642 replies to this topic

[TWoP Tennison]

Welcome to the thread.

[FirstAndTen]

With Lilly's premature departure, Crystal is the only hope for the season. I just hope her health holds up. We need her for the tour.

[fraught]

She looks like she's about to keel over at any moment. Will she even live until the end of the season?

[BootStar]

It was like she'd just woken up from a bad dream and realized she was the frontrunner on a horrible reality show singing competition. (That stank face is going to doom her, though, if she doesn't learn how to appear at least semi-grateful for her "good" fortune.)

ETA: How long does it take to get full veneers? She's really going to need them if TPTB want her to win the whole thing.

Edited by BootStar, Mar 12, 2010 @ 10:49 AM.

[Purplish]

I thought her face showed genuine compassion for the booted contestants. She appeared to be particularly devastated by Lilly's ouster.

[Cherry Wire]

I don't see "stank face" either. Depressed, overwhelmed, tired? Maybe, but not snotty or nasty. It's worth pointing out that Crystal hasn't complained once and seems quite personable.

The problem is that she doesn't seem to have any real enthusiasm. She barely reacted when Ryan said she made the top 12. You kind of have to play along a little bit to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb on this show, and while Crystal's personality is what it is, it kind of makes it hard (for me) to warm up to her as an Idol contestant.

Edited by Cherry Wire, Mar 12, 2010 @ 1:12 PM.

[couldhavebee]

she even live until the end of the season?

Is she still dealing with some sort of illness? Or, as others have suggested, is she just weary, disgusted, etc.? Because if it's the latter...

(Warning: somewhat premature rant ahead!)

Ugh. One of my hugest Idol pet peeves is when a contestant thinks he or she is too good/authentic/'indie'/mature/classy or whatever else for the competition. Look, the show's been airing for just under a decade: she's seen what it is and decided to grace us all with her presence anyway.

I know that being on the show has its drawbacks and am not claiming they all have to ooze gratitude and a 'thrilled to be here!' vibe every second, but honestly, it's invaluable exposure and opportunity, and if Crystal doesn't want that, there are MANY aspiring artists who would happily cut off a limb to take her place.

Again, that's just the 'dude, I'm so beyond this silly little TV show' vibe I'm getting from her, and it happens to be a huge pet peeve of mine. If some of the mannerisms, reactions and facial expressions are actually more about her being physically ill, though, then obviously I feel terrible for her and will happily rescind this rant ;)

I do like Crystal's voice and am semi-hoping for a Siobhan/Crystal Final Two...if only by default, since I dislike virtually every other contestant. However, I can also see Crystal being this year's Melinda Dolittle for me in the sense that, objectively, I KNOW she's very talented and has consistently great vocals but, for whatever reason, her voice just doesn't emotionally resonate with me in a 'this gives me chills and I want to hear it over and over' sort of way.

Edited by couldhavebee, Mar 12, 2010 @ 11:43 AM.

[siddalee]

Again, that's just the 'dude, I'm so beyond this silly little TV show' vibe I'm getting from her, and it happens to be a huge pet peeve of mine.

Jacob said it best about Bo Bice during Season 4. You can't possibly be too cool for this show when you're actually, you know, ON this show. Crystal does give off that vibe, but I think maybe with her (at least with her direct reaction to her fate announcements) she is just so out of her element (public displays) that she has no idea how she should react so she reacts with stoicism. If you catch moments of her talking to, consoling or otherwise interacting with her fellow contestants when the focus is not on her, she seems much more relaxed and friendly. If she wants her talent to carry her as far as it should, though, she's really going to need to learn to smile ON camera more.

At least she doesn't give off the "God, how did I get here and why am I doing this Amanda Obermeyer memorial vibe" during pointy-pose sings.

[lemonparty]

She's obviously introverted, possibly chronically depressed (those teeth alone can do a number on someone's self-esteem; I used to have the same problem) and wouldn't have in a million years made the cut without raw talent.

