Bo Bice Wows 'Em

(CBS)  It's been quite a year for Bo Bice.

The popular runner-up of the fourth season of "American Idol" is basking in the release this week of his first album, "The Real Thing."

Its executive producer was Clive Davis.

On The Early Show Friday, Bice

sang a medley (video)

comprised of his single, "Valley Of Angels," and "Merry Christmas Baby."

Since the "Idol" finale, Bice married his longtime girlfriend and became a father for the first time, to a little boy named Aidan. What's more, Bice just celebrated his 30th birthday.

Bice told Tracy Smith Friday he's already written a song for Aidan, called, "When I See You Smile."

Bice is also enjoying the success of the CD single release from "Idol" of "Vehicle" and "Inside Your Heaven."

The "A" side, "Inside Your Heaven," was performed by Bice on the finale of "Idol."

And the "B" side is a remake of "Vehicle," the "Ides of March" No. 2 hit from 1970. Bice performed "Vehicle" twice on "Idol," winning praise from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. The version recorded for the single features Richie Sambora, the lead guitarist of Bon Jovi, on guitar.

Bice's double-sided single CD debuted at the top of the Billboard singles chart this summer.

After the release of "Inside Your Heaven"/"Vehicle," Bice planned to join the other "Idol" finalists from the top 10 of season four on a 30-plus city tour. But his tour dates were cut short by a broken foot and intestinal woes that required surgery.

Bice is also on the new Santana album "All That I Am" performing "Brown Skin Girl."

Since his appearance on "Idol," Bo has performed with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie Nelson, Richie Sambora and Phish at Bonaroo.