Country Beats Rock in ‘Idol’ Competition

Carrie Underwood, the country sweetheart who beguiled national television audiences with her strong voice and bright smile, is this year’s “American Idol,” defeating Southern rocker Bo Bice in the show’s finale Wednesday night.

The Oklahoma native received more viewer votes than runner-up Bice, of Alabama, after Tuesday’s final round, snaring the title and a record contract. Underwood, a 22-year-old college senior, became the talk of her hometown of Checotah -- and the choice of fourth-season “Idol” voters -- as she delivered almost uniformly consistent performances each week.

She couldn’t compete with Bice on his style of music (“I’m not sure I’m loving the rocked-out Carrie,” judge Randy Jackson said after one attempt) but shone in country. She clinched the victory Tuesday with Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” and a soaring version of “Angels Brought Me Here.”

Friends and family describe Underwood as a polite, quiet, small-town girl who is dedicated to music.

The show is used to controversy, and this season ex-contestant Corey Clark claimed he had had an affair with judge Paula Abdul. She denied it. “American Idol” remained a ratings leader.