my attention is devoted to putting on a good show every night for the tour, and after that I’ll focus on the album.

Do you have anyone in mind that you might want to work with or write with for your album?

I’ve said a couple names already, I don’t want to make too many promises, because I don’t know what’s going to be set in stone yet.

I know that you’ve been doing work with diabetes awareness, I was wondering if you could explain who you’re working with and what your purpose is with that?

Okay, personally I’ve been type 1 diabetic since I was about six, and I’ve been working with the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), I went to Washington D.C. while we were there to talk to the advisors of the President about something called, “The Special Diabetes Program.” That’s the government funding for the JDRF. It constitutes one-third of their funding, so it’s definitely important that that’s always renewed. If it’s not, that’s a huge chunk of JDRF funding, and we’re looking for a cure.

I think that’s great that you take your celebrity and do something purposeful with it.

We’ve all received plenty of help, you gotta give it back.

With Idol tryouts going on, what advice do you have for future contestants?

Save your money, cause if you make it and you get past the rounds and you’re in it, they don’t really take care of you until it gets down to the nitty gritty. You need a little cushion to fall back on for living expenses or whatever, pay your bills and stuff. Start saving now, have a nice cushion to land on.

Were you shocked with Ellen’s decision to leave?

Not at all. I didn’t see it coming, I didn’t anticipate it or anything, but I definitely understand where she’s coming from. Ellen’s a sweet-hearted lady, I could see her being a little uncomfortable judging people. In her career, she’s been judged so much too, I couldn’t see where she’d want to do that for a living to anyone else.

Do you think that it is more important for the new judge to be a success in the music world or be an industry insider?

The thing that Ellen brought to the show was the consumer’s attitude and opinion. I think that as far as replacing Ellen goes, they should have another music appreciator, maybe a music critic or a writer, someone who knows music and things like that. And maybe for Simon’s spot, definitely an insider in the industry, who can spot talent when they see it.

I read recently, that they [Idol] are talking about focusing more on you guys the performers, more so than casting. Do you think in the past, while you were on the show that they focused more on casting over your actual performances?

They definitely do that. Through my experience in the tryouts and everything, there were some phenomenal, phenomenal people who didn’t make it. I’m not really sure why, if it was a look they were looking for, if it was a certain thing, but I think it is character casting almost, and it should focus more on the music.

With the tour coming to a close, what are you going to take from this experience?

A long nap, that’s what I’m going to take. A long nap. This has definitely been an experience, one we can learn from about life on the road and how to do it. And what it takes to have this lifestyle and be this busy. I’ll know what to expect on one of my own tours, and all of this is really testing yourself on what you can really handle.

I have some fan questions. What is the most random item that you’ve signed?

We get a lot of requests to sign arms and body parts.

Have you seen one of those [autographs] tattooed on yet?

Oh no, not yet. Someone asked me to sign their crying child, didn’t do it. People get a lot of different things.

Your favorite kitchen appliance?

Favorite kitchen appliance? Probably a food processor. Used it to make baby food, make guacamole, you know lots of fun stuff. I don’t know.

One thing that you wouldn’t be able to get through the tour without?

My guitar, my insulin. Some clothes, my computer. My computer definitely, I Skype to the kid, my baby.

How is he?

He’s good, he’s handling all of this really well.

Is it difficult for you to be apart from him for lengths of time like this?

Oh yeah. I think it’s hard for any parent really to be away from their kid for any length of time. We as parents, do it for them, so it’s totally worth it.

Do you feel that Twitter works as a good connection for you to talk to fans?

Yeah, it’s definitely a good connection. They can stay informed, you can joke around, and I think it gives more of an intimate connection with the people who love what you do. They all know your name and you might not know them, and they’re the ones who are making it happen for ya. I think it’s a good thing.

Thank you very much, have a good show tonight!

Thank you.

