Northwest Ohio embraces Bowersox

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - After arriving late Thursday evening from Los Angeles and the American Idol stages, Elliston's Crystal Bowersox has been embraced by fans from all over Northwest Ohio.

The 24-hour whirlwind visit included a special performance and interview at FOX Toledo studios Thursday evening, and then a full slate of events across the region on Friday.

Lee DeWyze, who landed with Bowersox at Toledo Express Airport before he went to his home in Chicago, and Casey James, also had similar hometown visits scheduled Friday. James had his visit in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

The 24-year-old Bowersox, who is affectionately known as Mama Sox, kicked off her morning with two radio interviews on WVKS KISS FM's Andrew Z in the Morning and on WRVF 101.5 The River with Rick and Mary Beth.

Bass player Frankie May and mentors Bobbie May and Ron Rasberry surprised her on 92.5 KISS FM.

She then was shuttled to an AT&T cell phone store on Monroe Street in Toledo where she learned which song she would perform during next week's Idol show. Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres texted Bowersox that she would have to perform "Maybe I'm Amazed," by Paul McCartney.

Simon Cowell chose "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen for DeWyze while Kara Dioguardi and Randy Jackson selected "Daughters" by John Mayer for James.

Bowersox was shuttled back downtown for a parade in her honor. The 30-minute parade took place mainly on Summit Street. It started on Water Street at Promenade Park, wound its away behind Fort Industry Square and to Owens Corning headquarters, and then up Summit to Water Street.

Upwards of 10,000 turned out for the parade and for the mini two-song concert at Levis Square. Bowersox received a crystal key to the city from Mayor Michael Bell and then sung Holy Toledo and Hand in My Pocket.

The sea of people spilled over onto Madison Avenue and down near the SeaGate Convention Centre. Hundreds watched the performance from a balcony on the PNC Bank building and several levels of the nearby parking garage.

During her whirlwind day, Mama Sox did find a little time to swing by the East Toledo bar that started it all. All cameras were kept out, but FOX Toledo was the only news outlet allowed in.

Her visit to Papa's Tavern was probably one of Toledo's best kept secrets. Not even 100 people were inside. The Idol singer even asked the small crowd to put their cell phone cameras away so it could be just like old times.

During the private performance, Bowersox jammed with old band mates and was able to cut loose after months of competition. She felt clearly happy to be home.

Her visit to Papa's Tavern was a pretty big deal for the bar. She's played there regularly for years, but hasn't been back since November 2009.

After her downtown performance and jam session at Papa's, Bowersox traveled back home to Ottawa County, her hometown community of Elliston, and to the Village of Oak Harbor and the county fairgrounds for "Bowerstock."

Ottawa County officials proclaimed May 14 as Crystal Bowersox Day and U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur presented the Idol singer with a U.S. Flag that was flown a few days earlier at the Captiol in Washington, D.C.

Before heading back to Southern California, Bowersox threw out the first pitch and sang a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at Fifth Third Field before the Indianapolis Indians and Toledo Mud Hens game.

General Manager Joe Napoli said Bowersox's appearance alone set ticket sales through the roof. The team most likely set a stadium record of over 13,000 to see a Hens game.

Saturday morning Bowersox jets back to Los Angeles and will join DeWyze and James along the way.