Was It A Fair Fight?
Following last week’s shocking American Idol finale where Kris Allen was crowned the champion of season eight, the New York Times reports that one of the show’s corporate sponsors, AT&T, may have given the winner an unfair advantage.
Representatives of the company, the exclusive mobile network for text voting on the Fox show, attended support parties for Allen in his home state of Arkansas and supplied free texting services for the gathering. This included a number of phones capable of, and tutorials on “power texting” or submitting 10 text votes with the press of one button. American Idol frequently warns viewers against technically-enhanced voting and states that such votes, if detected, can be invalid.
A statement issued by AT&T downplayed the potential impact on the show’s outcome. “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.”
Fox’s own statement made a firm declaration about the validity of the results saying that, “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.” The final vote tallies have yet to be released.
Do you think AT&T’s actions may have unfairly skewed the results?
Yes, my partner and I feel that these sponsors are to be held accountable. Sponsors are not to be allowed to attend gatherings of any contestants of any state and to give people any advantage. This did give a big disadvantage for both contestants. This does not show the exact talent of both contestants. These results need to be looked at closer and recounted for the real winner to be crowned.
Posted by: Kevin R. | May 28, 2009 at 02:30 PM
I agree that sponsors should not be allowed to engage in this type of behavior, but i seriously doubt that a few small gatherings in Arkansas are going to sway the outcome. Unless, of course, it was that close. Because, as the article says exact numbers of votes have not been released.
Also, AT&T may have been downplaying these "local community watch parties" way more than it seems.
Posted by: Luxe Lust | May 28, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Good lord, I am so sick of this SORE LOSER bullshit!!!!!
Posted by: martymart | May 28, 2009 at 06:18 PM
AT&T did this on purpose, even a few can change the outcome of the voting. I think there was more than this and that the sponsors weren't willing to allow a "gay" idol....American Idol is on it's last legs, this just goes to show hey the cheat...NO MORE AMERICAN IDOL>>>>>>>
Posted by: Ruffian | May 28, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Kris had more votes than Adam the week before. Did they have those parties then too? Give it a rest people. Some people just can't function unless there's drama be served.
Posted by: GetOverIt | May 28, 2009 at 06:33 PM
I really don't know if it was fair, but I do hope it was fair. I really like Kris Allen :P
Posted by: dankoore | May 28, 2009 at 06:37 PM
I believe Chris won mainly because Adam exhibited some gay attributes which turned off the intellects of America. Besides, Chris was sure to bring his one tooth wife to the show for all the bible toting voters to see. Why even second guess it...this is America where poor country folk vote republican because republicans give non-christians, non-whites, and homos a run for there money.
Posted by: Urban Dweller | May 28, 2009 at 06:38 PM
I am also tired of this BS. "Waaah, Adam didn't win because America is not ready for a gay idol!" face it, if that was the reason, Adam would have been gone a long time ago. I wish the fans would just realize that Kris won, Adam lost, and stop whining about it like it's the end of the world.
Posted by: Tim | May 28, 2009 at 06:40 PM
It's all them horny little girls who want to spread 'em for Kris. Hell, I don't like 'em THAT young, but *I'd* do him.
Posted by: Ray | May 28, 2009 at 06:42 PM
hello everyone
Posted by: tomhanks84 | May 28, 2009 at 06:54 PM
"In no way did any INDIVIDUALS unfairly influence the outcome of the competition."
Always gotta parse what conservatives like FOX and AT&T say for what they actually mean. I've had to deal with AT&T back when they were Cingular so I know first-hand that they're a cabal of lyin' mutha-fuckas. Like FOX alone would let a guy who sets off even my poor gaydar win their little BS show.
Posted by: tj | May 28, 2009 at 06:57 PM
It's fair: they're both gay. LOL
Posted by: Warrenator | May 28, 2009 at 06:58 PM
I've always hated AT&T but because of the service. A major corporate sponsor should be more careful. Reminder: Always check your statement!!!
Posted by: absintheminded1 | May 28, 2009 at 07:02 PM
IT WAS NOT FAIR THEY SHOULD HAVE A DO-OVER... OR I HAVE A BETTER IDEA LETS CALL IT A TIE AND HAVE TWO WINNERS.. HOW ABOUT THAT?
Posted by: Bill | May 28, 2009 at 07:08 PM
IF ANY PART OF THE CONTEST IS QUESTIONABLE .. and this was VERY questionable, Then AT&T should be responsible to pay for another count , or sued for damages, or never allowed to participate in any way, shape or form in another contest .. it should be strictly by PAID per vote and the proceeds go to the winners favorite charity.
Posted by: Bill | May 28, 2009 at 07:11 PM
Give it a break already. Kris is the winner, drop it. I doubt this very much, but... do you gurls watch sports? Do you cry this way when your team looses?
I am really sick of people trying to steal Kris's thunder. Drop it.
