The fourth series of American Idol came to an end in the US this week, and the winner was country talent Carrie Underwood, a 22-year-old student from Oklahoma who beat rocker Bo Bice in a two-hour finale which saw guest appearances from George Benson and Kenny G and live performances from all of this season's finalists. Underwood says that her heart is with country music, and said "I feel like that's the music that's the most pure. And the people, the artists, are so nice. Those are the people I want to be among." Her mother, meanwhile, said "I hope this doesn't change her."
The judges thought Bice had performed better on the night, but their opinion made no difference to the vote. Bice said he was pleased with his position, especially as he only entered the contest for a bet, and he's got a record deal anyway, as might be expected. American Idol returns again at the start of next year.