Crystal Bowersox and Boyfriend Split Before Idol Finale

[fgg]

Crystal Bowersox and Boyfriend Split Before Idol Finale
May 27, 2010

When Crystal Bowersox belted out a moving rendition of Patty Griffin‘s “Up to the Mountain” on the first night of the American Idol finale, the singer drew from her own raw emotions after what she says was a “hard morning.”

“[My boyfriend] Tony, he went home. He wasn’t cool with the lifestyle,” the Elliston, Ohio, native revealed Thursday morning on Ryan Seacrest‘s 102.7 KIIS-FM radio show.

The decision to break up just hours before the final performance night, Bowersox says, was completely mutual.

“We’re both logical, grown adults,” she said. “He’s a small town guy and it’s fine. But I’m a small town girl but I want this. I want this more than anything — this career, this lifestyle. I didn’t think he was up for it. He didn’t think he was up for it.”

Her boyfriend, Tony Kusian, 26, spoke with PEOPLE during Crystal’s hometown visit about life in Los Angeles, where Idol is produced. “It’s kind of tough at times but you get used to it and we’re all happy. Some days are more fun than others,” he said. “But it’s been hard to find friends out there. I want to keep it low key. I don’t need the attention.”

Though she’s “a little sad” they parted ways on one of the most pivotal moments of her Idol journey, Bowersox has no hard feelings. “He’s been amazing,” she says. “He stuck it out through this whole thing.”

Already a veteran in the business, judge Kara DioGuardi, who appeared with Bowersox on the radio show, offered some advice to the runner-up. “You have to do your music,” she her. “It’s not a choice for you. It’s what makes you whole. If somebody can’t hang with that — I’m sure he’s a lovely guy but right now this is your dream.”

And while she’s disappointed about the breakup, the even-keeled singer says she isn’t mad. In fact, she says, “We’re going to be friends for a long time.” –Eunice Oh
</EM>





Crystal Bowersox and Boyfriend Split Before Idol Finale - PEOPLE TV Watch

[Syd]

I hope she does well. Really like her voice. The guy was dick to leave on that particular day.

[cupcake]

I like her. Wonder if they are going to try to make her over.

[JadeStar70]

I felt kind of bad for the guy. Ryan and the judges put him on the spot on live tv a few weeks back, asking when he was going to marry Crystal. I thought that was shitty!

I love how she says she wants it and the lifestyle now. A few weeks ago she was wanting to quit and go home. She was homesick and said it wasn't the lifestyle and attention she wanted. Whatever, hag.

[greysfang]

Screw the boy, when is her album coming out? I don't even watch Idol, but I was flipping channels one night and Crystal was singing an Alanis song that made me stop and listen. The girl defintiely has IT.

[witchcurlgirl]

^ Yes, my local station has been playing clips of the shows in the mornings and this girl can sing.

[*DIVA!]

^^She does! I don't do Idol anymore either, but I really dig her!

[Trixie]

I like her. Wonder if they are going to try to make her over.

Yeah, will she get new teeth like Elliot Yamin? Will they put her on a diet? I bet she doesn't let them mess with her hair though.

Re the guy, I guess it explains why she burst into tears during her performance that night. But, better they break up now than do the long-distance romance thing. They looked like an odd match anyway. Plus, she already admitted to having crushes on Casey and Lee during the season...

[msdeb]

Yeah, will she get new teeth like Elliot Yamin? Will they put her on a diet? I bet she doesn't let them mess with her hair though.

i hope they do a better job with her teeth then they did with Elliot's. His are horrible. and i really do with she'd ditch the hair. its ugly.

[fgg]

they'll fix her teeth and let her keep the hair. she has to retain some of who she is.

[CornFlakegrl]

I watched Idol and this girl is mega talented.

I think it's crappy he did this right before the finale. Wonder if it wasn't more her. maybe she got a taste of Hollywood and wants to be free.

[DitaPage*]

Her boyfriend seemed really nice when they cut to him in the audience a few weeks back. He had on bright american flag pants - didn't seem like the type who doesn't like attention.

I hope she does really well, I can't wait to buy her record. RECORDS. She's got raw talent. It'll be depressing if she doesn't go far with it.

The hairstyle worked, and is still working, for Jason Castro. I'm not a fan of dreads either, but i'm all for individuality. I'm glad Crystal kept them during the show - i'm sure they would have tried to get rid of them.

[Bellatheball]

Why is he the prick? She said it was mutual. Why can't they both be decent people who realized they wanted different paths in life?

[AgentOrange]

they'll fix her teeth and let her keep the hair. she has to retain some of who she is.

There's a whole system in place in the ent industry to prevent people from retaining who they are. Pamela Anderson is an example.

[fgg]

i agree but i don't think they'll immediately take the dreads away. maybe gradually put her through the makeover machine.