Bowersox rewarded for taking risk

 Crystal Bowersox took a risk Tuesday night — and the judges thought it paid off in a big way.

Stepping out in strappy stilettos and seated behind a piano, she put her own spin on “Midnight Train to Georgia,” the ’70s hit single by Gladys Knight & the Pips.

She wore a crimson dress and lacked her signature guitar. Judge Randy Jackson said he liked the way she switched things up.

Ellen DeGeneres said it showed another side of her, “which means you’re really competing now — you’re in it to win it.”

“I’m so glad you took that risk,” Kara DioGuardi said. “I just can’t wait to see what you do next week.”

Simon Cowell said the vocals were “incredible,” but cautioned against straying too much from her identity as a performer.

“Do not let this process suck the identity out of you,” he said. “I love your personality, because it’s real.”