Crystal Bowersox

Singer-songwriter Crystal Bowersox is a contestant on the ninth season of American Idol. She auditioned in Chicago, Illinois, and said that she is doing this all for her seven-month-old son. Bowersox had her hair in dreads, along with a chin piercing and a giant sunflower tattoo on her back. She first performed on stage while in second grade when she was cast as the role of a snowflake. Her hobbies include knitting, sculpting, drawing and "making people feel at home."http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_9/golden_ticket_interviews/chrystal_bowersox/ She has a twin brother, Carl, who she calls a "square."

American Idol

For her first live performance, Bowersox sang "One Hand in My Pocket," originally by Alanis Morissette. She also played the guitar and harmonica during the performance. Her feedback from Randy Jackson was that he loved her originality and honesty in her performances. Ellen Degeneres feels Idol is lucky that she decided to audition for the show. Simon Cowell said that as much as he likes her, but that there are thousands of her singing at each subway. He asked her to make each song her own. Kara DioGuardi smiled and said "you were good tonight." She went on to say that she wants less of a coffee house performer, and to fill the stage.

Her second live performance was delayed for a day due to being hospitalized for reasons unknown. She was released on March 2, 2010, but not permitted to sing. On March 3, she performed a gospel rendition of "Long As I Can See The Light" by Credence Clearwater Revival. Randy Jackson called her "the truth" and loves how she stays true to herself. Ellen Degeneres called it "pure, raw, natural talent." Kara DioGuardi believed her peformance was better than last weeks, and felt the singing came from her heart. Simon Cowell admitted to completely underestimating her last week, and feels "this is the moment, like with Kelly Clarkson, that we've got a serious artist here, congratulations."

As a member of the top 18, Bowersox sang "Gimme One Reason" by Tracy Chapman. Randy Jackson loved that, loved her, loved the song, and hollered "I'm a fan!" Ellen Degeneres is tired of coming up with adjectives for her, calling her performance the best of the night. Kara DioGuardi agreed, and added that she just knows what to do up on the stage. Simon Cowell said that she is one hundred-million-billion percent going to be here next week, and that she is the one everyone has to beat.

During Rolling Stones week with the top 12 contestants, Crystal performed "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Randy thought her performance was great, even though it wasn't his favorite from her. Ellen agreed, that it wasn't her best, but still amazing. Ellen asked her to stop thinking so much on stage, and Kara agreed. Kara noted that Crystal did loosen up a bit more tonight, and that she's easy to watch. Simon didn't think the song had what she needed, as she needed a bit of drama.

Miley Cyrus was Crystal's mentor for the song "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin. Randy hollered "America, this is American Idol and that's what called being a star!! That's the way you do it!" Ellen said she was great, but still feels like she's missing a bit of personality. Kara agreed, but said she felt more in tonight's performance that last weeks, but wants her to drop the guitar next week. Simon disagreed, saying he wouldn't change anything.

American Idol Songs

Top 11 Song, March 23, 2010: "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin
Top 12 Song, March 17, 2010: "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones
Top 16 Song, March 9, 2010: "Gimme One Reason" by Tracy Chapman
Top 20 Song, March 3, 2010: "Long As I Can See The Light" by Credence Clearwater Revival
Top 24 Song, February 23, 2010: "Hand in My Pocket" by Alanis Morissette