What is a didgeridoo?

When Crystal Bowersox performed "Come Together" while accompanied by a didgeridoo on Tuesday's "American Idol," many people wondered about the instrument's origin.

The didgeridoo is a long, Australian aboriginal wind instrument, according to The Didgeridoo Specialists online. It's believed to have spiritual and healing powers.

The California-based Didgeridoo Store cites a study from Switzerland that suggests playing the didgeridoo can curb the effects of snoring and moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Playing the instrument reinforces certain breathing techniques that can help with sleep patterns.

The Didgeridoo Specialists note the instrument got its name from non-aboriginal Australian settlers. "The word was a phonetic description of the sound it makes," the Web site notes. The instrument has a variety of spellings like didjeridoo, didjeridu, didjeridu, didge, didge and didj.

The instrument is made when termites hollow out the inside of a tree.

This story was originally published April 6, 2010 at 9:18 PM with the headline "What is a didgeridoo?."