Cowell picks 'Idol' win for Ottawa County's Bowersox

3/11/2010

American Idol has a dozen finalists remaining, but already one judge has a favorite to win it all: Crystal Bowersox.

“Right now you are the one everyone has to beat,” Simon Cowell told the 24-year-old singer after her performance of Tracy Chapman's bluesy hit “Give Me One Reason” on Tuesday night's Idol. “I'm telling you, it's yours to lose.”

Mr. Cowell was so certain of Ms. Bowersox's future on the Fox show, he guaranteed the former Blade Battle of the Bands winner was “one million, billion percent going to be in the top 12 next week.”

Thursday night, American Idol cut four more contestants based on viewer votes, delivering the 12 finalists.

Sent packing were Katelyn Epperly, Todrick Hall, Alex Lambert, and surprisingly, Lilly Scott.

Next week American Idol return to its normal two-night format.

On Tuesday the 12 singers perform, and on Wednesday the results are announced.