Article by: Rumer Certeza
Photos: Americanidol.com/Picapp 

'American Idol' sensation Crystal Bowersox has lifted spirits of her struggling hometown, Toledo.

Despite being hit hard by the Great Recession, plus the shrinking American auto industry, and areas having some of the highest double-digit unemployment rates in the state, hope still lingers in the state of Toledo, Ohio. Thanks to its new favorite daughter, 'American Idol' potential Crystal Bowersox, who's on the road towards a possible title.

Bowersox, top three 'Idol' contestant, has risen from the modest rural Ohio background, to the biggest stage on television amidst seemingly unsurmountable obstacles, her newfound success creating a sense of community within the economically distressed area.

"I think it's brought everyone together, really, I mean, to have an 'Idol' from our town?" says Oak Harbout native Jaime Sellback, 20.

And extremely proud grandmother Alice Bowersox finds it hard to conceal her excitement, though sounding a bit biased. "We really knew she was going somewhere. We really knew she had a lot of talent. And now the rest of the world is finding out," says Alice.

The Toledo area's overflowing with optimism, as evident from the dozens of store windows painted with messages of encouragement for 'MamaSox' in neighboring Oak Harbor, put up by cheerleaders from the singer's old middle school, to the new signs proclaiming tiny Elliston, Bowersox hometown.

Yet nobody else could be prouder than local musician Ron Rasberry, the first man in the area responsible for giving Bowersox a shot at playing on a real stage, and also having nurtured her musical aspirations for more than a decade now.

Says Rasberry, "Man, people are walking around and smiling. This city needs a good shot in the arm, you know. Right now things are a little tough and rough around here... She's putting smiles on people's faces that wouldn't ordinarily watch that show. And I'm one of them."

Everybody needs a hero!