Scene - Blogs - Did ATT rig the American Idol win

Did AT&T 'rig' the American Idol win?
Published: 5/27/2009 10:27 AM
Last Modified: 5/27/2009 10:27 AM

Kris Allen (AP file)

The New York Times and Rolling Stone online report that phone company and "American Idol" sponsor AT&T is accused of "rigging" votes for winner Kris Allen.

The phone network hosts all text message voting for the show, the news sites report. The phone company gave away free phones and taught fans in Allen's home state of Arkansas how to send in "blocks" of votes, the New York Times reports.

There appear to be no similar efforts made for "American Idol" runner up Adam Lambert.

Reports the New York Times: Officials of Fox Broadcasting declined to discuss the situation. In a statement issued Tuesday, a spokesman for AT&T said, “In Arkansas, we were invited to attend the local watch parties organized by the community. A few local employees brought a small number of demo phones with them and provided texting tutorials to those who were interested.”

Fans were also taught how to "power text," or "power vote" by sending 10 or more votes at one time.

Reports Rolling Stone: During the competition, many Lambert fans expressed outrage over a post at Kris Allen fansite Kris Allen Nation that featured instructions for power texting and using online phone program Gizmo. Sites supporting Lambert, like Adam-Lambert.org also urged viewers to use Gizmo and “power vote.”

Read the full New York Times story,

here.

Read the Rolling Stone story,

here.

Reader Comments

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Arbythree (4 years ago)

American Idol may have been rigged? Now things are really getting out of hand.

Graychin (4 years ago)

This is as bad as Diebold voting machines.

Is NOTHING sacred?

okie.girl (4 years ago)

Text voting shouldnt count. He only won because of the volume of teeny boppers who do text. All of us "adults" know who the real idol should have been. And SHAME on AT&T for skewing the vote. I think the final vote on who is the year's idol should be made by the judges.

Arbythree (4 years ago)

Adults watch Idol?

Greco (4 years ago)

Isn't this the same corporation (formerly named SW Bell) that got caught rigging customer charges? Why yes it is. Isn't this the same company that had some issue with bribing State Corporation Commissioners? Why yes it is.

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2/17/2013		Tulsan Johnny Polygon a rapper who delights in hometown crowd
2/15/2013		The Who brings nostalgia, ingenuity to BOK Center
2/15/2013		Lady Gaga tour is canceled
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2/14/2013		The Who brings 'other' rock opera to Tulsa's BOK Center
2/14/2013		Okies nominated for several top ACM awards
2/14/2013		Epic moments of rock 'n' roll history in Tulsa
2/14/2013		The Who talks about 'Quadrophenia' rock opera ahead of BOK show Thursday
2/14/2013		Shawnee songstress Samantha Crain to play Tulsa CD release show Friday
2/14/2013		Rick Springfield to play River Spirit Event Center on Saturday
2/14/2013		Local music roundup: Vaudvillian sideshows? Nerd nights? Live music? Parties? Yes, yes, yes and yes.
2/14/2013		Eli Young band coming to Brady Theater for first time

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