It’s hard to believe that Carrie Underwood won “American Idol” 20 years ago. The now-judge has come an incredibly long way since her win, but she wasn’t the only memorable contestant from her season. Runner-up Bo Bice also stole plenty of viewers’ hearts, and he made friends with Underwood along the way. But are they still pals?
The show’s set brought them back together briefly in 2025, and Bice told TV Insider in October that he enjoyed seeing Underwood again. “That was such a wonderful opportunity just to get to say how proud I was of my friend,” he said. The pair may not spend as much time together as they did during their contestant days, but their connection has clearly stood the test of time.
Underwood and Bice Made Fast Friends on ‘Idol’
According to the “Before He Cheats” singer, going head to head for the “American Idol” crown didn’t stop Bice and her from becoming friends. “We were besties from early on in the show,” Underwood confessed to TV Insider in her own interview from May 2025. “So for the two of us to be in the finale together, it was a dream come true to have my friend next to me on that stage, as well.”
That friendship was on full display when Ryan Seacrest read the finale results, changing both contestants’ lives forever. In clips from Underwood’s big moment, viewers can see Bice hugging her and smiling at her victory. Even today, he is still happy for her. “Over the years, as I’ve watched her progress throughout her career, I’ve never had one sense of jadedness, one sense of regret, one sense of any kind of aggravation when I see her succeed,” he told TV Insider.
The ‘Idol’ Winner’s Journey has Truly Come Full Circle
For the majority of contestants, their “American Idol” journey ends with their season. However, winning the series was just the beginning of the story for Underwood. The singer will soon take a seat at the judges’ table for a second time, joining Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie in Season 24.
Although she clearly enjoyed the process enough to return for another round, Underwood has also been honest about the challenges of judging. “I’m a people pleaser for sure,” she shared with Extra TV, noting that this makes it difficult for her to turn down contestants that aren’t right for the show. Fans will be able to watch Underwood dish out more no’s (and some enthusiastic yes’s) next spring.
