AMERICAN IDOL FAQS

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Voting Tips

Every week, millions of votes are cast for American Idol contestants. As the season progresses and the demand for voting increases week after week, it can get more difficult to get through right away on the toll-free phone lines. The tips below will help American Idol viewers have the best opportunity to vote for their favorite contestant.

Follow these tips for successful voting:

1. Call during non-peak periods.
   Voting lines are open for two hours following each American Idol broadcast. The highest call volumes for toll-free telephone voting generally occur within the first 30-45 minutes after the show ends and this is the time when viewers are most likely to get a busy signal. Waiting for non-peak times, such as the second hour of voting, increases your chances of successfully voting for your favorite American Idol contestants via the toll-free numbers.
2. Use a cell phone to call.
   Try calling from a cell phone if you cannot get through using a land line – and vice versa. Both land lines and cell phone systems will experience line congestion, especially during peak periods, but try both if you can. Cell minutes will be used even though the call is toll-free.
3. Vote via text message.
   AT&T Mobility subscribers can, of course, send the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit number that corresponds to their contestant of choice (e.g., 5701, 5702, etc). Standard text messaging rates will apply depending on your wireless plan. If you are not an AT&T Mobility subscriber, you will not be able to vote via text message, so follow the tips above for calling the toll-free numbers.
4. Be patient!!
   Remember, there are millions of people also trying to vote at the same time, so if you can't get through, keep trying and you will be able to cast your vote eventually.

How do I vote?

Each contestant will be assigned his or her own toll-free number and text message short code number during the performance show each Tuesday. To vote, simply watch American Idol on FOX each week (see local listings for dates/times in your area) and dial the telephone number of the contestant for whom you wish to vote. Or, AT&T Mobility subscribers may text the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit short code numbers promoted for each contestant. Only send the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit short code numbers you see on screen, you cannot send a text message to the toll-free numbers. Voting will open at the end of each performance show. During the show you just need to note the number of the contestant you want to vote for, and then call or text after the show is over as lines will NOT be open before that. Voting will begin at the end of the performance show each Tuesday and you will have at least 2 hours to cast your votes via toll-free and AT&T text messaging.

The top 36 contestants will be split into 3 groups of 12, consisting of 6 boys and 6 girls, and for each of the first 3 weeks of American Idol voting, starting Tuesday February 17 2009, a group of 12 will perform and be voted on by the public. The 3 contestants with the most votes each week (top voted boy, top voted girl and the next highest vote getter) will automatically go into the Top 13. The 4 remaining places in the Top 13 will be chosen by the Judges during the wildcard episode.

Rules and procedures are subject to change at producer's discretion without notice.

Who can vote?

Anyone calling or any AT&T Mobility subscriber who has the ability to text message from within the Continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands can cast their vote for the next American Idol.

When can I vote?

During the show you just need to note the number of the contestant you want to vote for, and then call or text after the show is over as lines will NOT be open before that. Voting for American Idol opens at the end of the performance show each Tuesday (see local listings for dates/times in your area) and stays open for at least 2 hours, subject to time zone restrictions. Outside of these times, the toll-free lines will play a busy signal and your call will not count as a vote. If you are an AT&T Mobility subscriber and vote via text messaging outside of the vote window, your vote will also not count, although standard text messaging rates will apply to all messages sent and received.

Is it true that some people can cast votes outside of the 2 hour window after the show?

No, this is not true. As part of the process to ensure that the American Idol voting system is accurate and ready for the public to call and vote, a test window is built into the toll-free system. During this test window, anyone calling the toll-free numbers from a phone with a West Coast area code will hear the 'thanks for voting...' message. This vote window is for testing purposes only and any calls received during this time do not count as valid votes. Your votes will only count if you call, or if AT&T Mobility subscribers text, during your valid 2 hour vote window after the show, subject to time zone limitations. Outside of these hours, votes will not count, even if you hear the 'thanks for voting' message.

