Idol Skirts Phone-Sex Number

Show deals with scandal over phone-sex line

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 11, 2009 8:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – Tonight's American Idol includes changes that will turn “the entire theme and concept of the show” on its head, the AP reports. Last night's show, however, had all it could do to deal with the fact that 1-866-IDOLS-13—presumably the number to vote for the new 13th contestant—dials into a phone sex line, E! reports.

Viewers were directed to 1-866-IDOLS-36 after it was discovered yesterday that "nasty girls" answered unlucky number 13. “We don't want to endorse that, you know?,” said a producer. But Ryan Seacrest's biggest gripe about the unexpected discovery? "Who calls those numbers? This woman doesn't even sound hot."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (3)]

The 13 finalists of "American Idol" pose together at the American Idol Top 13 Party in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Danny Gokey of MIlwaukee, Wis., a finalist on "American Idol," mugs for photographers at the American Idol Top 13 Party in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

In this Aug. 26, 2008 file photo, "American Idol" judges, from left, Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson arrive at a promotional event for the show in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, file)

Ryan Seacrest, left, and Randy Jackson pose on the press line at the Elton John Academy Award viewing and after party in West Hollywood, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Hey there, sexy guy...Hot horny girls are waiting right now to talk to you. Lie back, baby. Relax... - Recording that answers 1-866-IDOLS-13

Crap, we're gonna have a problem on Idol tonight—just dialed 1-866-IDOLS-13 and it's not quite SFW. - Ryan Seacrest, via Twitter

Who calls those numbers? This woman doesn't even sound hot. - Ryan Seacrest

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Idol 's Final Round of 12 Expands to 13

Desai makes the cut in surprise expansion of next round

(NEWSER) - American Idol gave fans a surprise with its remaining batch of finalists last night, the AP reports. After three wild card finalists were chosen to bring the total up to the usual 12, Simon Cowell announced that 22-year-old college student Anoop Desai also would advance to the next round as an unprecedented 13th finalist. More»

'Idol' Ratings Hitting Sour Note

Viewership declines suggest beginning of end for juggernaut

(NEWSER) - Ratings monster “American Idol” is showing viewership cracks in its seventh season, and rival networks are circling, hoping to steal some of the more than 20 million viewers who tune into the Fox hit each week, reports the Los Angles Times. “Idol” viewership among women 18 to 34 is off 20%, and Tuesday’s show was the lowest-rated among 18- to 49-year-olds in five years. More»

Ellen DeGeneres Quits American Idol

Comic blames bad fit; show now has 2 judging vacancies

(AP) - Ellen DeGeneres is dancing off American Idol after one season, leaving Fox's hit show with two vacancies on its judging panel. If the singing contest intends to revamp itself to stem a ratings slide, it has the opportunity to bring in two new faces for Season 10, which starts in January. Fox has yet to announce a replacement for Simon Cowell, who left after the season finale in May to start a new talent show for the network. More»

Why Cowell's X-Factor Will Overtake Idol

Leaving 'American Idol' likely right move for Simon Cowell

(NEWSER) - With Simon Cowell set to depart American Idol at the end of this season, the big question becomes: Did he make the right choice? Yes, and not just because Cowell’s judgments are notoriously “cold, unsentimental, and usually correct,” Tom Ewing writes for New York . Cowell’s new venture, a US version of his UK hit The X Factor, has a lot going for it that could catapult it ahead of Idol: More»

Posh Not So Hot in Idol Premiere

Sources say Ryan could take over for Cowell; Victoria Beckham guests

(NEWSER) - American Idol’s 2010 season premiered last night, but if you’re wondering how new judge Ellen DeGeneres did, don’t—Victoria Beckham filled in, and not to critics' delight. From her "crazy" face to the "nothing" she added to the commentary, the Daily Mail cites several who were less than impressed with Missus Becks—in spite of the fact that she called out spat-hungry Simon Cowell. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Idol Skirts Phone-Sex Number