One of three "American Idol" viewers believes a vote to FOX's wildly popular talent-search program counts at least as much as voting for president, according to a new survey.

Pursuant, a Washington, D.C., research firm, said 35 percent of those polled felt they were making better use of their time voting for the next Grammy hopeful than in a political election.

"There is something about people who felt maybe their vote in the last elections didn't count, but with 'American Idol' . . . [they're] hoping to propel someone to stardom," said Melissa Marcello, president of Pursuant.