How much does it cost to vote?

Telephone calls to the American Idol voting lines are toll-free. If you use a cell phone to call the American Idol voting lines cell minutes will be used even though the call is toll-free. Additionally, if you text vote using AT&T Mobility Text Messaging, standard text messaging fees will apply – see the How Much Does It Cost To Vote Via Text Message? question for more details.

Can I vote by using my cell phone?

Yes, you can vote using your cell phone, although cell minutes will be used even though the call is toll-free. Contact your cell phone service provider if you want to know how much you will be charged. Additionally, if you vote using AT&T Mobility Text Messaging, standard text messaging fees will apply – see the How Much Does It Cost To Vote Via Text Message? question for more details. Only send the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit short code numbers you see on screen, you cannot send a text message to the toll-free numbers.

If you are calling or text voting from a cell phone and you are in a different time zone from your cell phone number, the systems will accept or reject your vote based on the time zone of your cell phone area code. For example, if you have a New York cell phone area code but are calling from Los Angeles, you will be voting outside the East Coast voting window and your vote will not be accepted. Try calling again from a landline telephone during the West Coast voting window.

I couldn't get through to the lines or all I get is a fast busy signal when I call – why?

Although the telephone network is designed to handle huge volumes of calls simultaneously, there may be times (particularly just after the show) when it will not be able to handle every single call due to the sheer volume. If you are calling during your voting window but can't get through to cast your vote, be patient and try again.

If you hear the fast busy signal, it may be that you are calling outside of the voting window. When your voting window closes, lines will switch from a 'thank you for voting' message to a busy signal.

If you are sure you are calling within your voting window but still can't get through, it may be that your local phone company has been flooded with calls. Try waiting a few minutes before calling again. If you still have problems, contact your local phone company.

If you are calling from a cell phone with an area code that is in a different time zone from that in which you are calling, the system will accept or reject your vote based on the time zone of your cell phone's area code. So, for example, if you have a New York cell phone area code but are calling from Los Angeles, you will be voting outside the East Coast voting window and your vote will not be accepted. Try calling again from a landline phone during the West Coast vote window.

What will I hear if I call the toll-free numbers?

Voting begins at the end of the show when ALL of the contestants have performed - if you call before then, you will hear a busy signal and your vote will NOT count.

At the end of the performance show each week, voting can begin and phone lines will be opened. Voting lasts for at least 2 hours, subject to local time zone restrictions, from the end of the show and during that time you will hear a pre-recorded message thanking you for voting for your chosen contestant. Each contestant will have his or her own number read/shown on air, and the phone message will confirm for whom you have voted. After the voting window closes, no more votes will be accepted and lines will play out a busy signal.

When I called one of the toll-free lines, I heard the wrong contestant number – why?

All lines for American Idol are tested before going on-air to make sure the lines work properly and are playing out the correct audio. If you call and hear the wrong contestant number, it’s possible you accidentally misdialed, so check the number and dial again.

When I called, I heard mention of a chat service or was told to call a "900" number – isn't American Idol voting toll-free?

NEVER call a "900" number or provide your credit card in relation to voting for American Idol. If you call to vote for your favorite American Idol contestant and hear a message to call a "900" number, or if you hear anything relating to a chat service which asks you to enter credit card details, you have misdialed as neither the 900 service nor the chat service are in any way connected with American Idol. Do NOT call this "900" number to vote for American Idol and do not enter any credit card details if prompted as voting on American Idol is free of charge.Please try the American Idol toll-free numbers again, dialing carefully. As per the How much does it cost to vote? question, voting on American Idol is free of charge if calling from a landline, standard cell phone minutes apply if you are calling from a cell, and standard text message rates if you text via an AT&T Mobility cell.

Voting by AT&T Mobility Text Messaging on your cell phone - What is Text Messaging/SMS?

