Bowersox advances to the top 24 on American Idol

By C. Dials

American Idol hopeful and local performer Crystal Bowersox, age 24, from Elliston,Ohio made her prime-time debut on Fox's music talent show for season 9.

Bowersox, with a guitar strapped around her shoulder, was asked by celebrity guest judge Shania Twain why she brought the instrument to the audition when she can't play it when performing for the judges.

"It's kind of a comfort blanket for me," Bowersox replied."

It worked. Bowersox's powerful vocals on Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" wowed the judges, and sent her to Hollywood with a full-house vote.

She impressed the judges again with her personal spin when she performed Aretha Franklin's classic "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" during the American Idol Hollywood Week (day 1) auditions at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

Crystal received a standing ovation from the audience.

She competed in round 2 against 60 or so other Idol hopefuls for a chance to advance to the next round of 12 women, 12 men.

She performed Sheryl Crow's "If It Makes you Happy; which confirmed her position in the top 24 as of February 17, 2010.

Crystal is a Oak Harbor High School graduate.