Like Jessica over at A Sweet Life, I have to say that Crystal Bowersox is hands-down my favorite American Idol contestant this year, and not just because she has diabetes. She’s just cool. She wears dreadlocks, and plays guitar. People call her “Mama Sox” because she has a one-year-old son. (They call her “Mama” and she’s only freakin’ 24 — geez!) Anyway, the girl can SING.
I mean she can sing like Janis Joplin — as well as Pink does, according to the most hard-ass judge, Simon. Wow. Her voice is powerful and smooth, and you just wanna keep listening.
I’m pretty darn sure these are all the reasons that I hope she wins. But yes, she also has the ‘betes. The media reactions have been mixed. On the one hand, there’s been a lot of chatter about her “not complaining” about it, even when she was hospitalized for DKA early in the season (she was back the very next night, singing her heart out!)
As Leighann of D-Mom Blog points out, a Google search for “Crystal Bowersox diabetes” will produce lots of headlines containing the words “ailing” and “suffers.” Grrrr.
Some of the reports note that Crystal’s being “very quiet” about her diabetes. I disagree. I think she’s treating it like a natural part of her life, rather than a really big deal. Good for her!
Who caught the snippet on last week’s show where Crystal was rehearsing with mentor Harry Connick Jr? She stops to push buttons on a gadget, and he quips: “You got some place to be?“
“Naw, my insulin pump’s just yelling at me,” she answers.
I love her attitude. And I absolutely LOVE that the Idol producers showed that outtake.
What I hated is the way the media referred to this as “an awkward incident with Crystal’s insulin pump.” Hooey! Landing in the hospital was awkward. Working your pump when you need to and showing it in such a “normal” context on national television is cool. It’s better than any orchestrated campaign for “diabetes awareness,” IMHO.
The Idol folks never showed or mentioned the slightest clue a few years ago when another type 1 diabetic, Elliott Yamin, made it to the finals. He is a pumper too, and has since become a very active advocate and donor to the cause.
Crystal isn’t waiting for the afterglow to air her diabetes. She recently got a tattoo on her wrist with the words “Type 1 diabetic” written down the middle (that gadfly on her left wrist in the picture below). You go, Girl!
I’m guessing that Leighann is not an Idol fan, since she tells me she wasn’t aware of an Idol contestant with diabetes until I tweeted about it. She quickly tweeted me back, saying:
“My daughter wants to be a singer/dancer when she grows up (among other things). Is she a good role model?”
Err, that depends. The media point out that Crystal’s “not exactly your typical … girl next door” with her “ratty hair” and her “image… of a hippie busker straight off the streets.”
Are you bothered by dreadlocks, piercings and tattoos? (Crystal also has a huge sun tattoo on her back). Or is that a non-issue as long as the person is decent, and obviously not letting diabetes stand in the way of their dreams?
I have three daughters myself, none of whom are musically gifted, or have diabetes. But if they did, I’d be encouraging them to put up Bowersox posters in their rooms, for sure. Here’s somebody who is unequivocally doing her own thing — dressing and living and pursuing her dreams the way she wants to — despite the stupid diabetes.
Idol talked diabetes during Elliott’s run – I remember a whole ‘up close and personal’ bit that mentioned his d, along with the fact that he’s deaf in one ear. I’m *pretty* sure they also mentioned his fellow T1 contestant, Kevin Covais. Funny story: Kevin’s mom told me that they were next to each other in line at the Boston auditions. So Idol chose two T1′s in a row!
While I’m not an Idol fan, making sure that PWD can still do amazing things is a great way to start the process of viewing us as sickly. I did have the chance to meet Elliot outside a restaurant a few years ago and got to chat with him for a few minutes in Beverly Hills (honestly had no idea who he was until a co-worker outed himself as an Idol fan — really awesome blackmail potential).
We didn’t talk about diabetes and stuck mainly on the topic of what was good on the menu (my wife told me later that he was a fellow Type 1). The good thing was that after the co-worker’s revelation (which included a two handed clap of excitement), Elliot was surrounded by women who obviously didn’t care about his condition. I love when talent overcomes illness.
Character is definitely more important…I have two tattoos and I had a navel ring until I got pregnant. Positive role models to me are people who are doing their best with what they’ve been dealt.
At five, my daughter is pleasantly surprised when I point out people in the media or pop culture who also have diabetes or when she meets someone in person who shares this with her. It helps her feel less isolated I think.
I’m definitely going to start keeping my eye on Crystal!
None of us know Crystal personally, but we all feel a connection with her.
She seems so gracious when she is interviewed. I would find her to be a great role model.
Good Luck Crystal!
I love her. I love her attitutde, her voice, her style. And I love the fact that she has diabetes. It makes her one of us.
I fell in love with this girl when early in the season Simon and Randy had differing opinions and Ryan asked her, “So who do you listen to?” And she responded without missing a beat, “ME.”
Go girl! I think regardless of the outcome of this show, she will go far due to her individualism and talent. Hopefully she’ll join Yamin in helping to advocate too!
I read an online message that said Crystal was going to leave the competition several weeks ago. It may have been shortly after her short stay in the hospital, I’m not sure. She was in a parking lot and Ryan Secrest saw her there. He talked to her into staying with the competition. If that story is true, we owe Ryan a vote of thanks!!!
I have tried to like Ryan, but the ridiculous format on the nights that someone is sent home, really turns me off. I know that is not Ryan’s fault, but is it necessary to do it that way? After that person is identified, they have to sing. How ridiculous! I sincerely hope the individual already knows before the night in question. They never seem to be really down, or terribly disappointed. It seems that they already know their fate before the show begins, maybe even the day before.
I’m famous! Weeee! Ha. I kid, of course.
I can’t sing.
I think she is fantastic. She has an amazing talent. She does her thing, comfortable with herself. Even if she doesn’t win, she will do well in life.
Hope she does win though.
@Richard – Crystal says those rumors of her quitting were “exaggerated.” According to the latest, she has no intention of giving up:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1638734/20100507/story.jhtml
My daughter and I loved Crystals voice before we new she was type 1. When I found out I couldn’t wait to tell my daughter who was dx last year. I think Crystal is a great role model for my music loving 11 year old – even if my daughter did not have diabetes. She is talented and doesn’t let the challenges of diabetes hold her back OR define her.
We love Crysta and look forward to help make her rich.
She can be a great role model just being her self, T 1 and all
LOVE YOUR ARTICLE. Crystal Bowersox one of the most talented idols ever. I get a feeling this girl has paid her dues and at such an early age. Her song, FARMERS DAUGHTER, is one of the best songs ,I have ever heard, but one of the saddest. All she wanted in her life was her MOM to love her. Not only her voice, but her song writing is incredible. I HOPE AMERICA GETS THIS ONE RIGHT! SHE IS SO DESERVING OF THIS TITLE. vote,vote,vote all the way to the end.
[...] Diabetes Mine writes about American Idol contestant Crystal Bowersox and how the media has reacted to her having diabetes: Doin’ Her Thing With The ‘Betes. [...]