Courtesy - NWITimes.com

By - Eloise Marie Valadez

Though a great number of  performers have come through the ranks of "American Idol," not too many have garnered significant attention.

Bo Bice, who ranked second place on Fox TV's "American Idol" in 2005, is one of the stars of the competitive vocal show who continues to be in the spotlight.

Bice is currently performing as the lead singer for Blood, Sweat and Tears (BS & T). The jazz, rock and blues-inspired group recently performed at Majestic Star Casino in Gary.

During the 90-minute show, Bice proved a powerful frontman. In addition, the band 's brass section was a standout as their performance was clear, strong and never muddled.

Highlighted  songs on the playlist included a scorching version of "Lucretia McEvil," the gospel-tinged "Hi-De Ho," the hit "Spinning Wheel" and "You Made Me So Very Happy." The group also performed a rendition of "God Bless The Child," which had a bit of a Latin tinge.

Bice has called the Blood, Sweat and Tears repertoire "timeless" and he definitely gave the tunes the respect they deserve in concert.

Through the years, BS & T has changed personnel extensively. Back in the 1960s, singer David Clayton Thomas was at the vocal forefront of the band. These days, with Bice as frontman, the group seems to be going in a good direction.

During a recent interview, Bice said BS & T is planning a large scale tour this summer and he's looking forward to joining them.

Bo Bice Peeps Bus Party Smashing Success!  A great time of sharing was enjoyed by all!
Here's is the proof >>>

Bo Bice fronts Blood, Sweat & Tears at Musikfest Cafe in Bethlehem

Perhaps the biggest surprise in the concert Wednesday that had “American Idol” runner-up Bo Bice fronting seminal jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears at Musikfest Cafet at ArtsQuest Center in Bethlehem was how much Bice suppressed his personality to make his integration into the group seamless.

No longer wearing the long hair and beard that distinguished him when he finished second to Carrie Underwood on “Idol” in 2005 (it’s been replaced by a high, spiky ‘do), Bice never once focused on himself or his career.

Instead, he ably assumed the role of the group’s singer, sounding a lot like its classic vocalist David Clayton-Thomas, to whom he was compared on “Idol,” in a 90-minute, 16-song set.

That was a good thing. Bice only occasionally crossed over into imitation – far more often sounding inspired but having his own vibe.

He established his chops immediately , brassy and soulful, on the opening “Got to Get You Into My Life,” the Beatles cover with which Blood Sweat & Tears had a minor hit in 1975. The band also established its chops, as trumpet player Carl Fischer came front and center for a solo.

When it comes down to it, it’s voice and brass that make Blood, Sweat & Tears, and the lineup had both with Bice and a four-man horn section among its nine members. (The band actually was visibly cramped on the Musikfest Café stage.)

Courtesy - The Morning Call

In July, Bo Bice, the runner-up on the fourth season of "American Idol," got an unexpected phone call.

It was from the legendary jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears, saying vocalist David Aldo had returned to his solo career and telling Bice, "We're interested in having you come out and possibly do a couple of shows if you'd like to."

ice's career was rolling along just fine — perhaps not at the 2005 level when sales of his recording of the "Idol" coronation song "Inside Your Heaven" nearly matched winner Carrie Underwood's, and his debut album "The Real Thing" hit No. 4 and went gold. His last album, his third, broke the Top 200 and he continues a strong touring schedule.

Bice says the offer intrigued him. He sang Blood Sweat & Tears on "Idol" and released a cover of the group's song "Vehicle  as a single after the show.

"I think that they did their homework on me. Because I did [the song] 'Spinning Wheel'  on 'American Idol,' people could kind of gauge — you know, Can the cat sing this stuff?" Bice says with a laugh by phone from his home outside Atlanta.

If you're an American Idol fan, Bo Bice is probably a household name for you. He is Fox Channel 5 in Atlanta! They were beyond thrilled when Bo -- and his mom-- dropped by Good Day to help kick off the Idol Across America Caravan in Atlanta. 

VIEW THE VIDEO TO WATCH THE SEGMENT WITH BO!

George Jones passed away this morning. We will miss ya Possum. There will never be another!! Make them angels weep up there GJ. 

- Bo Bice