American Idol and corporate sponsor AT&T are in the midst of a controversy surrounding the use of power texting that may have affected the outcome of this season’s results.
According to reports, AT&T, whose mobile phone network is the only one that can be used to cast Idol votes via text messaging, provided free text-messaging services to two parties in Arkansas organized by fans of Kris Allen.
AT&T representatives at the two parties provided instructions on how to power text by sending 10 or more text messages at the press of a single button, which violates Idol voting rules in two ways: At the end of each episode, the show broadcasts a statement warning that blocks of votes using technical enhancements that unfairly influence the outcome of the show can be thrown out. The show also regularly states that text voting is open only to AT&T subscribers and is subject to normal texting rates.
AT&T issued a statement saying “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.”
Power texting has a greater effect on voting than single text messages or call-in votes. There were no similar efforts to provide free texting services and power texting tutorials to fans of runner-up Adam Lambert.
Fox Broadcasting has declined to comment about the situation.
photo: WENN