Crystal Bowersox's Illness Clouds Contestant's Future

By Sam Brand Posted Mar 12th 2010 05:15PM

You're a big deal if you can force 'American Idol' to shift its schedule. Last week, the guys sang before the girls after Crystal Bowersox's doctor kept the sick singer off the stage. It was an unprecedented shakeup for one of TV's most reliably scheduled shows. This week, Bowersox swept the incident aside and followed her talent into the Top 12. But will her health keep her from winning it all?

Former 'American Idol' favorites Christina Christian, Megan Joy, Carly Smithson and David Cook also experienced health scares during competition. Cook, whose condition was perhaps the most serious in 'Idol's' history, was hospitalized for heart palpitations and high blood pressure after Dolly Parton night during season seven. He went on to win it all.

Bowersox, a 24-year-old Ohio native and mother of one, suffers from diabetes. She is the unanimous favorite among online betting sites to win season nine. Last week, it was questionable whether she'd even be able to compete for the Top 16.

But 'Idol' producers shuffled the schedule to accommodate the hospitalized musician. The men performed on Tuesday, and the women on Wednesday, allowing the sick Bowersox an extra day of rest, and injecting a fascinating storyline into a show whose ratings have recently slumped. Predictably, show producers said the shakeup was all about Bowersox's health. Had she failed to make it onstage last Wednesday, she would have been the first competitor in the show's history to be disqualified for health reasons.

"If you're in the Olympics and you're going for the semifinal, for the final, if you don't turn up, you don't get straight through to the final," executive producer Ken Warwick told Ryan Seacrest on his radio show last week.

Crystal turned up last week, in a big way. Simon Cowell raved about her performance of Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Long As I Can See the Light.'

"This was like the moment we realized with Kelly Clarkson that we've got a really serious artist here."

This week Bowersox took on Tracy Chapman's 'Give Me One Reason.' The judges' reactions were equally positive.

"This is what the show's about for me," Randy Jackson said.

On Thursday night, Bowersox moved into the Top 12 amid a swirl of uncertainty as to whether her health will again impede her journey to the top. It's unclear if producers will again modify the show's schedule to accommodate the ill singer. It's even less clear if the pressure of the final rounds will take an increasing toll on her health. According to doctors, mental stress can be particularly harmful to those living with diabetes.

Still, as Simon said this past week, Bowersox is "the one to beat."

Tags: american idol, crystal bowersox, david cook, diabetes, randy jackson, ryan seacrest, season 9, simon cowell

Comments

(55)

Saturday 13 March

By Gilda

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I am praying for you and you will enjoy your success!!! You will make to the top because you are amazing, natural and unpretentious.
God Bless you Crystal.....

By Alanna

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If she wins...the money factor and a dentist can fix that...diabetes is a whole different ball-game. You should think about her voice instead...it's phenominal!

By Alanna!!!!

Too bad there couldn't be both a man & woman winner...love the light-Joplin of Crystal and the Motown soul of Big Mike, equally. I think today's music needs a bit of change again!

By Vicki

It's her talent that counts. Beauty is only skin deep. Go Ohio. Christal is my pick this year. She's the one to beat this year!

Sunday 14 March

By www.batsale.com

good luck!

By bot.cacher

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I find Crystal's temperpermant friendly and seductive, and perfectly in line with her way of life. She may be a bit unsure as to how her style of music will be received (rock on!-and all the great song suggestions here! maybe a little marley..), she has the same family concerns of Mike and a major health issue to be constantly aware of. A woman, a mother, a rocker who can balance all these things under beautiful grace. You've got my vote- and I dont even vote the show! Don't let them judge a book by its cover....that book Crystal still writing. Carpe Diem Woman! Seize the Day~we all have your back. Namaste!

Friday 16 April

By Aaron

My favorite was Katie Stevens I'll miss her powerfull voice and beautiful stage presents. I'm disappointed she was voted off the show.

By Lilla

Katie shouldn't have even made it to the first round. She is terrible, along with that freak Tim Urban, I hope he's next.

By jenn

Hmmmm. Where do I start? I'lljust say this...Crystal is the only one on this year with true natural talent. I don't know what the judges were thinking this time around. The picks they've made are terrible. I mean, okay, Casey, Mike, and Lee can sing on key but they are no where near Crystal's talent level. I have to agree with alot of the folks on here. This season is the worst ever for talented singers. They really should just make Crystal the new American Idol and call it day. Take care of yourself Crystal. The show would definitely be nothing without you. You are the show this year!

By Emmy59

Crystal you are the top one, please stay healthy and you will continue to bring the house down. The best they have on the Idol this year. You have a bright future ahead of you, hang in there.

By Meow

They should let her go if she cant handle it, theres alot that want it and they're the ones that should win. Wheres My little Katiebug:(

Sunday 18 April

By TheElder65

Katie Stevens may not be the best over all but should have been the winner out of all the girls. She sounds the best and she's obviously the best looking.

Tuesday 20 April

By W. Bryce

I also have diabetes Chrystal. It just makes me admire what you are doing even more. You have an incredible talent.

I am sure you are going to win.

Fight on!

Thursday 22 April

By Teresa

Crystal - You are fantastic and I can't wait to buy your CD. You have a great career waiting for you. Just hang in there - you ARE the next American Idol! I also think Lee is great. The rest can go home.

Friday 28 May

By Bev

I'd like to see Crystal sing "Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks...I think she'd be awesome. Even though she didn't technically "win" she's got a great career ahead of her. Can't wait to see her in concert!

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