For some, an appearance on long-running television series "American Idol" can catapult a musician into superstardom. For others, a flash-in-the-pan success before falling into obscurity.
But 2010 "Idol" runner-up
said she feels lucky to have found ground between the two extremes that many musicians fail to find.
Bowersox, who will perform Sept. 8 at
in Natick and the
on Sept. 10, recently talked about her upcoming shows, recently-released third album "Alive" and what it's like to carry the reputation as a "American Idol" contestant.
"Northampton is a place I've been many times before and it's always a great time up there. I've skipped across the rainbow crosswalk. There's a lot of great food options in town. I'm glad I get to come back," said Bowersox, adding that she has worked with one of the area's own while on tour.
"Seth Glier is somebody I met who was scheduled as an opener for me; he's toured around the country, done a lot of amazing things and we had a tune we had written together. I just have to mention him," she said.
Bowersox, whose dynamic vocals seamlessly float over a musical style that's at a crossroads between folk, country and rock, said audiences can expect a spontaneous and fun performance alongside material from her latest release, 2017's "Alive," and even new music.
"I'll be playing a lot of stuff off this record. I'll be playing some new stuff too. If you release an album, for you, it's already old news when it comes out. So I'm testing out some new material with my band, they're like family to me. They're all their own characters on stage," she said.
"I love to go out and say hello after the show, too, and I enjoy. I want people to feel like they're hanging out in my living room. It's really relaxed," she said.
Speaking about her experience on "American Idol," Bowersox said it was anything but relaxed.
"On 'Idol,' you're singing covers. They aren't your songs. And you're being put onto a public stage, covered in makeup and glitzy clothes, and thats never been what I was about. It was boot camp. It was where I learned what I was made of," she said. "Idol was rough, in a lot of of ways. Getting over it, it's not natural for anybody to go from complete obscurity to instant fame."
But on the flip side, Bowersox said it's humbling to have fans who have followed her since being catapulted into the public eye in 2010.
"I've gotten hugs from people who say, I feel like you're my child, and they have a sense of pride in following what I've done since the show. And I'm singing songs about how my life has changed. Fans often ask for songs from the show and, I don't do covers, but I do perform one in particular for them," she said.
Reflecting upon how her own life has changed, Bowersox said she's grateful that the experience allowed her to make a living doing what she loves.
"When I tried out for Idol, I was living on my dad's living room floor with a little baby. I didn't know what to do, took a chance, and it worked out. Since then, I've gotten to work with my heroes and meet so many people along the way. It's all part of who I am now."