Shortly after coming in as the runner-up to winner Carrie Underwood on season four of American Idol in 2005, Bo Bice carved a steady musical career for himself. “If there were any tears shed, it was only out of joy because there’s not a lot of people who get to see all of their dreams come true in one night, and they get to see their fellow friend’s dreams come true,” said Bice in 2017, reflecting on his Idol experience from more than a decade earlier. “And I think over the last decade Carrie [Underwood] has shown that not only was she worthy of the crown of being an ‘American Idol’ winner, but she has had a wonderful solo career and I am extremely proud of her.”
Bice added, “And, you know, I haven’t done too shabby myself in my career. God’s been good to me.”
Since Idol, the Alabama native released three albums, had four children with his wife Caroline Merrin Fisher, struggled through health issues, fronted a classic rock band, and continued to make new music. Here’s a look at Bice’s life and career since American Idol.
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‘The Real Thing ‘ to ‘3’
After his run on American Idol, Bice had a No. 2 hit on the Hot 100 with the single “Inside Your Heaven,” which was written by Pelle Nylén, Savan Kotecha, and Andreas Carlsson, and produced by Desmond Child for the final two contestants on season four of American Idol. Bice and Underwood released their renditions of the song.
That year, Bice also released his debut album The Real Thing, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. When Bice was dropped by his label shortly afterward, he started his own, Sugar Money, and released his second album See the Light in 2007, followed by 3 in 2010.
“Blades of Glory”
In 2007 Bice was asked to contribute to the soundtrack for the Ben Stiller-produced comedy Blades of Glory, starring Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, and Amy Poehler, and recorded the power ballad title track, written by Doug Deangelis, Melissa Ritter, and Nicholas Allen Stoller. The film follows two former competitor figure skaters (Ferrell and Heder) who return to the sport as a pair.
Blood, Sweat & Tears (2013-2018)
From 2013 through 2018, Bice fronted the 1960s rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears, a group part of his earlier musical education.
“When I was young they [his parents] used to have the built-in speakers and a table and it was my job to clean it and to dust it, so I would throw on Jim Croce albums, all different kinds of music, and Blood, Sweat & Tears was one of those groups that were in their collection,” said Bice. “I think more than anything that the musicology side of me is really what drew me in because I am sort of an oracle of music kitsch, so looking back on them, when you say Al Kooper to me, I don’t go, ‘Yeah! Al Kooper – Blood, Sweat & Tears.’ I go, ‘Al Kooper? Wow! He produced one of my favorite albums—’Second Helping,’ Lynyrd Skynyrd’s second album.’
‘Rock of Ages’
In 2023, Bice, along with The Voice finalist Omar Cardona, and Broadway actor Justin Sargent, were revealed as one of the cast members for a run of the hit Rock of Ages musical in Winter Garden, Florida. The show ran from January through March 2023.
“I’m always up to a good challenge,” said Bice of the new role. “Stepping into a theatre role is exciting and something I’ve always wanted to pursue,” said Bice of starring in the hit musical. “I am lucky to perform alongside this highly talented cast. It’s always enjoyable to perform with artists who come together to create magic; it’s a different beast than being a frontman. That’s what makes it unique for the audience and [‘Rock of Ages’] fans to experience. Let’s Rock.”
“Born of Heroes Blood” and a Bob Seger Tribute (2024)
In 2024, Bice released two new singles, a cover of Bob Seger’s 1968 hit “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” and the more patriotic “Born of Heroes’ Blood.” The latter gospel-bent rocker is one Bice said brings back some Muscle Shoals music and was recorded at Fame Studio, where Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and the Oak Ridge Boys once recorded and where Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band once camped out in the studio parking lot so he could be closer to his recording sessions.
Bice’s rendition of “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man” is featured on the 2024 all-star bluegrass tribute to Seger, Silver Bullet Bluegrass.
Photo: Bo Bice, ‘American Idol,’ Season 4; 20thC.Fox/Everett/Shutterstock/529746ae
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