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AI 9 Interview: Crystal Bowersox

Written by Tashi from the blog American Idol 9 on 03 Jun 2010
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! A follow-up to the Q&A's with American Idol 9 winner Lee DeWyze ... Crystal Bowersox's interview with the press in US after the American Idol 9 showdown.

Those who asked the questions are: Marc Stone (Daily Brain Candy) Mike Hughes (TV America), Michael Weinfeld (Associated Press Broadcast), Antonia Blyth (US Weekly), Brittany Talarico (OK Magazine), Erica Futterman (Rolling Stone), Maureen Ryan (Chicago Tribune), Sandy Cohen (Associated Press), Gabrielle Dunn (AOL Television), Matt Carter (Examiner.com), Katie Byrne (MTV News), Marc Wilkofsky (Soap Opera Weekly), Amy Carr (Timeout Chicago), Monica Garske (Flash News), Jamie Steinberg (Starry Constellation Magazine) Richard Martin (St. Petersburg Times), Chris Rocchio (Reality TV World), Jackie Strause (Life & Style), Yanir Dekel (MySpace.com) and Laura Schreffler (Hollywood Life).

Here's what she had to say:

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Question: I have a question about your duet with Alanis for the finale. First of all, what was the impression of her? Second, can you see yourself embracing more of a harder edged material, like “You Oughta Know,” for your first CD?
Crystal: I thought Alanis was amazing. She has a kind, gentle spirit. We didn’t talk very much. It was more like quick hello’s and hugs. It was very genuine, and then, performing was really where we communicated.

Question: Could see yourself embracing harder edge stuff?
Crystal: My music is pretty versatile. I’ve got songs in a lot of different genres and styles. I don’t feel like I should be pigeon-holed into any one thing. So, we’ll see as my career develops where I’m going to go.

Question: Crystal, we’ve seen so much change for you, from the point where you said that your boyfriend was going to man up and propose to you real soon, to the point where you broke up just before the finals. How much does that surprise you? How do you think that’s going to affect yourself, going ahead? Now, you’re plunging into all these new things. You’re doing it as a newly single person?
Crystal: Tony has been my rock through all of this. He’s been there for me. He’s been amazing. I’ve got a great amount of respect and love for him - it was a mutual thing.

He’s a small town guy and wants a simple, quiet life. I respect that of him. This is my career; this is what I’ve strived for my whole life. I want to do this for my son. So, we’re going to be okay. We’re going to be friends for a long time.

Question: If you weren’t doing music, would you also enjoy a small town, quiet life?
Crystal: Oh, of course, but I love music. I want to do good things for the world and my family and community, so I’m loving every minute of this.

Question: Following up on that just a bit, did you have any idea the effect that trying out for Idol and just going after a musical career, what the effect would have on your personal life?
Crystal: Yes. I’m a pretty smart girl. I knew what I was signing up for. At least, I had a good idea. You never fully comprehend the situation until you’re in it and out of it. So, I’m rolling with the punches. That’s what I’ve done everyday in my life. Just go forward and do what feels right and what makes me happy.

Question: Since you and Lee get along so well, how about you two dating?
Crystal: Oh, no; that wouldn’t happen. Lee’s like a brother to me. I love him dearly, but not that way.

Question: I was going to ask actually: do you think that all the publicity and the exposure you’ve had will make it difficult in the future to meet someone? I think a lot of celebrities have that problem.
Crystal: No, I don’t feel that way at all. I surround myself in good people and people I trust wholeheartedly. I feel like I’ve got a good circle of friends and support.

Question: So, there’s no-one in particular at the moment. You’re just forging ahead.
Crystal: No. I need really good friends right now. I’m focused on my son and my career. It’ll be okay. Tony is a great guy; I’m not worried about that right now.

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Question: Did you sign two record deals? Is that correct?
Crystal: No. I’m not sure of the legalities of my contract actually, but I know that there’s interest from a few different places, but we’re going to work it out.

Question: Does your son understand the magnitude of everything that is going on? I know he’s really young. He’s probably just there admiring everything and admiring you. How have you handled being a mom during this whole process?
Crystal: 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. So, 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 with 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, that’s what any mom would do.

Question: As an artist, if there was any group or bank or other performing artist you can open for in a concert, who would it be?
Crystal: Oh, there’s 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 Feist.

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.

Question: I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about when you’ll be getting into the studio, and if we can expect that you’ll be singing some of the originals that we’ve already heard from you, or have you given thought to that?
Crystal: Well, I’ve actually got a meeting next week. I’m not really sure of all the details yet myself, but I’m ready to start working and get this underway.

Question: What can you tell us about the sound of your forthcoming CD? Where do you want to go with it?
Crystal: 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 is - I don’t know how different it is, but I just do simple songs for people to relate to, enjoy, and hopefully learn something through my experience.

Question: The whole season of Idol, they were saying that there was going to be a female winner. It was a girl’s season. It didn’t turn out that way. Did you see that gender had any role in how the voting was swanked throughout the season and up to the finale?
Crystal: I don’t feel that way. American Idol is a competition in a certain way that 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. Lee - I love Lee. Lee is great. He is super-talented. I would buy his album in a heartbeat. Whatever happened happened for a reason. I’m extremely proud of him and happy for him.

