With the Season 9 finale less than 24 hours away, Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze took a timeout from rehearsals to greet the press on Monday afternoon. Both seemed relaxed, upbeat and confident, insisting that theirs is a “friendly competition.” “This is what we’ve wanted,” said Crystal. “We’re living our dreams.”
To that end, Lee is still pinching himself. “It’s overwhelming,” he admitted. “To go from where we were to here is a big deal.” And in staring down the finish line, Lee is looking to let go of the nerves and have fun. “I want to do my thing, be myself and enjoy it, rather than be afraid of it.”
Finale-specific questions were off-limits, but one fantasy bandied about — having the two of them perform original songs — was addressed. Read on for that answer and highlights from the news conference…
On playing in the subways and coffee shops…
Crystal: I played in the subways a lot and in little cafes and I think it’s given me perspective on certain things in life and helped shape who I am. It’s made me a stronger person and I don’t think I would’ve made it as far as I have in the competition if it wasn’t for those experiences.
Lee: Playing smaller venues, they seem like a big deal at the time. I remember I’d get psyched to play a show and have 70 people show up! And here you are on this stage, so it prepares you in so many ways. It feels good to have tried so many different things to be a working artist. You don’t forget that stuff.
On playing talent shows at a young age and whether that fostered future stardom…
Crystal: I always knew that I would make it and that there was a brighter path for me in life. But I didn’t know how I would get there or when. I just always had that feeling inside of me and didn’t know how to articulate it to anyone. I just loved playing and singing, I love writing music, and talent shows were a way for me to show it to people.
On Simon Cowell’s legacy and what they’ve learned from him…
Crystal: Simon’s a rare bird. He’s more honest than most people can handle and I love that about him. He’s just basically taught me to be the same. I feel like I was before, but even more so now, to speak my mind and my thoughts freely and clearly. I wouldn’t be as mean as he is, but I hope he does well in all his pursuits.
Lee: I think that even when he says something negative to you or positive, he’s got his way of doing things. As far as being yourself, there were times where maybe one judge would say something and he’d be, like, “No, just do your thing.” That’s what I respect the most about him. He’s very into not changing who you are but taking what you’re good at and making it better, so I think he’s a cool dude.
On who could replace Simon…
Crystal: I don’t think that Simon is replaceable. They could find someone who could do the job well, but Simon has been a major part of the show. For nine seasons, he’s the guy, but I think that the show could continue and still be able to maintain its success and he’s just another character.
Lee: I think if they get somebody that’s not a character that isn’t playing a part, someone who really understood the music business end of it and the music and at the same time was just honest. It could be anybody.
On possibly doing their own original songs for the finale and whether there was there any discussion of that…
Lee: Me and her both write and we’ve obviously talked. It would be great, but I think that the name of the game here is taking what you’re given, and in this case, it’s these cover songs, which are great, and making them your own. After this competition is over, I think that’s the time to really start being your own artist and doing your thing. Right now, in the competition, there’s a guideline and we’re following it to the best of our abilities. And when this is all over, we ‘ll surely both want to write and do our originals.
Crystal: There are rules in the competition that we both have to follow and we both wanna be respectful of the game.
On coming in first versus second…
Crystal: I like to do well in anything in life and I’m a little bit of a perfectionist when it comes to things so I might have a little bit of disappointment if I’m second. But at the same time, I’m happy that I’ve made it this far. I literally have everything I’ve ever dreamed of, I’m one happy girl and I’d be happy no matter what happens.
Lee: I think winning is the essential goal for both of us, but I think whether I won or she won first or second, both of us want successful careers and want to keep doing this. I don’t think it’s a matter of… be here and be gone. I wanna do this for the rest of my life, or for a long time. We’ve both been given such an opportunity and I wanna make the absolute best of it.
Crystal: We could freak everybody out and start a band.
via LA Times, Shirley Halperin on Idol Tracker
