Updated May 27, 2009
Did AT&T Influence Kris Allen's 'Idol' Victory?
FOXNews
AT&T may have influenced the outcome of the 'American Idol' finale by supplying phones for free text-message voting services at fan parties for Kris Allen, according to a new report
AT&T may have influenced the outcome of the “American Idol” finale by supplying phones for free text-message voting services at fan parties for Kris Allen, according to a new report in the New York Times.
According to the report, AT&T, one of the shows biggest corporate supporters, is the only mobile phone network that can be used to cast “Idol” votes via text. Citing both AT&T sources and people at the events, the mobile giant provided free texting-services at two Arkansas parties organized by Allen fans after the final performance episode of “Idol.” Allen was later named the winner of the show.
There were no reported AT&T representatives to provide similar services at any Adam Lambert support parties.
Moreover, the texting tutorials reportedly included demonstrations on how to send power texts, an act that sends up to 10 messages with the press of a single button. Power texts can have a substantial effect on voting results.
“American Idol” warns against power texting on every episode, noting that the use of “technical enhancements” can render votes invalid.
A representative for FOX Broadcasting denied any unfair advantage however, describing Allen's victory as completely legitimate. In a statement to FOXNews.com Wednesday, the rep said, “FOX and the producers of 'American Idol' are absolutely certain that the results of this competition are fair, accurate and verified. Kris Allen is, without a doubt, the American Idol. We have an independent third-party monitoring procedure in place to ensure the integrity of the voting process. In no way did any individuals unfairly influence the outcome of the competition.”
A spokesman for AT&T said via statement, “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.”
Final voting tallies for Kris Allen and Adam Lambert have yet to be released.
Latest Entertainment Video
-
-
Marvin's Minute: 11/23
-
Nov 23, 2009
J-Lo takes a tumble, Taylor Swift wins all
-
-
-
End of an Era
-
Nov 20, 2009
Oprah announces end of talk show
-
-
-
'Dynasty'
-
Nov 17, 2009
Two Olympic skiers featured in film
-
-
-
Paula Deen
-
Nov 16, 2009
Thanksgiving cooking tips
-
-
-
'Georgia on My Mind'
-
Nov 16, 2009
The Little Rockers perform a classic
-
-
-
Marvin's Minute: 11/16
-
Nov 16, 2009
Your daily entertainment news hit
-
MOST ACTIVE IN ENTERTAINMENT
Most Read
Most Commented
-
Larry David Blasted for 'Curb' Episode Where He Urinates on Jesus Painting
October 28, 2009 1,370 comments
-
Lou Dobbs Quits CNN in Surprise Announcement
November 11, 2009 229 comments
-
Oprah Winfrey Tells Audience Her Show's 'Yellow Brick Road' Is Coming to an End
November 20, 2009 96 comments
-
'Sesame Street' Ombudsman Says Fox News Parody 'Should Have Been Resisted'
November 06, 2009 83 comments
-
Parental Advocacy Group Slams CW's 'Gossip Girl' for Intense Sexual Imagery
November 05, 2009 58 comments
-
Courteney Cox Returning to Cougar Town Set
November 23, 2009
-
VIDEO: Paula Deen Hit in Face with a Ham
November 23, 2009
-
Police Chief Convicted in Sarah Jessica Parker Surrogate Theft
November 23, 2009
-
PHOTO: Kendra Wilkinson Dresses Up Her Dogs for Christmas
November 23, 2009
-
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's Cozy Weekend in New York
November 23, 2009
-
Courteney Cox Returning to Cougar Town Set
November 23, 2009
-
VIDEO: Paula Deen Hit in Face with a Ham
November 23, 2009
-
Police Chief Convicted in Sarah Jessica Parker Surrogate Theft
November 23, 2009
-
PHOTO: Kendra Wilkinson Dresses Up Her Dogs for Christmas
November 23, 2009
-
Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart's Cozy Weekend in New York
November 23, 2009
-
Kirk Cameron -- Mauled by a Bruin in Darwin Fight
November 24, 2009
-
Dikembe Mutombo -- Really Wanna Have Sex?
November 24, 2009
-
Tequila Threatens Lawsuit Over Stolen Sex Tape
November 24, 2009
-
Pratt to DJs -- I Want My Money!
November 24, 2009
-
Valet Smacks Khloe Kardashian's Rear End
November 24, 2009
-
X17 XCLUSIVE - Kate Bosworth and Alex Skarsgard's Hot Movie Date
November 23, 2009
-
Chaz Bono Says Sex Change Was The "Best Decision I've Ever Made"
November 20, 2009
-
Madonna Wore Bullet-Proof Vest In Brazil
November 20, 2009
-
Robert Pattinson Admits He And Kristen Are Engaged!
November 19, 2009



recommend


Subscribe to Comments






