Complaining about voting irregularities in real elections is so last year. The new craze is tracking misconduct in voting for 'American Idol.' Message boards are abuzz with accusations that AT&T may have unfairly influenced voting results by providing phones, free text messaging, and lessons in casting multiple votes at once for parties in support of Kris Allen (pictured), the Arkansas singer who won the singing competition.
According to the New York Times, both AT&T and attendees of the parties confirmed that the company hosted two such voting parties in Allen's home state of Arkansas. The provider, however, did not provide similar support for Adam Lambert, the runner-up to Mr. Allen in the show's finale.
AT&T reps instructed party-goers in how to send so-called "power texts" -- blocks of 10 or more messages sent to the same number.
If the charges are true, AT&T would have broken two rules governing voting in the 'Idol' competition. At the end of every show an on-screen statement is displayed warning that blocks of votes cast using "technical enhancements" which would unfairly influence the outcome can be thrown out. The show also states that voting via text message is open only to AT&T subscribers, and that standard texting rates apply.
While AT&T admits to attending the parties and providing demo phone units, it has not copped to any wrongdoing. Fox has so far declined to comment on the situation
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