CRYSTAL BOWERSOX Fundraiser, WIN 2 TICKETS TO IDOLS LIVE 8/29, singalong welcome for Elliston ‘Idol’

Fans plan fundraiser, singalong welcome for Elliston ‘Idol’

MamaSox Nation and MamaSox Village Idiots are hosting an Aug. 28 pre-“American Idol” Live gathering in honor of Crystal Bowersox’s return to Northwest Ohio.

“We wanted to do this grass-roots for her. We thought it would be a great thing to do because this is really her homecoming and it’s not just the show itself,” said Jeff Bridge, of Tucson, Ariz., a member of the Village Idiots’ “Boared” who will be at the event.

The gathering will be the final day of the Sun Flower Project, an online fundraiser to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) in Bowersox’s name. All funds raised during the evening will benefit JDRF.

Bowersox

“I definitely approve, but I’m not running it … I think it’s all good intentions and I’m all for it,” Bowersox said in a message to Toledo Free Press about the project.

Bowersox and the “American Idol Live!” tour come to the Huntington Center on Aug. 29.

Members of MamaSox Nation started the Sun Flower Project to raise money from June until Bowersox’s Toledo tour date. The Village Idiots, whose goal is to function as a fan partnership with Bowersox, assisting her causes and charitable endeavors, paired with MamaSox Nation for the evening to help raise money for the project.

“We want to help them raise as much money as we can that night, help them reach their original goal,” Bridge said. “We really want to help the Sun Flower Project finish strong.”

Approximately $1,200 has been raised for the Sun Flower Project and the groups hope to raise more money during the pre-show event, according to Michelle Reed, one individual in charge of the project.

The groups will raffle off signed Bowersox T-shirts, as well as a signed Bowersox pendant, Bridge said. The evening will also be live streamed online for those who cannot attend, he said. As part of the pre-show party Toledo Free Press will give away two tickets to the Aug. 29 “American Idol” Live! Tour for Aug. 29 to see Bowersox in concert.

“The fan club asked if they could meet here and we said yes,” said Tom Sullivan, executive chef at the Village Idiot. “Crystal played here for about a year before she was on the show. She considered this a place she started out.”

The Village Idiot will donate a portion of pizza sales to the JDRF at the end of the evening, Sullivan said. In addition to pre-show events, Andrew Ellis and the Setting Suns will play at the Village Idiot at 10 p.m.

The pre-show gathering starts at 7 p.m. Aug. 28. For more information, visit the website

www.mamasoxvillageidiots.com.

‘Holy Toledo’ singalong

MamaSox Village Idiots are using social media to get individuals to come out and sing “Holy Toledo” for Crystal Bowersox as she exits the “American Idol Live!” tour bus Aug. 29.

“We want to show that we care for her and give thanks to her,” said Sydney Conover, chief graphic designer and “Boared” member for MamaSox Village Idiots. “Holy Toledo’ was a song she wrote when she was 17 before she left town. It was a song she was able to sing when she came back to Toledo and it was the first original song they allowed played on ‘Idol’.”

The group hopes to have more than 100 people commit to coming out and singing “Holy Toledo” to Bowersox as she leaves the tour bus.

The Village Idiots are asking individuals to tweet “#holytoledo It’s time to give back to Mamasox. Need 100 people to sing Holy Toledo as Crystal leaves their tour bus. LET’S GIVE BACK TO MAMA,” to get the word out about the event.

The group is still working on tentative times for everyone to come sing for Bowersox, but will let everyone know through its website and through Twitter. Words to “Holy Toledo” can be found at the MamaSox Village Idiots website forum.

Source: Kristen Rapin | |toledofreepress.com

Crystal Bowersox Answers Fan's Twitter Questions via Video!

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox answers fan-submitted Twitter questions, during a break from the Idols LIVE concert tour, courtesy of AI Now.

Crystal Bowersox letting off steam with a Water Balloon Fight!

American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox lets off steam and has some laughs with members of The Village Idiots. Crystal and Big Mike take a little well-needed break before the Idols LIVE concert in Sacramento, CA show by having a water balloon fight!

Crystal Bowersox talks about her upcoming album and the American Idol Tour

Crystal Bowersox talks about her upcoming album and the American Idol Tour.

