Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


5

Idol Loser's Fans Say AT&T Tainted Voting

Runner-up's fans cry foul on discovering Allen voters got phone company freebies

Share

(Newser) – Furious fans of American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert are accusing AT&T of stuffing the virtual ballot box with votes for Kris Allen, the New York Times reports. Company reps allegedly attended Arkansas parties for native son Allen, providing phones that were for free text-messaging services and instructions on how to cast 10 votes at the touch of a button—a tactic Idol rules forbid.

"A few local employees brought a small number of demo phones with them and provided texting tutorials to those who were interested," a statement from AT&T said.” Lambert's fans say the company offered them no such tech help. AT&T is a major Idol sponsor and the only network on which viewers can vote. Fox declined to comment on the kerfuffle.  

"American Idol" finalists Adam Lambert, left, and Kris Allen pose together before the finale in Los Angeles last week.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Kris Allen, the winner of
Kris Allen, the winner of "American Idol," poses backstage following the show's finale in Los Angeles last week.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Kris Allen shows his cue card to the audience after taping a commercial last week.
Kris Allen shows his cue card to the audience after taping a commercial last week.   (AP Photo/Paul Hiffmeyer - Disney)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
CNN reports on Kris Allen's surprise "American Idol" win.   (CNN Video)

View larger videos >>
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next »
OFF THE GRID
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
5 comments
VIEWING:
 
nick
May 27, 09 9:00 AM CDT
Another reason that American Idol is in the process of Jumping The Shark. No wonder Simon wants to leave the show. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
DeniseVB
May 27, 09 9:18 AM CDT
It jumped the shark for me when they highlighted mentally challenged kids for the snicker factor. Otherwise, it's the same parade of semi-professionals in the top 12, who seem to look and sound like previous seasons' of top 12's. Ho Hum. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
RobN
May 27, 09 9:54 AM CDT
Stupidest story ever. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
Reader2700
May 27, 09 11:23 AM CDT
Dare I be the first one to say it, "Cheating in the name of the Lord." Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
Sphinx
May 27, 09 10:32 PM CDT
It's not possible that more people just liked Kris? Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

51 Stories

(Newser) - Tight-lipped Simon Cowell doesn’t want to “get in the middle” of execs and departed American Idol judge Paula Abdul, he tells Extra, but he does say things are “different” without her. “I miss her, of course,” he says. Asked how the new lineup compares... More »

MORE ABOUT:
entertainment • television • reality TV • American Idol • Simon Cowell • judge • Paula Abdul


 Fox May Replace 
 Paula With...Paula 

She'll definitely be back, sources say

Aug 19, 09 10:19 AM CDT
(Newser) - Paula Abdul’s replacement on American Idol is looking more and more like…Paula Abdul. Fox will show focus groups taped footage of guest judges like Victoria Beckman, Mary J. Blige, and Shania Twain to determine exactly how damaging her absence is, Radar reports. “If Paula consistently scores... More »

MORE ABOUT:
entertainment • reality TV • American Idol • celebrity • Paula Abdul

(Newser) - Paula Abdul has bailed on American Idol, but if execs at ABC have their way she may be back to reality TV soon. "We would love to have her on Dancing With the Stars," the network's president tells People. “She’s a huge talent. There’s an... More »

MORE ABOUT:
reality TV • American Idol • Dancing with the Stars • ABC • Paula Abdul

51 Stories


Allen talks about his post-"Idol" plans
Rolling Stone

Ten other 'Idol' scandals
Parade


Gossip  •  Arts & Living  •  Business  •  Technology 
TwitterFollow @NewserGossip on Twitter

 
reality TV • American Idol • text message • AT&T • Kris Allen • Adam Lambert

from our news partners