Be that as it may, it has always been the case that you cannot sing credible, serious rock-n-roll while being the average insecure toss-around Idol contestant. They flat out said that to some contestant whose name escapes me. That's why there's been few proper rockers on this show, and those that were (Daughtry, Cook, Bo Bice) weren't exactly balls of emotion, either.

Crystal escaped that cut due to sheer talent, particularly in comparison to the rest of the contestants this season. In a way she is too cool for school - someone like her shouldn't have been on the show in the first place. What her unorthodox demeanor allows her, however, is to sing rock out on this show while staying believable. There's never been a high-ranking contestant on Idol who could drop an F-word in her song lyrics and not have it seem jarringly out of place. It's pretty awesome.

[shabu]

Mamasox! Big fan here. Her music is much closer to what I listen to day to day. I like lots of stuff, but gravitate to either something with a jam, or something with really good harmonies, and this girl has jam band in her future. I think she's also the most likely one to gain as much or more from coming in third or second than from winning. Is it me, or do the backup singers seem to put a little more into it behind her stuff? The backing vocals on Light A Candle really really helped sell that song.

Grrrl needs to bust out some Dylan, and maybe The Band (the Band?). Maybe Morning Dew?!?! Here's hoping the themes don't kill her dead. For Stones week, I'd love to hear 'Last Time', "Beast Of Burden', or 'Dead Flowers'.

[FirstAndTen]

I'm hoping for "Tumbling Dice" next week. I think she'd kill on that one.

[yourpointis]

Crystal Bowersox Top 12 Girls Interview

She says she loves the premise of the show and she doesn't own a tv.

[UhHuhHer]

lemonparty, thanks for the link to Crystal's song, Farmer's Daughter. I casually clicked on it and ended up being completely blown away. THAT is a great song. I hope it appears on her first album.

I love this woman.

[LivenLetLive]

s she still dealing with some sort of illness?

I have heard that she is a type 1 diabetic, which, especially if not tightly controlled, can make a person very ill. As a type 2 diabetic myself I can say that diabetes can make you you very tired very easily...AI would not be the same without Crystal, so I hope that she is taking care of herself.

[climbing lily]

David Cook regularly perfomed "Creep", f-bomb included, and still won. But Crystal comes with lots of issues -- health issues to name one of many, and I'm not sure she'll even be in the top six. Seriously. I've also lived with two type-1 diabetics for long periods of time, and neither of them ever had to be hospitalized, even though in those days no one had the pump. So, that tells me Crystal's condition is very serious, and precarious, and possibly she hasn't been taking good care of herself for quite some time. Just intelligent guesses based on other type-1's I've lived with.

[abushenob]

I do not care a whit about either a contestant's apparent attitude about the show, or his or her backstory. I watch to be entertained by the performance - and entertainment is a funny thing - it can sometimes come with less than stellar vocals if the interpretation is gripping or exciting. I am consistently entertained by Crystal - some people just don't have the 'jump up and down' gene; she clearly doesn't feel too above the show to give great performances. What I get tired of is the cutesy mugging in quick shots or the pleading looks that so often go with announcing the contestant's number. This year, it seems we are almost back to the beginning seasons where I used to sweat thru some contestant's performances waiting for the awful fluff (I do not enjoy seeing failure - and the early auditions do not amuse me). Last year the top contestants were generally so professional, skilled and poised, it is almost a shock to be back this year to Amateur Hour. But Crystal is one of the few exceptions. I always ASSUME she will do a great job and I am never disappointed. She doesn't have to squeal and tango all over the stage during interviews - just give me the performances to which I have come to look forward.

[prostiturtle]

I've also lived with two type-1 diabetics for long periods of time, and neither of them ever had to be hospitalized, even though in those days no one had the pump. So, that tells me Crystal's condition is very serious, and precarious, and possibly she hasn't been taking good care of herself for quite some time. Just intelligent guesses based on other type-1's I've lived with.

I agree that her condition must be grave. Crystal looks fatigued and non-responsive. She could barely stand up during critiques.

[chesslover]

To me her singing seems effortless.

