CLAREMORE –—Crystal Bowersox has come a long way as a musician. After starting as a child performer in hometown bars, she recently went from being a street performer to American Idol runner-up.

On April 20, Bowersox will perform a free concert at the Dog Iron Saloon inside Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. The show will begin at 10:30 p.m.

Known for being the blonde dreadlocked singer who finished second on American Idol in 2010, Bowersox’s story goes deeper.

In a life filled with challenges, Bowersox turned to music and started performing professionally as a 10-year-old in karaoke bars in Toledo, Ohio. After graduating high school she relocated to Chicago where she performed open mics and played as a busker at several train stations.

Her break came in 2010 when she auditioned for American Idol and became the first female finalist in three years. She performed with Joe Cocker, Harry Connick Jr. and Alanis Morrissette, and she successfully covered songs from legendary performers, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley and The Beatles.

Bowersox’s finale cover of Solomon Burke’s “Up to the Mountain” earned her rave reviews from judge Simon Cowell, who claimed it was “the best performance and song of the night.” It would later be released as a single.

The 26-year-old folk-rock-country singer

/songwriter released her debut, “Farmer’s Daughter,” in 2011. The album tells the story of her life and features the singles “Farmer’s Daughter” and “Ridin’ with the Radio.”

Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is located three miles east of Claremore on Highway 20. For more information, visit www.cherokeestarrewards.com or call (918) 283-8800.