Bowersox makes top 12 'Idol' finalists

By C. Dials

Crystal Bowersox, 24 of Elliston, Ohio, auditioned in Chicago last summer after spending a good part of the last five years living in Chicago. Last week she made it in the Top 12.

''I've known who I am for a long time," she said. "I've been doing this for a long time. Yet, it was this year, after becoming a mother, that I came completely into my own and became completely comfortable in my own skin."

''I think that shows, and people seem to be responding to it," said Bowersox.

While the singer worked the music scene at various local clubs, ''I really think some of the best training , so to speak , for 'American Idol' came from all the times I was playing for quarters in the subway and on the L platforms."

As she walked the blue carpet last Thursday, in a black wrap dress and carefully applied makeup, it was clear that Bowersox had glammed up her look from her days by the subway station.

Last Thursday was a ''bit of a roller coaster, pretty emotional,'' as Bowersox put it. While she and Dewyze were thrilled to make the final 12, the two singers felt sad that competitors they had personally bonded with, Katelyn Epperly and Lilly Scott, had been sent home.

''I'm celebrating the fact I'm still here, but I'm also grieving for the loss of my friends,'' Bowersox said.

Another Idol contestant, Lee Dewyze agreed, ''I made some really good friends, and it's never fun to see friends go. But as far as the competition goes, I'm going to keep doing what I think I do best and go as far as I can.''

"Right now, you are the one everyone has to beat," Simon Cowell told the 24-year-old singer after her performance of Tracy Chapman's bluesy hit "Give Me One Reason" on Tuesday night's Idol. "I'm telling you, it's yours to lose."

Mr. Cowell was so certain of Ms. Bowersox's future on the Fox show, he guaranteed the former Blade Battle of the Bands winner was "one million, billion percent going to be in the top 12 next week."

While other judges gushed about her performance, "I need new adjectives for you; I'm sick and tired of saying you're amazing," Ellen DeGeneres enthused, Ms. Bowersox may have serious competition from one of the men.

On Thursday, March 18, both Bowersox and Dewyze attempted to keep things going on their Idol quest as they and their fellow finalists tackled songs by the Rolling Stones.

Bowersox sang her rendition of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" and Dewyze chose "Beast of Burden."

The other finalists are Siobhan Magnus, 20, of Marstons Mills, Mass.; Lacey Brown, 24, of Amarillo, Texas; Paige Miles, 24, of Houston; Didi Benami, 23, of Los Angeles; Andrew Garcia, 24, Moreno Valley, Calif., Casey James, 27, of Fort Worth, Texas; Tim Urban, 20, of Duncanville, Texas; Aaron Kelley, 16, of Sonestown, Pa., and Lee Dewyze, 23, of Mount Prospect, Ill.

American Idol, in its ninth season, is a ratings juggernaut for Fox.

The music talent show also is responsible for jump-starting the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Chris Daughtry.