Crystal Bowersox

[Kim]

Crystal Bowersox Makes Surprise Opry Appearance

March 2, 2011
by Gayle Richardson
theboot.com



Chris Hollo

The Opry stage played host to an unexpected guest over the weekend, as 'American Idol' Season 9 runner-up Crystal Bowersox took the stage. But while audience members were surprised by the appearance, no one was more surprised than Crystal herself. The singer was backstage while the Oak Ridge Boys performed with another 'Idol' runner-up, Bo Bice. Vince Gill, who was performing double-duty as a performer and as the evening's host, invited Crystal to perform for the eager crowd.

"We do things out here for an awful lot of different reasons, but one is spontaneity, one is fun," said Vince. "I went to the management and said, 'Why don't we do the Southern-gentlemanly thing and invite her to sing a song on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry?'"

The new Nashville resident was happy to comply. "I'm standing in the circle!" Crystal boasted from stage. The night was a magical one for the rising star, who performed her self-penned tune, 'Mine All Mine,' while accompanying herself on Vince's acoustic guitar. "I can't believe where I am!" she gushed between verses.

The legendary Opry stage will play host to a celebrity-studded cast this weekend, when several of country music's biggest stars assemble for the Opry All-Star Weekend, which will now include one more superstar. Brad Paisley is the latest artist announced to perform for the event, which will be held March 4 and 5. Other artists scheduled to appear include Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Rodney Atkins and the Band Perry.

In addition, longtime Opry member Jeannie Seely will be in the Opry store on Friday, while Terri Clark will head to the shop on Saturday to meet fans and sign autographs. Tickets are still available for both shows and can be purchased here.

[Kim]

American Idol's Crystal Bowersox Makes Opry Debut





The Grand Ole Opry debut of 2010 Season 9 American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox came as a surprise to both the Opry audience and to Bowersox, herself.

Before an Oak Ridge Boys performance this past Friday (Feb. 25), Opry announcer Mike Terry introduced Bowersox, visiting backstage, to the Opry audience as she waved hello from the side of the stage.

Following the Oaks’ performance on which they were joined by another American Idol alum, Bo Bice, segment host Vince Gill invited Bowersox back to the stage. “We do things out here for an awful lot of different reasons, but one is spontaneity, one is fun,” Gill said. “I went to the management and said, ‘Why don’t we do the Southern gentlemanly thing and invite her to sing a song on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry?’”

Walking on stage to thunderous applause, Bowersox took slow, dramatic steps into the Opry’s famed circle of wood at center stage. “I’m standing in the circle!” she beamed to the audience before singing “Mine All Mine,” a song she’d written for her husband. Accompanying herself on Gill’s acoustic guitar, Bowersox looked up at the balcony crowd between the song’s verses and said, “I can’t believe where I am!”

Photo by Chris Hollo

The auspicious debut was rewarded with a standing ovation.

Contact: [e-mail]

[grg_straitfan]

I hadn't ever really heard anything by Crystal Bowersox, but now I watched this Video, and the song is pretty good! I like it. It's sad, but very good.

[grg_straitfan]

Crystal Bowersox finds balance in stardom, parenthood
American Idol star to play in Grass Valley
By: Matthew Whitley, for the Auburn Journal


In a recent interview with Joan Armatrading, we discussed whether Joni Mitchell would survive such an ordeal as the American Idol process of elimination. At the time, Joan said no and I tended to agree. Later, however, I began to think of Crystal Bowersox.
Here was a young woman, who’d been performing since she was a teen, moving around the country from Chicago to Portland, honing her craft, playing bars, coffeehouse, even train stations to find an audience.
Thoughtful, raw, talented, and that voice! When she performs “Piece of My Heart,” “Natural Woman,” “Bobby McGee” or her own material, it became rather obvious this is one amazing performer.
Simon Cowell called Bowersox “the one everyone has to beat.” Though she was the runner up, it kicked off her career and since the Idol competition, Bowersox has performed with the Blues Travelers, Alanis Morrisette, B.B. King and Harry Connick Jr.; worked with Jakob Dylan of the Wallflowers, released a new album and continues to tour the country, writing and performing her blend of country, folk, rock and blues for an average of 300 shows a year.
Crystal Bowersox is that rare performer who you feel is honest about themselves and their work. We caught up with her and discussed her tour, her writing, American Idol and the show this weekend in Grass Valley.

What were you listening to when you were younger?
“My parents taste in music definitely impacted my own and helped shape the music I’ve written. My father is a blues and classic rock man through and through. My mother is into classic country and soulful women singers like Melissa Etheridge and Bonnie Raitt. I have memories of listening to Big Mama Thorton, BB King, Steppenwolf and ZZ Top at my dad’s house. With my mom, it was and Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.

