May 21:'Mama Sox' Rocks Northwest Ohio

OttawaCounty native CrystalBowersox has advanced to the final round of American Idol. The popular songstress will appear on theshow's finale on Tuesday evening, May 25.

On May 14, Ms. Bowersox, known affectionately as "MamaSox," returned to Northwest Ohio for a hometown visit that included a noontimeappearance in downtown Toledo and an afternoon concert at the Ottawa CountyFairgrounds in Oak Harbor. Congresswoman Kaptur praised the hometownheroine as "America'sprecious daughter of song" and presented her with an American flag.

"She lifts us all and we are inspired by hersuccess," said Kaptur. "Three weeks ago, Crystal sang a heartfelt song by CurtisMayfield titled, ‘People Get Ready.'

"What I have to say is, ‘America, get ready-get ready forCrystal Bowersox.' "

Ms. Bowersox, 24, graduated from the Toledo Schoolfor the Arts and took her songwriting and singing talent to Chicago,then performed locally in such establishments as Papa's Tavern in East Toledoand the Village Idiot in Maumeebefore qualifying for the national competition on American Idol.