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox blazes her own path

Crystal Bowersox blazes her own path

Crystal Bowersox did not win "American Idol" this year, but that's just fine with her.

The young mom with the blonde dreadlocks won over season nine fans and judges with her heartfelt, soulful takes on classic '60s and '70s songs.

In the end, she lost the title to Lee DeWyze — but got a record deal with 19 Recordings/Jive Records.

So what kind of record does she want to make? Something in the vein of Ray LaMontagne or Melissa Etheridge?

"I don't want it to be like anyone else's," she said in a phone interview from Florida. "I take most of my inspiration from life —I want it to be my words."

She was pegged as a bit of an old soul this season, and that doesn't bother her.

"I listen to all sorts of music and check everything out," she said, "but what I love is kind of limited to what touches me and what moves me."

Staying true to herself an making "real, organic" music is her priority.

"I will not being singing 'Blah, Blah, Blah,' " she said, a reference to the radio-friendly pop of Ke$ha.

Of the other nine finalists she's touring with, she would be most likely to record a duet or track with Casey James, she said.

"I really like Casey's stuff — he's definitely a real musician, and I like his southern rock, country style."

Two of the biggest challenges for her during the tour are managing her type-1 diabetes (she wears an insulin pump 24/7) and
adjusting to life without her 18-month-old son, Tony. She gets to talk to him and see him occasionally, but "it's never enough."

Becoming a household name doesn't seem to have fazed the singer, whom fans lovingly dubbed "Mama Sox."

"I think people need to remember that we're human, we need space and time and you can't please everyone all the time," she said. "You've got to worry about taking care of yourself."

Source: CARY ASPINWALL World Scene Writer/TulsaWorld

Michael Franti says he's "excited to work with" Crystal Bowersox!

Michael Franti on Crystal Bowersox: “I’m Excited to Work With Her”

Michael Franti had a massive hit with “Say Hey (I Love You)” but he’s been on the fringes of the music business for years as an alternative/political artist. In most circumstances, it would be hard for him to imagine working with an artist from American Idol.

But when he got the call from Crystal Bowersox, he was eager to work with her.

“I’ve talked with Crystal on the phone a few times. She’s a really really talented artist, singer, songwriter. We’ve got the same hairstyle! She’s somebody who wants to make a difference in the world and that’s really unique for a young artist to say ‘not only do I want to make music that can sell and be on the radio, but that changes people’s moment and helps people get through difficult times.’ I’m excited to work with her.”

Happy Birthday, Crystal Bowersox!

Happy Birthday, Crystal Bowersox!

It may be an especially raucous party at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Florida tonight, as not only is the "American Idols Live" tour making a stop there, but it is also Crystal Bowersox's birthday. The runner-up from the most recent season of "Idol" turns 25 years old today, and she has managed to pack an incredible narrative into only a quarter-century.

The Ohio native grew up with her twin brother in a small blue collar town and got into music at a very early age. She began playing songs in local bars when she was only 13 years old, and since then she has rarely put down a guitar, whether it was playing small local gigs, busking or performing on "American Idol." She immediately drew the fascination of the "Idol" audience when she first appeared on the show, as she did not match the type of contestant the program normally draws. With the power of her dreadlocks, her honest approach to songs, her laid-back personality and her status as a mother (which earned her the nickname "Mamasox"), she became an early favorite during the show's ninth season. It wasn't always a smooth ride, either, as she nearly left the show after being hospitalized (she has Type 1 diabetes). But she managed to come back, overcome the odds and finish in second place behind winner Lee DeWyze. She has been one of the highlights of the "American Idols Live" tour, rolling out such jams as 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up," Melissa Etheridge's "Come to My Window" and "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson.

Bowersox had a number of memorable moments on the show, but she managed to outdo Alanis Morissette with her cover of "Hand in My Pocket." Here's hoping she's enjoying a happy birthday and that we get to hear original tracks from Mamasox sooner rather than later.

Source: Kyle Anderson/MTV

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."

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

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

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.