Text Messaging – sometimes known as SMS (short messaging service) - is a way of communicating short text messages via your cell phone. Most (but not all) handsets have this feature. For American Idol, only AT&T Mobility customers can vote by text message using their cell phone keypad to write the message 'VOTE' and sending it to a 4 digit contestant number. This 4 digit contestant number, such as 5701, relates directly to your contestant of choice and will be displayed on the show. Only send the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit short code numbers you see on screen, you cannot send a text message to the toll-free numbers.

How do I vote using AT&T Mobility Text Messaging?

As with the toll-free voting, each contestant will also be assigned his or her own AT&T Mobility text message number during the show – this 4 digit short code number will appear on your TV screen alongside the toll-free phone numbers. To vote by text if you are an AT&T Mobility subscriber, simply watch American Idol on FOX each week, input the word 'VOTE' into a new text message on your cell phone and send this message to the 4 digit short code number assigned to your contestant of choice (such as 5701 for Contestant 1). Only send the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit short code numbers you see on screen, you cannot send a text message to the toll-free numbers. If done correctly, you will receive a message confirming your first valid vote per contestant during the voting window regardless of how many votes you cast.

AT&T Mobility text message voting will open at the end of each performance show and stay open for at least 2 hours, subject to local time zone limitations. Voting will NOT be open during the show or outside the two hour time period determined by the area code on your cell phone. Votes sent outside of the voting window will be invalid, and you will receive a message saying the window is closed. If you are sending your text vote from a cell phone with an area code that is in a different time zone from that in which you are texting, the network will accept or reject your vote based on the time zone of your telephone area code. So, if you have a New York cell phone area code but are voting from Los Angeles during the West Coast voting window, your vote will not be accepted. Try calling the toll-free number from a land line during the West Coast voting window instead.

Is the AT&T Mobility Text Messaging vote system the same as the toll-free system?

The design of the text voting is exactly the same as the toll-free voting system in terms of open/close times and regions. The contestant numbers will also be very similar. If you wish to vote for Contestant 2, for example, you can either call 1 866 IDOLS 02 (1 866 43657 02) or AT&T Mobility subscribers can text the word VOTE to 5702. Please make sure you watch the show to find out the right numbers each week. Only send the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit short code numbers you see on screen, you cannot send a text message to the toll-free numbers.

Who can vote using AT&T Mobility Text Messaging?

Text message voting is only available to AT&T Mobility subscribers with two-way text messaging capable handsets. If you are an AT&T Mobility customer and wish to check if your handset has two-way text messaging capability, go to www.ATT.com or visit an AT&T Mobility store. AT&T Mobility subscribers with area codes from within the Continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands can cast their text vote for American Idol. If you are not an AT&T Mobility subscriber, you can vote using the standard toll-free phone numbers instead.

When can I vote using AT&T Mobility Text Messaging?

Voting for American Idol opens after the performance show each Tuesday and will stay open for at least 2 hours, subject to local time zone limitations. Votes cast outside of this voting window will be invalid. Only send the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit short code numbers you see on screen, you cannot send a text message to the toll-free numbers.

How do I know my vote has been counted?

Your message will count if you are an AT&T Mobility subscriber and you have successfully sent your text vote during your valid voting window and received your confirmation message. Your message was not sent successfully if your handset reads 'message not sent.' You will receive only one text confirmation message for each valid vote per contestant during a voting event, regardless of how many times you vote. If you are calling the toll-free numbers to cast your vote, your vote will count if you hear the 'thanks for voting' message.

How much does it cost to vote via text message?

The cost of voting for AT&T Mobility subscribers varies depending on your AT&T Mobility Text Messaging package. If you do not have an AT&T Mobility Text Messaging package, AT&T Mobility standard text messaging rates apply to messages sent and received. You will be charged for each message sent from and received by your wireless device, regardless of delivery and including invalid votes cast outside of the specified time period. Some messages sent to you will be free; these messages will be identified by the phrase 'AT&T free msg.' See www.ATT.com for details, or visit an AT&T Mobility store. Please note that "premium" rates do not apply to American Idol text votes.

