Dreadlocked soul star Crystal Bowersox is well on her way to winning the ninth season of FOX’s American Idol, but A.I. insiders dish that the homesick single mom came thisclose to throwing in the towel and leaving the competition to return to her home in Ohio about two weeks ago.
According to TMZ.com, the accomplished guitarist and vocalist suffered a meltdown and walked off the show earlier this month. In fact, Crystal — who was nearly disqualified from Idol when she was hospitalized for diabetes in February — only agreed to remain in the competition after a pep talk from host Ryan Seacrest.
“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,” Ryan said, consoling her.
The words of encouragement seem to have done the trick: Crystal remains in the competition and won rave reviews from the judges for her rendition of the Elvis classic “Saved.”