American Idol 4 finale
Country Crooner rocks out the rocker
She's a little bit country, he's a little bit rock and roll -- and country won! American viewers weren't ready to embrace a Marine singing country songs as the American Idol a couple of years ago, but they certainly were ready for a blonde, beautiful Country Carrie this year. Shortly after Carrie Underwood was named the new "American Idol," she was greeted by an enthusiastic and important fan: A top executive at the company that will put out her first recording. "We can't wait to meet with you in New York," Richard Sanders, general manager of RCA Music Group, told Underwood after briefly interrupting an interview. Underwood, a 22-year-old from Checotah, Oklahoma, with a sweet smile and an affinity for country music, looked dazed after besting runner-up Bo Bice in Fox TV's talent contest. "This is the best night of my life. And it's going to get better," Underwood gleamed. Friends and family describe Underwood as a polite, quiet, small-town girl who is dedicated to music. Underwood's mother, Carole, said she hoped her daughter's success wouldn't change her. But Underwood said there's no reason to worry. She plans to focus on the country sound and won't abandon her roots. "I want my permanent address to be in Oklahoma," she said. "Someday, when I get married and I have kids, that's where I want to live." Bice, 29, of Helena, Alabama, would have been the oldest "Idol" winner. He brought an unexpected rock edge to the show's usually mainstream pop style with songs such as the 1970's hit Vehicle. Bice said he was satisfied with the experience. He entered the "Idol" contest on a bet with his mom, expecting only that the exposure might get him better gigs back home. Turns out the payoff will be bigger. "We can look forward to an album coming out soon, so keep your eyes open," Bice said. He did not provide further details. Compiled by Cultural Correspondent
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