When I tried to vote, my handset said 'message not sent' - why?

Like the toll-free voting, the AT&T Mobility Text Messaging network is designed to handle huge volumes of votes simultaneously. There may be times (particularly just after the show) when it will not be able to handle every message due to network congestion. When this happens, 'message not sent' may appear on your handset. Please be patient and try again later. And, don't forget to vote within your time zone's voting window! If you are not an AT&T Mobility subscriber, you will not be able to text message your vote for American Idol. Call the toll-free numbers instead.

How do I find out the results?

The voting shows will air on FOX each Tuesday (see your local listings for show times) and the results will be broadcast on FOX every Wednesday. So, make sure you don't miss the results show if you want to see how your vote affected the results!

What's being done about power dialing?

A weekly monitoring procedure will be in place to prevent individuals from unfairly influencing the outcome of the voting by generating significant blocks of votes using technical enhancements. The producers reserve the right to remove any identified 'power dialing' votes. Note that this applies to both toll-free and Text Messaging votes.

Can I vote if I subscribe to a digital phone service or VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service?

Yes, you can vote if you subscribe to some digital or internet-based phone systems, such as Vonage or Skype. However, note that digital phone and VOIP services often re-route outgoing calls to a different geographical location from which the call is being made. As a result, you may only be able to vote in the voting window to which your call has been re-routed. If you are trying to vote in the regular voting window for your region and your call is re-routed outside of your region by your service provider, you will not be able to vote (instead, you will hear a fast busy signal). However, you still have the availability to vote during the other voting window. For further information, contact your digital phone or VOIP service provider.

Why can't I vote via the toll-free numbers using a payphone?

Votes from payphones will be blocked. To vote for your favorite contestant, use a standard land line telephone or cell phone. Charges may apply when using your cell phone.

Why can't I vote on the Internet?

Only toll-free and AT&T Mobility Text Messaging voting is available for American Idol.

How can I get tickets to show tapings?

Regular season shows become available on a first-come-first-served basis. Click here for details on how to request tickets for the show.

Does it cost anything to get the American Idol Newsletter?

No. The newsletter is free to receive and you may cancel at any time. Sign up here!

I ordered American Idol merchandise (for example, hats, CDs, etc.), but nothing arrived. What should I do?

All retail sales are handled by outside companies. Check the websites where you placed your order for shipping, ordering and contact information.

I've noticed that several contestants have professional music experience, including TV appearances and on Broadway, I thought you were only looking for amateur performers?

In order to be eligible, the contestants are not permitted to have any CURRENT recording or talent management agreements.

How do I view videos on www.americanidol.com?

These are the minimum software requirements to view videos on our site.

For PC users:

• Windows 2000 (Windows XP or Windows Vista recommended)
• Mozilla Firefox 1.5+ or Internet Explorer 6+ (Mozilla Firefox recommended)
• Windows Media Player 9+ (Windows Media Player 10 recommended)
• Flash Player 10
• Javascript must be turned on (Note: Javascript is not the same as Java)

Windows users can update Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer by selecting Windows Update from the Start menu.
Get Flash Player
Get Windows Media Player
Get Firefox

For Mac Users:

• Apple OS X 10.1.5+ (Apple 10.4 Recommended)
• Safari 2.0+ or Mozilla Firefox 1.5+ (Note: Internet Explorer for Mac is NOT recommended)
• Windows Media Player 9+ (Note: Microsoft Flip4Mac is NOT recommended)
• Flash Player 10
• Javascript must be turned on (Note: Javascript is not the same as Java)

Get Flash Player
Get Windows Media Player
Get Firefox

How does the judges' "save" work?

Up until the Top 5, the judges, if they unanimously agree, have the option to save from elimination the contestant receiving the lowest number of votes. They do not have to save a contestant, but if they do it can only be done once during the season and the following week two contestants will be eliminated.