[Cherry Wire]

So what happens if Crystal B gets hospitalized again on a Tuesday? Scooting everyone over to Wednesday is no longer an option....

[chesslover]

My guess is no elimination that week. Two eliminations next week. Votes for both weeks counted.

[SmaugsLair]

I'm hoping for "Tumbling Dice" next week. I think she'd kill on that one.

That's exactly what I thought as soon as I saw the theme for next week. Crystal would shred Tumbling Dice!

[Bastille]

In one of the EW interviews, Crystal says she wishes one of the theme nights this season would be contestant originals. Even if they did that, I doubt we'd be hearing "Farmer's Daughter" on AI, even with the f-word replaced. Those lyrics are harrowing. I get uncomfortable just thinking about her finishing singing this -- with the drunken parent breaking her bones, and her telling the school she fell, etc. -- and the show trying to smoothly transition to Randy's "Yo! So check it out, dawg, check it out..."

I hope that song is not autobiographical.

Elsewhere, she says she would like a Janis Joplin or Melissa Etheridge theme night. No surprises there.

[Miss Mia]

Just listened to Farmer's Daughter - man, that is a powerful song. Just stunning. This girl is a true musician, unlike the rest of the motley crew this year.

Crystal is a brittle Diabetic - Type 1 Diabetes. I know she's on the insulin pump, which should help things tremendously. But Type 1 is the kind that kills, and it's notoriously hard to control. Any little change in your life, diet, stress, etc can cause your sugar level to go berserk. The pump monitors your level automatically and dispenses insulin when needed, but it's not perfect. Very, very good but not perfect. With all the changes this little show is creating in Crystal's life, I don't think the show people were prepared for how touchy Crystal's condition actually is. But after last week, now they know. Which I think is a very good thing, as they are probably right on top of things now and monitoring her closely.

I too hope Crystal does Tumbling Dice this week, but I think she's got the ability to kill on any of the Stones' songs. Unlike the trainwrecks we're going to be witnessing from some (all) of the others. (Yes Paige, I'm looking at you.)

[theOuterLimits]

I love Crystal, but I don't know if she fits into the whole "AI image" - in order for her to take the top prize. I am also concerned that being called the early favorite (deserving as she is) - can backfire as we have often seen.

[two dogs]

Crystal's pre-Idol songs do show a real musician with the ability to write and deliver vocally raw, emotional lyrics. It is hard to reconcile some of her dark, indie vibe with American Idol, though.

I hope she stays healthy and doesn't get beat down by the Idol machine. I don't think she knew what she was getting into.

[Ladyraske]

I have never voted for a contestant on AI

I think Crystal is going to change that. I think she's one of the best singers I've heard in a really long time & I'm willing to be AI's bitch to keep her on the show as long as possible.

Also loved Farmer's Daughter.

[3littlechicks]

My niece (16 yrs old) is a type 1 diabetic and I know how hard it is to control. I know she can go from an upbeat energetic kid one minute and the next suddenly there's this look in her eyes and she loses all energy and can become almost zombie like. When that happens everything else going on has to stop and she has to take care of herself whether it means an injection, eating, whatever. Unfortunately, AI seems like a grueling schedule, with constant daily routine of rehearsing, makeup, interviews, commercial shoots, recording studio time, etc. It has to wear on even the healthiest of people; it has to be nearly devastating to Crystal.

[Shelley Bee]

Elsewhere, she says she would like a Janis Joplin or Melissa Etheridge theme night. No surprises there.

That genre of music is her strength, but there's also strength is surprising us once in a while. That's why I was disappointed in the same article, she states that, like Lee and Casey, she doesn't intend on putting down the guitar:

"You know, I'm probably not going to put the guitar down for anything, because that's what I do. If I were to make an album, that's what I would do. I mean, I could perform without it as well, but why would I do that if that's not what's natural?"