Posted by: Ry | May 28, 2009 at 07:21 PM
WHO THE FU@% CARES!!! THEY BOTH WIN ANYWAY. THEY BOTH WILL HAVE RECORD DEALS, AND I AM SURE, EXCELLENT CAREERS. IT IS JUST A TV SHOW. GET OVER IT AND GET A LIFE PEOPLE!!!
Posted by: LDMII | May 28, 2009 at 07:21 PM
There should probably be a recount, however Kris probably still won. But it should be explored as the results have not been released. But I'm shocked that is now people question how "fair" the voting on Idol is. If you wanted it to be "fair" allow anyone to text from any phone provider AND only allow a minimum of say 10 votes per phone number. And to all those people calling "sore looser", why be so afraid of a recount?
Posted by: kankid | May 28, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Adam didn't win because his admirers didn't have the money to do the voting while all the family values people did have the money to vote.
Posted by: Dale | May 28, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Why weren't there any AT&T employees in attendance at support parties for Adam giving texting tutorials ?
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Kris Allen is hot. You may say America was not ready for a gay idol, but many of you wanted Adam to win solely because he was gay. Isn't that a bit hypocritical?
Posted by: Rich | May 28, 2009 at 07:39 PM
Kris won because he picked up all of Danny's votes when Danny got voted off. They have a similar fan base.
I suspect Kris walloped Adam in the overall vote count. Otherwise they would have announced the results. Even in the semi-final, they only said the margin between 2nd and 3rd was close - the 1st place finalist (Kris) was likely way ahead even then.
Posted by: Enzo | May 28, 2009 at 07:47 PM
No no no, they did not! Kris was NEVER in the bottom 3; Adam was. Plus, Kris most likely stole the Danny Gokey voters. Not to mention that Kris is way cuter than Adam. :)
Posted by: Jeff K | May 28, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Sore Losers. Dude, that was a huge upset. Give us a break! The south has decided previous outcomes. Uhh the guy-liner boy was not from the south. The other guy was! Relax! Let's move on, its not Idol-Gate! Next Story!
Posted by: Adam Hater | May 28, 2009 at 07:52 PM
No offence I voted for Kris several times because i'm not into DRAG boys. That was my ONLY REASON.. lol.. night boys !
Posted by: Kris Lover | May 28, 2009 at 07:54 PM
in case none of you watched the today show this morning adam and kris were both on the show together and are obviously good friends and supportive of each other and strongly emphasized that they are both satisfied with the outcome of the show. kris has a idol contract and record deal and adam is working out the details of his future that will start after the tour. im an adam fan but very thrilled that two such nice guys made it to the end of the show together.adam is great, kris grew more as a performer during the show. and life goes on, and there are more important things in the world to fight over arent there?
Posted by: kevinp | May 28, 2009 at 07:56 PM
Hi Tom :)
Posted by: James | May 28, 2009 at 07:58 PM
Hey rich, you wanted kris to win solely because you think he's hot. Can anyone really say with true honesty to themselves that kris is a better singer than Adam? How ridiculous it is to choose the "hotter" candidate in a singing competition... it's not a beauty pageant... Adam's voice stood out to the world as amazing. Adam is an amazing talent and because of that he will go further in the music business than kris who is, at the end of the day, only an idol.
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 07:59 PM
It's a disgusting program turning out corporate invented musicians whose music I would never listen to, and as such it's only to be expected that, by hook or by AT&T crook or by talibangelical xstain, block voting for the "Christian" and against the guy wearing mascara, the less apparently homosexual one would win.
Posted by: corrective_unconscious | May 28, 2009 at 08:02 PM
actually..... ADAM was UGLY. His prissy ass was voted off because the SOUTH isnt into Candy Asses... sorry for the miscommunication. American Idol has been decided by the SOUTH many times before.
Posted by: Friend of Rich | May 28, 2009 at 08:08 PM
I'm happy with who won. I would never support or vote a flamer!
Posted by: Daft | May 28, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Seriously people? I'm gay and voted for Adam, but this crap about AT&T plotting against him because he's gay is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. I think we're being a little dramatic here. Give it a rest. Who cares?? Adam will be big either way!
Posted by: natefs83 | May 28, 2009 at 08:14 PM
You are right. We shouldnt vote for ADAM just because he liked it up the ASS like us. Kina like. Why is this even a topic on here? Support the guy-liner!
Posted by: blaaarg | May 28, 2009 at 08:15 PM
what kind of asses is the SOUTH into? dumb asses ? unwashed asses of one-toothed hillbilly, illiterate white trash? self-loathing, closeted asses? Only people in the SOUTH would be so worked up about something so 2-dimensional and insignificant in the vast scheme of things ... Adam (who is in fact beautiful) used AI as simply a platform, he can go on to be Freddie Mercury if he wants .... what kind of career do you really think kris will have ?
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Insult the south. yeah yeah. (same old story) Only point was that they have decided previous outcomes. (relax trigger) Well thankfully Adam Lost and Kris won. Adam will still be doing tours at your bar on Drag Queen nights. Just watch the tour-dates.
