She’s been called “American Idol’s” front-runner, but dreadlocked guitarist and singer Crystal Bowersox was ready to walk away from the show two weeks ago. According to sources, Bowersox wanted to quit “Idol” because she missed her family (she has a young son) but host Ryan Seacrest managed to talk her out of it by explaining the benefits of winning the show.
TMZ has learned “American Idol” contestant Crystal Bowersox threw in the towel a little more than two weeks ago and was walking off the show, when Ryan Seacrest did some fast-talking and changed her mind.
It went down in a parking lot after an “A.I.” show. In front of several people, Crystal told Ryan she couldn’t handle the competition…. she said she hated the attention and said to Seacrest, “What’s the point?”
Crystal said she was going back to Ohio to be with her family, whom she missed terribly.
Ryan told Crystal that being on “Idol” was like starting a business, and if she won she’d get a recording contract and become a millionaire.
Seacrest sealed the deal by telling her, “The greatest thing I ever did was make enough money so I could buy my mom a house. You can buy your mom a house.”
Seacrest out … Crystal, not out.
Crystal has said more than once during the broadcast that she has “a lot” on her mind. A few weeks ago, she had to be hospitalized for diabetes complications on the night of a performance. I’ve been saying all along that perhaps, compared to the remaining, lackluster contestants, Crystal doesn’t really need this show to launch her career. But if she quit the show, there are probably a lot of folks who would stop watching. I hope she sticks it out – she’s probably the most legit contestant this season with a real shot at a career.
I think telling her she’d be a millionaire is really irresponsible…she may get recording contracts but I doubt she’d make a million. Bah.
She’s the only reason I watch the show this year. If she left, I’d be done.
it’ll be nice when this lame talent show with a bunch of nobodies trying to be famous goes under. Then again.. it won’t.
We live in an Idiocracy. Oy.
White chicks with dreads look HORRIBLE!!! Shave your head if you don’t want to take care of your hair!
She’s the only one that’s any good. She won’t win it though. One of the young boys will win.
Love her voice. She makes it look effortless.
Uh-uh-uh. Don’t hate on my Mama Sox! I adore and admire this woman immensely. She’s talented, she’s genuine, and I’m very jealous of her ‘white chick dreads’ (I’m in the military and can’t wear them myself). I only watch Idol because my man likes it, and I appreciate how this season there are some decent, intelligent, and grownup contestants instead of just the teeny-bopper pop crap machine it’s been in seasons past. this fellow mom and mid-westerner is voting for you Crystal!
She really is the only one worth watching this year.
And to the first poster. If she wins she automatically gets a million dollar contract.
She is good, but she’s not that much better than most of the women playing clubs and working the system in Nashville; I doubt if she’d go anywhere if she left the show. It’s all about exposure.
This girl is talented and is going to go far whether she sticks it out or not. She’s got the exposure now and someone will sign her on. She doesnt need American Idol anymore.
the AI winner does in fact net about $1M. There was an article in the New York Times in Feb2010 detailing the prize winnings, tour payments and various payments to the top 3, independent of recording contracts.
You know what I love about her (besides her being original and having a great voice)? When all the contestants get to Hollywood, they “fix” them. I noticed immediately that she didn’t let them whiten her teeth like everyone else. She stuck to her guns. That takes guts.
Jules, I think her teeth were whitened at the start of the live shows compared to the previous stages
However, I think she is immensly talented and whether she wins or not should have a career
Ruby Red- I think we’ll just have to agree to disagree on that point then. The first thing I noticed on her at the beginning of Hollywood week was the glaring brightness of everyone else’s teeth and her endearing yellow ones. No biggie.
I agree with you on your other points.
Jules – happy to agree to disagree on that one ;o)
Also agree with you that her great appeal is her originality, by refusing to conform to the ‘pop’ stereotype & being true to herself
Crystal and Ellen are literally the only reason I’m watching this season. Glad she’s still there and I hope she comes second because that’s a good thing if Adam Lambert is anything to go by
Are her teeth “yellow?” Compared to most celebs’ teeth, I guess they are. They look normal to me. She is really fresh and beautiful – and I like her hair. I don’t watch the show, but I hope she wins.
Idiocracy-the most underrated and truthful movie of our time.
meh, I don’t care if she walks off the show or not, I don’t care how good she sings all I see when I look at her is dirty, she is so gross. Dread locks smell so disgusting I hate having to be around people with dreads, her teeth look dirty, bleh leave the show and get in a shower, i feel sorry for your son!
This girl comes out with something new every time. She has to get her teeth bleached or something. I wish she wins!
PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE: Doesn’t anyone else question the convenient timing of the release or leak of this story on the Idol scene – in relation to it being done to perhaps prop up or heal the wounded reputation of Ryan Seacrest after last Tuesday’s disrespectful and unprofessional performance. Surely I am not alone in this thought? Didn’t anyone else notice that a main theme in the reporting of this story was actually how Seacrest managed the situation and came to the rescue and “saved” the day – pun intended. I so have a gut feeling on this one folks – anyone else have this feeling. Seems a little transparent in the timing of this story “getting out”. I’m really truly not the “conspiracy theory” type lol, tell me if I’m being ridiculous and there’s not one shred of merit in my thinking, I’m open to it.
I really don’t like her as much, but she is ok. There are other better contestant too. I remember her when she is singing, nothing special.
I am not entirely sure why some people have to be so hateful. Did your mother ever tell you that if you couldn’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all? I admire Crystal, she is a beautiful, talented young woman. She has a natural talent not many people possess. May God bless you & Tony Crystal, far beyond anything you could think or ask.
AI is not very good this season. She has a distinctive voice,but I don’t think that she could sing without a coach/teacher for long. I like her bc she is Janis Joplin like.Most of the singers on AI past and present, sing unbalanced and it is detrimental to their vocal health.
and yes Seacrest looked INSANE last week!
Eeeeeeeew, I’ve always thought that Crystal Bowersox looked really grotty with the unwashed dreadlocks and yellow and missing teeth. She’s an original Janis Joplin copycat and a one trick pony. I’d hate to see her perform an extended set. It would be soooo boring.
finally, someone with a voice and personality. love her dreadlocks, love her voice. can’t stand the programme with the ‘tim urban smileys’ but watching Crystal makes the whole experience worthwhile.
They have desperately tried to give Crystal a makeover in dresses, but as the old saying goes you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Seeing the father, the daughter doesn’t fall far from the unkempt hippie tree. I’m gonna give the fire department a call to come and give her a hose down.
To the people that are downing the dreads, you need to grow up. SOME people dont take care of dreads. Most people do though. I do. And my hair smells great. Or should i say my dreads. And as for yellow teeth, AT LEAST SHE HAS TEETH. Who are you to say she doesnt take care of herself? her teeth are fine. You are comparing her to people who have had the opportuniy to whiten their teeth. Maybe she hasnt got money? maybe its from her eating habits? who knows. Who cares! shes an amazing singer.