Crystal Bowersox: Behind the Scenes Part II

She's gone from small town girl to an American superstar, in just a matter of months. 

Week after week, millions watch Crystal Bowersox take to the Kodak stage, but Ms. Bowersox gained quite the following even before Hollywood. 

“She's the best thing that's ever happened to East Toledo, ever” says Carol Snider, who is a big Crystal fan.  

Crystal grew up in Elliston, Ohio, just southeast of Toledo. In her teens and early 20s she played at many area bars, including Papa’s Tavern in Toledo. 

“I've seen her play in here so many times, she's just a really good person and I think she's going to win” says Judy Snider, a frequent Papa’s patron who’s watched Crystal sing over the years. 

Dozens of dedicated fans, like Snider, flock to Papa's every Tuesday and Wednesday to cheer Crystal on. “

When she comes on, this place just erupts, but when she starts singing, you can drop a pin and hear it drop, nobody says a word, it's totally quiet” says Tim Stahl, owner of Papa’s and Crystal’s friend. 

“I remember one time she came in with a camcorder and put it up on the stage and I got her a little tripod I had. I don't know if that was to get used to the cameras, but for her that's a hard move for her” Stahl says. 

“If she would ever have to drop the guitar, God forbid that would ever happen, I don't think she could work behind a sales counter” says Debbie May, a bartender at Papa’s and also one of Crystal’s hometown friends. 

“I've told her several times, I've said, you're going to go somewhere, someday for sure” she says. 

Looks like May couldn't have been more right! 

Tune in FOX Fort Wayne News for more coverage of crystal in the coming weeks-- and of course tune in Tuesday and Wednesday to catch Crystal, Lee and Casey compete for the Idol crown!