Audiences were introduced to the powerhouse vocals of Crystal Bowersox in 2010 when the singer competed on the ninth season of American Idol. Although she didn’t walk away with the title, Bowersox etched herself into the hearts and ears of millions. Since then, she’s released two records, moved to Nashville, and is now on tour for her third record, a live album called, appropriately, Alive, available June 16. I recently spoke over the phone to the gracious, epically talented singer as she headed down the highway for a slate of West Coast gigs that includes a stop at the Lobero Theatre on Friday, April 28.
Tell me about your new record. I’m proud of everything that I’ve released. But I didn’t feel like any of my previous releases had captured my show and who I am as a live show. What better than a live record?
Although it’s been years since you were on American Idol, how pivotal was it for your career? I would say my life is separated by it — it’s my life before and my life after. It changed my life in every way possible. I have stability for my son, which is the reason I even tried out for the show. I’m making music for a living, and I’m blessed. I’m utterly blessed in every way.