Crystal Bowersox Not Quitting but Don't Be so Sure She'll Win

More than a few Siobhan Magnus and Casey James fans were actually happy to hear about TMZ's report that Crystal Bowersox almost quit American Idol 9. However, the event actually happened a couple of weeks ago. According to the show's host, Ryan Seacrest, he found the Season 9 front-runner in the parking lot and discussed her reasons for wanting to leave. The show was becoming too much of an emotional strain on her, which seems a little hard to believe since she is a clear favorite, but, more importantly, she was missing her little boy.

Seacrest told the homesick contestant that the greatest thing he ever did was make enough money to buy his mother a house. He said: "You can buy your mom a house."

Crystal Bowersox evidently gave serious reconsideration to the matter. "We all have moments of doubt. As much as I miss my kid, the big picture is this: I'm doing this for him and my fans. I'm having the time of my life!" she posted on the official "Idol" Facebook page.

Reading some of the comments on the web, of course, her fans are thrilled, but not everyone is a fan of Crystal and fans of other contestants are not exactly pleased with the constant adulation being showered on the American Idol Season 9 favorite.

In Elvis week, Crystal was praised for choosing something that suited her, while Casey James was criticized for doing the same. Siobhan Magnus, an early favorite, has faced some harsh criticism for choosing songs to showcase her vocal skills. She surely must be feeling the strain of not being able to do anything right in the judges' eyes. Michael Lynche, despite his excellent voice, wouldn't even have made it to Elvis week if not for the judges' save. And poor Katie Stevens gave a great performance of "What You Want to Do" only to find herself booted off. So, no, it is not an easy task to get out there and perform and get this kind of feedback from the relentless Idol machine.

By this season of American Idol, we should be well used to bizarre voting results. You surely must remember last season when Adam Lambert was the clear favorite, but Kris Allen won. One thing we ought to know about American Idol voters by now is that they do not like a polished performer competing against amateurs.

Being the favorite has never guaranteed a win and being the winner has never guaranteed success in the music industry, but it surely must help the contestant get a taste of what's in store in a tough business. As Adam Lambert said last week when he mentored, American Idol "prepared me to make it in the real world."

Sources:
MTV: Crystal Bowersox Almost Quit
TMZ: American Idol Front-Runner Almost Quit