Druggie Past of American Idol Hopeful Exposed  4/29/05

TV talent show American Idol has been caught up in another legal controversy - fourth season favorite Bo Bice was twice arrested for drug possession.

The rocker's druggie past was exposed on Wednesday (27APR05), as show judge Paula Abdul fights accusations she's often high on drugs on the show.

According to website The Smoking Gun, Bice was arrested for cocaine possession in 2001 and marijuana possession two years later (03), and he agreed to complete a recovery program as part of a plea bargain to avoid jail.

Producers of the show insist they were aware of the 29-year-old's past, explaining he had been "honest and forthcoming in revealing his previous indiscretions and their outcome".

Bice isn't the only finalist on the current season who has had legal problems in the past - fellow Idol hopeful Scott Savol was once arrested for throwing a phone at his ex-girlfriend.

He reportedly fought with Michele Martin over the couple's son in 2001, shortly after they split up.