TWOP: This whole season of Idol, they were saying that there was going to be a female winner, that it was a girl's season. It didn't turn out that way. Did you see that gender had any role in the voting throughout the season and up to the finale?
Bowersox: I don't feel that way. American Idol is a competition in a certain way that it really is up to the voting public. Any predictions made at the beginning of the season for a female winner, it's not possible to know. When I became the last girl standing, it became clear to me then that it was definitely possible; however, it wasn't guaranteed. Lee -- I love Lee. Lee is great. He is super-talented. I would buy his album in a heartbeat. Whatever happened happened for a reason. I'm extremely proud of him and happy for him.

You said after the show that you maybe had a feeling that it might not go your way. Were you pretty sure it was going to be Lee, or what were you thinking?
Bowersox: I woke up on Wednesday morning and had breakfast with my friend. It was a calm morning, like any other, and I just had an overwhelming sense of peace and acceptance, some strange feeling inside of me. I knew Lee was going to win. I was fine with that, because he's worked so hard. No matter the outcome of this, there's no winner or loser. We're both going to have very successful careers. I couldn't be prouder of him.

What was it like when you were sitting there, listening to Ryan drag out the announcement?
Bowersox: If you watch the video back, I had mouthed the words, "C'mon, Ryan," several times. It's frustrating when he does it, but he's a very smart man. He knows what's good for TV and making our hearts beat out of our chest. I wanted to know for sure. I wanted to know if my feeling was right. I wanted to celebrate for Lee. When I saw Lee's face, and he was about ready to pass out, I just felt everything he was feeling. We've been together through this whole process and understand each other completely and how much we've worked for. I looked up at his confetti falling down, and I thought, "This was my confetti, I have won vicariously through Lee," because I could empathize so much.

The judges gave each of the three finalists a song, and a lot of people think that, by choosing "Hallelujah" for Lee, Simon actually gave him the winning card. How much of an effect do you think this stage has on the public?
Bowersox: I don't think that it gave Lee an upper hand, necessarily. Lee took his song choice from Simon and completely made it his own and did a beautiful job on it. With Ellen's choice for me, I didn't feel like I needed to change the song too much from the original, because it's such an iconic song. I respect Paul McCartney and love his work. I just sang it the best that I could and discovered new things about my voice I didn't know I could do. The whole show is just up to the American public. Lee has worked his tail off for this. It's a great thing that he won. Love him for it. It's awesome.

At one point, there was a report that you were considering quitting the show and Ryan talked you back into that. Is that true at all?
Bowersox: I feel like I've addressed this before. Ryan and I had a simple conversation as he was leaving out the back door for the day. I just happened to be standing there as he was walking out. He gave me some quick, good advice. It was amazing. Ryan's a good spirit. He's a good man; he's a hard worker. I respect him for it. I never really had a true intention of quitting. It's a hard process. People don't realize how grueling the show is, the emotional and physical toll it takes on you. You have moments of not necessarily doubt, but you just have -- you get tired. You get tired. I missed my son. Just had a nice conversation with Ryan. He was very helpful. I highly respect him.

Do you have any idea of who should replace Simon?
Bowersox: Simon is such an epic figure in the show. I don't-- "Replace" is not a good word for me. Simon is irreplaceable in the sense that he's Simon. He's such a figure, but whoever takes his position is going to do a great job and bring something new to the show. It'll keep things interesting. Best of luck to whoever gets the spot and to Simon.

As an artist, if there was any group or band or other performing artist you could open for in a concert, who would it be?
Bowersox: Oh, there's so many people I'd love to work with. I definitely have love and respect for Melissa Etheridge. Alanis was great. Joe Cocker was one of the highlights of my life. I'm a big fan of Ray Lamontagne. I like Leslie Feist. There's a lot of music that I personally love and enjoy. The craziest thing is that it's all possible now to work with these people. I can say it, and it can be true.

Crystal, we've seen you go from the point where you said that your boyfriend was going to propose to you real soon, to the point where you broke up just before the finals. How do you think that's going to affect you, going ahead?
Bowersox: Tony has been my rock through all of this. He's been there for me. He's been amazing. I've got a great amount of respect and love for him -- it was a mutual thing. He's a small-town guy and wants a simple, quiet life. I respect that of him. This is my career; this is what I've strived for my whole life. I want to do this for my son. So, we're going to be okay. We're going to be friends for a long time.

If you weren't doing music, would you also enjoy a small town, quiet life?
Bowersox: Oh, of course, but I love music. I want to do good things for the world and my family and community, so I'm loving every minute of this.

Did you have any idea the effect that trying out for Idol would have on your personal life?
Bowersox: Yes. I'm a pretty smart girl. I knew what I was signing up for. At least, I had a good idea. You never fully comprehend the situation until you're in it and out of it. So, I'm rolling with the punches. That's what I've done everyday in my life. Just go forward and do what feels right and what makes me happy.

Since you and Lee get along so well, how about you two dating?
Bowersox: Oh, no; that wouldn't happen. Lee's like a brother to me. I love him dearly, but not that way.

Read our interview with Lee DeWyze here, then see our gallery of the Idol finale's worst moments.

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