American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox talks about her new album, living with diabetes and life after the show to Subhadra Devan
THE buzz about jazzy Penang is spreading with the American Idol alumni, what with eclectic musician Casey Abrams in a special concert last year and now, folksy Crystal Bowersox come next month.
Fresh from releasing her fourth studio album, an EP called Promises, Crystal says Casey (the Idol finalist in 2011) told her about the Penang Island Jazz Festival: “I had a great time. You should do it.”
Crystal, the American Idol season 9 runner-up in 2010 who lost to Lee DeWyze, is a constant on the tour calendar with about 300 shows a year. She has also performed with Joe Cocker, Harry Connick Jr. and Alanis Morissette.
“I like it,” says the 29-year-old mother of a 5-year-old son over the phone from her home in Toledo, Ohio, in the US. “I like meeting new people, seeing new places and learning about new cultures. I also enjoy getting to know my fans and try to be generous with my time by shaking everyone’s hand, taking photos and really talking with them. I am grateful that they have taken the time to come see me perform. I am the last person to leave after my show.”
Crystal, the former Chicago busker, sounds just like she did on the television reality show — warm, friendly, and open about her thoughts and opinions.
LIFE-AFFIRMING
After her 2010 debut album, Farmer’s Daughter, the dreadlocked singer-songwriter went on to perform at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry in 2011 with her original song, Mine All Mine. “It was a life-affirming moment for me.”
The song offered Crystal’s now trademark sound of a blend of the blues, country, folk and rock. You can hear it on the seven-song Promises, which she produced through a more pragmatic crowd-funding method.
Original songs and melodies are not typical of the American Idol or even The Voice alumni. But Crystal has proven that her songs connect with music fans, from Farmer’s Daughter to the 2013 singles, All That For This and Dead Weight.
“American Idol was a wonderful experience. It brought me to the attention of a larger public,” she recalls. It was also on the show that Crystal’s Type 1 diabetes was revealed as she had to go to hospital.
LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT
“I was diagnosed when I about 6 years old. I didn’t want to tell the producers I was diabetic because I didn’t want all that special attention. But I fell ill during the Top 24 finalists round. I wasn’t checking my blood sugar regularly, you know it was really hectic on the show. but I’ve learnt my lesson about that.
“It’s now another facet of my busy life. Everybody has a routine - they wake up, have breakfast, exercise, go to work. Mine just include taking care of my diabetes.”
She is active in promoting awareness for Type One diabetes and has released a song produced by Idol’s Randy Jackson for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, among other work. Yes, Crystal’s been busy since her Idol days. “I love movement. If I am not doing something, I get stir crazy.”
Crystal will only be in Penang for the 11th Penang Island Jazz Festival next month. Scheduled to perform on the main stage on Dec 7 at 8.10pm, she says: “ I am simply overwhelmed that people want to hear my music. I can’t wait. A good friend of mine, (Grammy nominee) Seth Glier, will open my set.”