`Idol's' Crystal Bowersox Gets Paid In Skydiving Lessons

American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox once accepted skydiving lessons as a form of payment for performing.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 0:40 GMT

The dreadlocked crooner from Ohio has performed at hole-in- the-wall clubs and subway stations, but says her strangest gig ever was singing at a skydiver’s memorial service.

Bowersox was hired to strum at the daredevil’s wake, which was held by friends in an open field at a skydiving airport in Ohio.

After performing, mourners offered her the option of being paid half in cash and half in skydiving lessons, and she took the bait.

Bowersox knew she’d never skydive on her own, so she accepted part of her payment in the form of lessons.

She says, “I went for it, and I’m so glad I did!”

These days, Mama Sox – as she’s called – no longer has to charge in freefalls. Rumor has it she’s just signed a major record deal.