![dek](https://content.time.com/time/daily/2010/1003/dt_crystal_bowersox_0322.jpg)
A couple of years ago, American Idol might not have been interested in the Sox. But the husky-voiced folkie has done Idol a favor by breaking its malleable-pop-star mold. Let's hope her health holds out (illness nearly knocked her off the show); losing her would put Idol in critical condition.