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Question: I was actually going to talk to you a little bit about “Holy Toledo” because (1) I think it’s an amazing song; and (2) it’s one of the - … might be the first original song that’s ever played actually during an episode of Idol.
Crystal: That is a true statistic.

Question: So, what was the songwriting process behind that song? How did you feel when you heard it playing on the show?
Crystal: 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 just at a point in my life where - I love my hometown, 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. 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.

They’re going to allow me to do some others ..., so I’m very excited about that.

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Question: I was just wondering. I know, you said after the show that you maybe had a feeling that it might not go your way. What was it like when you were sitting there, listening to Ryan drag out the announcement. Were you pretty sure it was going to be Lee, or what were you thinking?
Crystal: I woke up on Wednesday morning. I had breakfast with my friend. It was a calm morning, like any other. I just had an overwhelming sense of peace and acceptance.

Some strange feeling inside of me, 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’s no winner or loser. We’re both going to have very successful careers. I couldn’t be prouder of him.

If you watch the video back, I had mouthed the word, “C’mon, Ryan,” several times. It’s frustrating when he does it, but he is a very smart man. 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. I wanted to celebrate for Lee. 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. I thought this was my confetti. I have won vicariously through Lee because I could empathize so much.

Question: I know you’ve been performing for a long time. I’m just wondering: what’s the strangest gig you’ve ever played in your career as a performer?
Crystal: The strangest gig I ever performed - I actually have a good answer for this - was a skydiver’s wake. It wasn’t the funeral, but it was the wake.

It was a group of people in Perrysburg, Ohio, that were just celebrating the life of a friend. They had a big party out in an open field and the airport. Part of my payment was I could have chose 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 be in that - I’d never do it myself, so I did it. It was the best experience of my life. The people were great. I have fond memories of that.

Question: Was your experience on Idol everything you imagined it would be?
Crystal: There were a lot of surprises. Not 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, the most amazing experience of my life. It really has taught me what I am capable of and how strong I can be for my family and my fans and my friends.

Question: You’ve become an inspiration for young people with diabetes. Can you talk a little bit about how you managed your diabetes during your time on the show? Amy particular challenges, being on the show created, and the help you got.
Crystal: Oh, definitely. This is probably my favorite question. Before Idol, I found myself in certain situations. I never had a lot of money and … going out for that. I mean, good medical care takes money.

Sadly, there’s been times in my life that I had to beg for insulin and different things like that. I understand that side of things. So, having tried out for Idol, I had kept my diabetes a secret from them. I played it down. It’s not a big deal.

Every diabetic goes through that denial process. Once I had gotten sick, back in March, a team of people swarmed in to help me. I never felt so loved in my life.

I just realized that, through the 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 the world. So, that’s the main focus of my career after Idol. I definitely want to do good things.

Question: Did your levels fluctuate a whole lot, being on the show, more than usual?
Crystal: Yes, of course. Stress affects your blood sugar. Eating and sleeping habits -all of it affects you. Through the team of care that I received, I have a complete … and never in my life been so happy as I am right now.

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Question: Do you have any idea of who should replace Simon?
Crystal: Simon is such an epic figure in the show. I don’t. Replace is not a good word for me. Simon is irreplaceable in the sense that he’s Simon.

He’s such a figure, but whoever takes his position is going to do a great job and bring something new to the show. It’ll keep things interesting. Best of luck to whoever gets the spot and to Simon.

Question: Adam Shankman is doing Rock of Ages, the movie version of the musical. He said that he would be open to you and Lee trying out. What do you think of that? Would you do that? Would that interest you?

Crystal: Oh, I’d have to look into the project, but it’s an acting thing, right? Yes. Oh, yeah. I would love to! Drama was my first love, actually, before music when I was young. I’m open to it. I don’t know. I’d have to do a little research and shake some hands and talk to people, but I’m definitely open to something like that.

Question:  So, a lot of people watching the show, there was a lot of talk about your attitude, people thinking they knew what you were thinking. Can you talk a little bit about how your attitude toward the show changed from beginning to end?
Crystal: For years, people have approached me at my shows in Ohio and in 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 like 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, 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. It’s taught me a lot about myself and showed me how strong I can possibly be.

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Question: At one point, there was a report that you were considering quitting the show and Ryan talked you back into that. Is that true at all?
Crystal: I feel like I’ve addressed this before. 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. It was amazing. Ryan’s a good spirit. He’s a good man; he’s a hard worker. 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 just have - you get tired. You get tired. I missed my son. Just had a nice conversation with Ryan. He was very helpful. I highly respect him.

Question: so you didn’t have the keys to the ignition, ready to pull out of the parking lot. Right?
Crystal: No. definitely not. It was not like that at all. I’m not a drama diva queen or whatever people have been saying. None of that.

Question: It seemed like, at times, one of the things that endeared you to a lot of people was that you didn’t - and I hate to say it this way - care about winning. It was more about performing, letting us see how good you were. Would you say that’s correct, to a certain extent?
Crystal: No, I wouldn’t say that’s correct. I mean, I wouldn’t have tried out for the show if I didn’t think that 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 okay.” I definitely had a desire to win, but 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.

Question: Any closing remarks?
Crystal: I just want to thank American Idol for everything. I’d like to thank Lee for just being a great friend throughout all of this, and just thank everybody for all their support.

Ends

Related links:

AI 9 Interview: Lee DeWyze.



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