Crystal Bowersox’ path to ‘Idol’ fame gives her Ohio hometown reason to smile in tough times

‘Idol’ finalist connects with struggling hometown

TOLEDO, Ohio — Local fans of “American Idol” finalist Crystal Bowersox say she’s given them a reason to smile again.

Thousands are expected to gather Wednesday night at a Toledo arena and in bars where she played to see if Bowersox is crowned this year’s champion of the Fox network singing competition.

The finale comes down to Bowersox and Lee DeWyze, a paint sales clerk from suburban Chicago.

Bowersox grew up just outside Toledo. She was a single mother struggling to make a living just a few months ago. Her rise to stardom has hit just the right note with people in the Toledo area, which has fallen on hard times with the decline of the auto industry.

Diane Frick says she wants Bowersox to win because “she’s one of us.”