Do you have any favorite recordings or favorite singers?
“My favorites reflect the music I grew up with. I love Brandi Carlile, Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee, but I go through listening phases. I love all types of music. Sometimes you have to throw on Snoop and Dr. Dre.”

What age do you recall first writing and playing your own material?
“I started making up my own lyrics for existing songs when I was about 8 or 9, and then started composing my own material at age 10. I can’t say those songs were any good ... but it started me on a life-long trajectory.”

Do you remember your very first performance?
“Susie Snowflake. First grade. That counts, right? I started out with school and county fair talent shows; on to cafes, bars, funerals, weddings ... and thanks to reality TV, I headline shows in theaters and opera houses. It’s been a long trip.”

How does the narrative form evolve in your songwriting?
“Some songs strike like lightning, while others take more effort and time. I try not to dictate the process. I feel as though my best songs wrote themselves, I am just a vessel.”

Do you write a lot of music on the road?
“Writing on the road can be difficult with the rigorous schedule. I get a lot of ideas while traveling, and I make sure to write them down or make a voice memo so that when I am home, I can follow up.”

With 300 shows a year, how do you keep sane? Is such a rigorous schedule hard on your family?
“My lifestyle is anything but traditional. I am on the road a lot, and I am also a single mother, so dividing my time in a manageable way and asking for help when necessary are essential parts of keeping my sanity. My son is my top priority, and in order to be the best mom I can possibly be, I try to eat healthy and exercise. Without good health, none of the rest is even possible. Meditation, making the bed every morning and not sweating the small stuff - that keeps me sane.”

How grueling was the American Idol experience?
“It was definitely an experience. I feel like a completely different person now than I was then, I’ve grown and changed a lot. It’s hard to explain exactly what it was like to anyone who hasn’t been near that kind of circus. The days were long. Up before the sun and late bedtimes, rehearsing most of the day and making plenty of PR appearances. It was exhausting, but a lot of fun. It was especially difficult being away from my child so much, but ultimately it worked out for the benefit of the rest of our lives. I chose to audition so that I could provide stability and a better life for us, and thankfully, it all worked out that way.”

How has your life changed since you were on the show?
“My life has changed in almost every way. Initially it was stressful and strange, but things have settled into a new normal. It’s such a strange thing for anyone’s psyche to go from anonymity and complete obscurity to international fame. It took some adjustments and getting used to. Things that haven’t changed? I still scoop the kitty litter and take out the trash and do the dishes and take my son to school. I just have a job that I love now. I am so blessed to be able to say that.”

When you cover another person’s song, do you learn more about songwriting?
“Absolutely. Singing a song that was written or sung by someone else requires you to study their inflection, their phrasing, and ends up bringing out a part of your own muscle memory that perhaps you don’t use often in your own material.”

If there’s a theme running through your work, what do you hope to say to your audience with your art?
“Peace and love, forgiveness, and triumph over life’s obstacles. Music has always been my way of expressing the pain and joy I’ve felt throughout my life. We all have struggles, and I hope that my words touch the hearts of those who listen, and can inspire change for the better.”

Since Idol, you’ve gotten to work with a number of singers, like Jacob Dylan of the Wallflowers and John Popper of Blues Traveler. Is there a singer you dream of performing with?
“I would love the opportunity to sing with Sam Smith, I think he has one of the most unique voices in pop music. I would also love the chance to sing with Kacey Musgraves and Jennifer Nettles.”

It’s been a couple years since you released “All That for This” Is there a new album coming soon?
“I recently self-released an EP called ‘Promises,’ through a wonderful crowd-sourcing engine called Pledge Music. I’ve just recently relocated to Nashville and I’m writing songs for the next record. No time frame as of yet, but soon!”

What should your fans expect at the Center for the Arts show? New tracks? Rare songs? Covers?
“I will be performing songs from each studio release to date, including new material, and some favorite cover tunes as well. The stage will be occupied by my extraordinarily-talented accompanist Rachel Coats and myself. I think fans will appreciate the acoustic vibe and the freedom we have musically, not being tied down to a band arrangement. There will also be plenty of storytelling and jokes so bad you’ll think they’re funny.”

One of the causes you are passionate about is Diabetes Awareness. How are you doing?
“Diabetes is a daily balancing act of food, insulin and exercise. It’s not easy, but I am healthy and grateful for that. I am proud to work with organizations like JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to help raise awareness and funding for research initiatives that will ultimately lead to a cure for Type 1 diabetes. Becoming a spokesperson was not my plan, it just happened. And it was the best thing that could’ve come my way. Being involved in the Diabetes community and by helping others living with diabetes can help you stay motivated and determined to stay healthy yourself.”