Crystal Bowersox Performs 'Me and Bobby McGee' on American Idol'

Though Joplin's version remains definitive, "Me and Bobby McGee" has been covered by a number of artists, including country greats Kenny Rogers and Johnny Cash, rock icons the Grateful Dead and Melissa Etheridge, and pop idols Olivia Newton-John and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Pink's version of the track appears on her "Live in Europe" DVD, and Tori Amos has broken it out in concert.

Bowersox's version marks the first time "Me and Bobby McGee" has appeared on "American Idol," though songs performed by Joplin have popped up five times before. Nikki McKibbin, Carrie Underwood and Asia'h Epperson are among the "Idol" hopefuls who have performed "Piece of My Heart," while Allison Iraheta knocked out Joplin's "Cry Baby" last season.