Following the show, rumors of a relationship between Fedorov and the final winner, Carrie Underwood, dominated discussions of the season. The rumors were sparked by Underwood's reaction to Fedorov's departure, when she sobbed openly and was seen on-screen saying "I love you" to him. Fedorov and Underwood denied the rumors, saying that they had a "brother–sister" relationship. They remained very close for some time after "American Idol", with Fedorov accompanying Underwood to the CMA Awards on November 6, 2006. She also visited him on the set of "The Fantasticks" during his run on the show.