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Did AT&T sway the ‘American Idol’ voting?
Just when we thought this season of American Idol was all wrapped up - a voting controversy is beginning to brew around one of the show’s sponsors.
The New York Times is reporting that AT&T, a corporate sponsor of ‘American Idol’, may have provided an unfair advantage to voters attending viewing parties organized by Kris Allen supporters.
The story doesn’t indicate how many people were in attendance at each of the parties, but does suggest that AT&T may have shown attendees how to submit 10 votes at the push of a button on phones provided by local businesses. To date, there’s nothing to indicate that the Adam Lampert parties were afforded the same “training.”
The controversy bring to the fore the concern many have about the whole voting process and the lack of of transparency provided by the show’s producers… yes, it’s only a show - but wouldn’t it be great to think, the real winner was crowned?
Should these extra votes be tossed? Did these votes sway the outcome… Thoughts anyone?
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Comments
By Shantei
May 27, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this
Craig, I don’t think that those votes had anythiing to do with the winner. I was all for Team Adam, but there was a lot of Danny and Allison fans who voted for Kris out of spite. It really doesn’t matter though. Adam is a winner regardless, he just doesn’t have the title. There is always some shady voting story every season. We all knew this season wouldn’t be any different.
By tvViewer
May 27, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this
Perhaps AT&T didn’t want Adam as a spokesperson and threw the vote accordingly, they did have the tools!
By David
May 27, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this
This is why I have always believed that a sponsor should never be involved in the voting process. Texting should be allowed by anyone with a phone. If AT&T wants to be a sponsor, they can find another way to advertise on the show. I will make a bet that if this controversey continues or something comes out of it, there will probably be a change in the voting or texting process on the show next year.
By Cousin
May 27, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this
You know as well as I that “other issues” played a significant role in part of the demographic that voted. That said, I don’t really know if the winner would have changed, but I am skeptical.
By Michael
May 27, 2009 2:54 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope people voted for the performers and not for or against people because of other issues.