Now I rarely see Melissa Etheridge perform without a guitar, either, but she's not auditioning for a record deal. Maybe I'm way off base here, but if Crystal comes out week after week, Etheridging every song to suit her performing style, or worse yet, always picking the folksiest, bluesiest song within the genre, I don't know how far that will take her before it becomes same old, same old. Kris Allen switched up his performances from week to week (guitar, piano, bare-handed) and always felt fresh and inventive to me. I've yet to see that kind of versatility and adventurousness with Crystal, but we're only three weeks in. (And throwing in a harmonica now and then doesn't count.) If Crystal, Lee, Casey, Andrew and others marry themselves to their guitars, they could be limiting themselves while an eclectic jack-of-all-trades vocalist (Siobhan Magnus) or a canned ham (Michael Lynche) zig-zags through all the coffeehouse strummers and steals it all. If there's any justice, Crystal will make Top 4, and maybe deserve a win, but it wouldn't surprise me at all to learn she's getting votes in the middle of the pack.

[Bastille]

if Crystal comes out week after week, Etheridging every song to suit her performing style, or worse yet, always picking the folksiest, bluesiest song within the genre, I don't know how far that will take her before it becomes same old, same old. Kris Allen switched up his performances from week to week (guitar, piano, bare-handed) and always felt fresh and inventive to me. I've yet to see that kind of versatility and adventurousness with Crystal, but we're only three weeks in. (And throwing in a harmonica now and then doesn't count.) [...] If there's any justice, Crystal will make Top 4, and maybe deserve a win, but it wouldn't surprise me at all to learn she's getting votes in the middle of the pack.

At least this early, though, I keep coming back to the electricity factor of her performances. She definitely has a strong style "template" that she seems reluctant to change up, but there's no doubting that the energy in the room goes up every time she sings. Even if that weren't corroborated by comments of those who were there, you can see/feel it in the telecasts. Her phrasing, her conviction, and her investment add so much; they make me enjoy songs I thought I was sick of. Kris did vary his "palette" more, but he had nothing like a male equivalent to her voice. I'm not knocking him -- he was one of the best S8 contestants, and I sometimes liked his performances, but he was and is a limited singer, so I'd argue it was more important for him to keep fresh the things over which he had control. He wasn't going to pin anyone to the wall with powerhouse vocals.

I admire adventurous artists who dare new things, but every time Siobhan goes on the high wire, style-wise, she's setting herself up for a "What were you THINKING?" moment. So there are risks being taken either way.

I do detect a certain rigidity in Crystal's attitude, and I hope it doesn't do her in, but in the long run I'm not worried about her. First or ninth or whatever, I have little doubt she'll be signed by someone. All that's up in the air is the who and the when.

Edited by Bastille, Mar 14, 2010 @ 1:41 AM.

[Miss Mia]

I have never voted for a contestant on AI

I think Crystal is going to change that. I think she's one of the best singers I've heard in a really long time & I'm willing to be AI's bitch to keep her on the show as long as possible.

Right there with you, Ladyraske. I've voted the last couple of weeks and here's a tip: When Ryan started reading off the numbers during the recap, the voting lines were already open. I can get 20+ calls in before he finishes the recap by hitting the redial.

I keep coming back to the electricity factor of her performances. She definitely has a strong style "template" that she seems reluctant to change up, but there's no doubting that the energy in the room goes up every time she sings. Even if that weren't corroborated by comments of those who were there, you can see/feel it in the telecasts. Her phrasing, her conviction, and her investment add so much; they make me enjoy songs I thought I was sick of

Totally agree with this. I don't want to see Crystal "change it up". I like her precisely because of the type of music she does, the bluesy rock thing. I don't want to see a country version of something, or bubblegum, or pop, or whatever. She can just continue to blues it up, as far as I'm concerned. That's true for every artist I like. They all have their particular style and genre, and their fans stick with them because that is their taste in music.

The thing about Crystal is that she has the chops to give a good performance every single time. She doesn't have to hope she picks the right song for her range, etc. I thought the same about David Cook, Bo Bice, Kelly Clarkson. Give them a song and they sing it. Very well. So you eliminate that "omg, that wasn't the song for you" thing. Even though are esteemed judge's panel will pull that card out when they need to knock the front-runner down a peg to keep the illusion of a close contest.