Posted by: response to nick | May 28, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Adam's loss had nothing to do with homophobia or sponsors not wanting a "gay idol". Adam is very talented, with an amazing voice range and theatrical stage presence, but there is no way I could listen to an entire CD of his style of music. Kris ALSO has a wonderful voice, creative delivery, and his musical style has a much broader fan base. I am so tired of people's losses or failures always being attributed to other people's homophobia, racism, etc. Go Kris!
Posted by: Matt | May 28, 2009 at 08:20 PM
is that why he's been asked to front one of the biggest rock bands in the history of music? see kris at the nearest honkey tonk
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 08:22 PM
I cannot believe this is STILL being talked about! I mean really the voting was done and Kris won. Adam is still going to have a successful career either way. The only reason this is still being talked about is because the so called "shoe in" aka Adam did not win. So get over already.
Look at Chris Daughtry, he did not even get into the final two and look at his career. Don't think I heard as much fuss made up over his loss compared to Adam to Kris.
UGH....let's move on.
Posted by: Tony | May 28, 2009 at 08:23 PM
you are right. Gay should not be A factor in this conversation. It's kind of a dumb topic. The better man won. Adam will still do his own thing and we still support him as we always do our gay brothers. Honestly the better man won.
Posted by: yep yep | May 28, 2009 at 08:23 PM
WELL WELL WELL...lol this is too funny.. You know,Adam is a screamer..can you tell me who likes screamers? I am gay... but definately think he took it way over the top... all that eye make-up.. He will make it anyway.. BUT... I think he should stick to stage productions.. there are alot more parts for screamers there..he squeals like a pig... YUCK.. I think the true singer won fair and square...Adam should go back to Drag Performing.. i'm sure he would make a far more attractive WOMAN than a man..Everyone thought from the start of the show he would win, and I also think he thought he had it in the bag as well.. Only goes to show, never count your chickens before they hatch... I also think that the winner will sell way more records than the loser, sure there will be some that will buy Adams screaming songs, but for the most part, more will buy the music from someone who is genuine and you can underdstand the words he's singing....
SO, just get over it the winner is the winner... and I think America chose the right one to perform from the heart and someone who will definately make it in the business..
Now, all you NELLY FAG LOVERS go on about your busniness and let us masculine gay men.. be men..not wanna be women...
Posted by: Quinn | May 28, 2009 at 08:26 PM
The better SINGER did not win. Neither did the better man... honestly
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 08:28 PM
this is all a bunch of bullsh*t. give it a rest and give kris the respect he deserves. adam is awesome no doubt about it. but so is kris and HE WON. its shameful that anyone is now saying that the competition was fixed. why then would we need a vote if we have already decided that adam won. we could have just gone to the victory party for adam after danny was voted off. shame on all of you that cant accept the results of the voters.
and if you really feel that way then stop watching the show. adam will be the superstar he deserves to be. he is the only one who would have a right to contest the results and yet he dosent feel that he was cheated so why should anyone else?
Posted by: tim | May 28, 2009 at 08:30 PM
You know I never liked Adam anyway so I really don't care...but what REALLY sucks is someone who can't stand to loose and whines about it. I think Kris won by his OWN merit...so let's give him kudos and move on...trust me Adam will still get some record deal from so low life recording company...WHOO HOO...go KRIS!!!
Posted by: Allen | May 28, 2009 at 08:34 PM
and as for you nick get the f**k out of this country. who gave you the right to call the people of the south names. your the ignorant white trash just for thinking that your remotely better than anyone else. do you think for one second that adam would welcome any part of you as a fan. this country is sick of people like you with your sick depraved opinions and prejudices. i promise you that you and those like you are shrinking in numbers at a very swift rate and soon you'll be extinct THANK GOD for that. so nick get yourself on the first plane out to the farthest 3rd world oppressed country you can cuz WE DONT WANT YOU HERE.
Posted by: tim | May 28, 2009 at 08:41 PM
Just give it a rest why don't ya.
It's a fucking SINGING contest - not something like Mr. Leatherman of the year!
Posted by: Thrashman | May 28, 2009 at 08:44 PM
There are millions of people who don't want your ignorant red-necked white trash, unwashed ass here in this country tim. so YOU leave! Times they are a changing
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 08:46 PM
Power to the candy asses! Down with the dumb asses !
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 08:48 PM
I smell ass, tim are you there ?
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 08:49 PM
What's really amazing is the narrow mindedness that is coming out here. This is gay.com and you people are gay and the only criticism I hear of Adam is that he's "nelly" or a "fag" or a "screamer". Most people assume I'm straight because of the way I act but I completely accept Adam for who he is: a great talent. You people clearly have personal issues of insecurity you have to deal with if the only thing you can come up with is that you want to identify with who you see as the "real man"...because the real SINGER is clearly Adam Lambert ... GET OVER your self-loathing insecurities and your out-dated ideas of what it means to be a man ..
Posted by: Nick | May 28, 2009 at 08:56 PM
I can't believe you stupid assfucks even care about this.
Get a life.
Posted by: urboring | May 28, 2009 at 09:06 PM