In the end, the country girl from Checotah, Oklahoma could not be denied. Carrie Underwood, a 22-year-old college senior was voted this year's winner on 'American Idol' as she defeated Bo Bice to win the season finale Wednesday night. Underwood did not receive the support of the judges but the public gave her the win and a million dollar recording contract.

Judge Simon Cowell announced, 'I’d like to congratulate America again for getting it exactly right, before the winner was actually announced. Underwood was then announced as the winner. She mouthed 'thank-you' in silent disbelief before recovering in time to sing a rendition of 'Inside Your Heaven' for her fans.

The big question remaining for Underwood is whether or not she'll concentrate on the country charts or the pop charts. She certainly has the potential for a crossover career that can make her a household name to fans of both genres.

While he didn't win, Bice will do just fine once the show is over. He's almost certain to get a record contract and he has a future singing the Southern rock that he loves so much.

More than five million votes were tallied in the season finale. 'Idol' continues to be a standout in the ratings war, averaging 27.3 million viewers per week for FOX.

Early in this year's competition, Simon Cowell predicted that Underwood would win the competition and go on to outsell all of the previous 'Idol' winners. Now, she's going to get the chance to prove him right.