Crystal Bowersox

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 6, Crystal – now 30 – rose from humble beginnings in northwestern Ohio to reach the heights of American Idol in 2010 and an ongoing musical career that has followed. Having nearly lost her spot on the show due to a short hospitalization brought on by the rigorous taping and rehearsal schedule, she vowed to make it her mission to touch others impacted by diabetes with her music and her message. Crystal’s grit and determination recently caught the eye of Lilly Diabetes, which today introduced her as its newest type 1 diabetes ambassador.

"Busy is a blessing," says Crystal Bowersox. "I love being busy." She's on the phone from Los Angeles, where she is writing songs with a group of fellow ...