Local "Idol" advances

OAK HARBOR

Crystal Bowersox has one hand in her pocket and the other one holding a microphone.

The Oak Harbor graduate cleared the first hurdle on American Idol on Thursday after singing a folksy version of Alanis Morissette’s “Hand in my Pocket” with her harmonica and guitar Tuesday.

Judges said they appreciated her originality.

She’s been called “a real indie girl” and affectionately nicknamed “Mama Sox” as she sings her way toward a better life for her 1-year-old son.

Her passion has taken her to bigger cities before — she lived in Chicago and more recently Toledo, where she studied at the Toledo School for the Arts and won The Blade’s Battle of the Bands contest last year.

But the national spotlight is a far cry from the Elliston farm where Bowersox, 24, grew up in rural Ottawa County.

As millions watch, she’s living out her dream in Hollywood, fighting to stay in the running among 20 other contestants.

Four were eliminated Thursday night.

Bowersox, who sports dreadlocks and has been compared to ‘60s blues rocker Janis Joplin, will perform again in Tuesday’s episode, starting at 8 p.m.

At the end of the show, phone lines will open for at least two hours as viewers vote for their favorites. Fans may call toll free at 866-IDOLS-01, -02, etc. or text the word VOTE to the number that corresponds to their contestant. Another two men and two women will be eliminated the following Thursday.

WANT TO WATCH?

Crystal Bowersox to perform on American Idol, starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday on FOX.