Season 9’s top girl, Crystal Bowersox, has had a very busy year! Since coming in second place on American Idol, Crystal has signed with 19 Recordings/Jive Records, has started working on her album, and is currently touring the nation with Season 9’s Top 10 on the American Idols LIVE! 2010 Tour. Crystal opened up exclusively to AmericanIdol.com about her family, writing songs, and why she loves her fans.

We chatted with Crystal the day before her 25th birthday. She said she doesn’t have any celebration plans. “I’m not a big birthday person. We have a show on my birthday, so that’s what I’ll be doing!” Crystal took to her Twitter account to tell her fans, “If you are planning on getting anything for birthday... please donate whatever youdve spent to a charity of your choice. Thank you!” The charitable young lady recently visited the White House as a rep for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Crystal’s favorite thing about being on tour is “getting to do what I love.” Since she’s the second-to-last singer to perform at each show, we asked her what she did to pass the time as she waits to take the stage. She said, “I don’t do anything extra special. I walk around and hangout. Sometimes I’ll nap.”

The girls’ tour bus consists of Crystal, Siobhan Magnus, Katie Stevens, and Didi Benami. When asked what it’s like touring the country on the Idol bus she said, “The vibe is cool. Our bus probably isn’t as exciting as the boys’ bus. We nap a lot. At least all of the girls are well-rested!”

Throughout Season 9 of American Idol, we learned about how much Crystal’s family means to her. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to see much of her son while she’s been touring the country. However, her family and friends were able to attend the first concert at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan. “A lot of my family and friends and the people who supported me throughout my career will be at the tour stop in Toledo, Ohio. I am really looking forward to that,” Crystal shared.

Crystal is currently working on her album simultaneously with the tour. As the first contestant to have an original song played on American Idol, can we expect more Bowersox-penned tunes on the album? “Definitely – I’m writing all of them…every single one! I’m so proud that I was the first finalist to have an original song on American Idol. It means a lot.”

The American Idol runner-up was obviously a fan favorite throughout Season 9, and she has had the opportunity to meet many of these fans who come out to the shows. What has this experience been like for Crystal? “This might be surprising, but I’m actually a shy person,” Crystal said. She has received some really cool gifts from the fans including a didgeridoo and some little pieces of jewelry.

For all of those Season 10 hopefuls, Crystal offered up some practical advice: “It’s a good idea to try and have a portion of money saved up before you audition. You never know how far you’ll make it and if you’ll need to buy clothes. Go into the process knowing you’ll have to be away from work, family, and friends. Be hopeful, but don’t be devastated if it doesn’t work out.”

Mamasox wants all of her fans to “Just know that I love them. They made it possible for me to be where I am today and doing what I love every single day. Thank you so much.”

View photos of Crystal rocking out on the American Idols LIVE! 2010 Tour.

Read our exclusive tour interviews with:
Lee DeWyze
Casey James