2005- - The Fourth Season of 'American Idol'

American Idol's fourth season premiered in January, 2005.  When the worst singers were weeded out (including an incomprehensible fame seeker named Leroy Wells), 12 finalists remained:

• Lindsay Cardinale
• Mikalah Gordon
• Jessica Sierra
• Nikko Smith
• Nadia Turner
• Anwar Robinson
• Constantine Maroulis
• Scott Savol
• Anthony Federov
• Vonzell Solomon
• Bo Bice
• Carrie Underwood

*Read about them here.

This was the year producers raised the age limit for singers to 28.  The season's oldest contestants were Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis (they were both 29 at the time).  Bo and Constantine also had something else in common. They brought a rock edge to the show that was something new for American Idol.

Controversy
The season's first big controversy came when Top 12 finalist Mario Vasquez  quit the show. Mario, who was as an early favorite, claimed he was quitting the show because of a family situation. He later revealed that he did not believe competing on American Idol was the right move for for his career.  Mario was replaced by Nikko Smith.

But Mario's departure was not the most scandalous surprise of Season 4.  American Idol fans were shocked when Season One contestant Corey Clark (who had been disqualified from the show because he had problems with the law) claimed he had a sexual relationship with judge Paula Abdul while he was competing on the show.  He  claimed that Paula bought him clothes and gave him advice throughout the competition.  Clark, who was promoting an album at the time, gave an exclusive interview to ABC's Primetime Live. The scandal could have ended Paula's career as a judge on American Idol, but after an investigation of the allegations, Fox decided not to fire Paula.

Highlights of The Competition 
When popular contestant Constantine Maroulis was eliminated earlier than fans expected, viewers were livid that mediocre singer Scott Savol was still in the competition.  Toward the end, the clear favorites were rocker Bo Bice and country sweetheart Carrie Underwood.   On finale night, Carrie Underwood was crowned the winner of American Idol 4. 

Carrie went on to record a smash hit country album and win  industry awards.   Bo Bice also released an album, but the rocker has not been able to catch up with Carrie when it comes to record sales.