Carrie Underwood, 21, was voted the new American Idol yesterday at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, home of the Oscars.

Carrie is the fourth winner of the top–rated reality–based pop star search

Carrie Underwood, a blonde country sweetheart from Oklahoma, conquered southern rocker Bo Bice from Alabama.

Friends and family describe the new pop star as polite, quiet, and very humble girl who takes her music seriously.

"This is the best night of my life and it’s going to get better," Carrie said backstage, reports AP. Proud of her country music roots, she added, "That’s where my heart is. I feel that’s the music that is most pure."

American Idol judge Simon Cowell said he’s always known that farm girl Carrie would win despite the toughest "American Idol" pool of contestants this year and dramatic and controversial events throughout the "American Idol" season.

Ryan announced that "the fifth season will kick off its audition this summer" and that the finalists will begin a tour very soon.

This year 100,000 wannabe stars participated in the across-country star search at "American Idol." People voted for them via telephone and text message. 

 Other news