AMERICAN IDOL FAQS

If after reading these FAQs you have further questions, email idol.web@fox.com.

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 contestants.

Follow these tips for successful voting:

  1. Call Toll-free during non-peak periods.
    Toll-free 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 wireless customers 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 wireless subscriber, you will not be able to vote via text message, so follow the tips above for calling the toll-free numbers or go to www.AmericanIdol.com and log in using your Facebook account.
  4. Vote Online
    Vote at www.AmericanIdol.com if you have a Facebook account. To vote online go to www.AmericanIdol.com and follow the links to vote at the end of each performance show. Online voting closes 2 hours after the Hawaii broadcast of a performance show. During the valid vote window, you will see a 'vote' button. Follow the instructions for how to vote online. You may vote up to 50 times per performance show. Also, note that although the voting systems can handle huge volumes of vote submissions simultaneously, there may be times (particularly just after the show) when the system may not be able to handle every attempt due to the sheer volume. If you are trying to vote during the vote window but it isn't processing your attempt, be patient and try again later or try voting via toll-free or AT&T SMS.
  5. 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?

There are three ways for you to vote for your next American Idol: (1) toll-free; (2) AT&T text voting (SMS); and (3) online at www.AmericanIdol.com.

  1. (1) Toll-free voting: Each contestant will be assigned his or her own toll-free number during the performance show each Wednesday (for the last week of the competition, the performance show will air Tuesday, May 24). 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.
  2. (2) AT&T text voting: Each contestant will be assigned his or her own text message short code number each Wednesday (except during the first voting week when the performance shows will air on Tuesday and Wednesday). AT&T wireless customers 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.
  3. (3) Online Voting: If you have a Facebook account you can also vote online at www.AmericanIdol.com. If you do not already have a Facebook account, you will need to create one before being able to vote online for American idol.

Voting will open at the end of each performance show. If voting by toll-free or text messaging, 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 voting will NOT be open before that. Voting will begin at the end of each performance show and you will have at least 2 hours to cast your votes. Online voting is limited to 50 votes per performance show and closes 2 hours after the Hawaii broadcast.

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

Who can vote?

Anyone calling the toll-free numbers, or any AT&T wireless customer 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(s) for the next American Idol. In addition, anyone with a Facebook account registered within the Continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands will be able cast their vote(s) online.

When can I vote?

Toll-free and text voting: 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 each Wednesday performance show (see local listings for dates/times in your area and note that for the first week only the performance shows will air on Tuesday and Wednesday) 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 wireless customer 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.

Online: Online voting closes 2 hours after the Hawaii broadcast.

Is it true that some people can cast votes via toll-free 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 wireless customers text, during your valid 2 hour vote window after the show, subject to time zone limitations. Vote online at the end of each performance show. Online voting closes 2 hours after the Hawaii broadcast of a performance show. Outside of these hours, votes will not count.

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. Note, if you reach a number which asks you to enter credit card information, you have misdialed and reached a service not connected with American Idol so you should hang up, check the correct number and dial again. Additionally, if you text vote using AT&T wireless text messaging, standard text messaging fees will apply – see the How Much Does It Cost To Vote Via Text Message? question for more details. Voting online is free except for your standard internet access charges or data charges if you are using a web browser on your cell phone.

How many times can I vote?

You may vote as often as you like when voting via toll-free or AT&T wireless text messaging, although producers reserve the right to disqualify, block or remove any votes from any individual who votes by any electronic, mechanical or automated means, or otherwise tampers with the vote process. When voting online at www.AmericanIdol.com you may vote up to 50 times per performance show. Any additional votes you cast or attempt to cast above these limits will NOT count.

How do I vote online?

Online voting is available to Facebook account holders. Simply go to www.AmericanIdol.com and follow the links to vote. Vote online at the end of each performance show. Online voting closes 2 hours after the Hawaii broadcast of a performance show. During the vote window, you will see a 'vote' button. When you click on the 'vote' button you will be directed to a Facebook login page where you will need to enter your e-mail address and password to log in (if you are not already logged in to Facebook). If you do not currently have a Facebook account you will not be able to vote online unless you create a new account (but you can still vote via toll-free and if you are an AT&T wireless customer you can also vote via AT&T text messaging). Once you successfully log in using your Facebook account you will be prompted to select the contestant for whom you want to vote and complete a 'CAPTCHA' and click 'vote'. A CAPTCHA is a security measure which requires you to enter the scrambled letters/numbers you see on your screen. If you do not correctly enter the CAPTCHA information you will be prompted to try again. If you successfully submit your vote, you will receive a page which thanks you for your vote, asks you if you want to post your vote to your Facebook page and if you want to vote again. Note, you are not required to post to your Facebook page, this is just an optional feature offered.

You may vote up to 50 times per performance show. Any additional votes you cast or attempt to cast above this limit will NOT count.

If you are experiencing trouble with any of the three vote methods, remember that you can always try another voting method.

Why do you need a Facebook account to vote online?

Logging into your Facebook account is a key security feature to guard against voting fraud. If you do not already have a Facebook account, you will need to create one before being able to vote online for American Idol.

What are the minimum software requirements for voting online?

To vote online, you must have an active Facebook account, have javascript enabled, have cookies enabled and you must not remove the voting app from your list of apps on the Facebook side.

I'm seeing the 'vote closed' page during the active vote window - why?

If you're sure you are trying to vote online during the active vote window but you're seeing the 'closed' page, please clear your browser cache and then refresh your page.

Is AT&T collecting personal information through online voting?

No - AT&T is not collecting any personal information. AT&T is solely the sponsor of American Idol online voting, which is operated by AmericanIdol.com. Any personal information you provide in the course of using the online voting platform will only be used for vote verification. Please refer to the AmericanIdol.com Privacy Policy for more information.

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 are an AT&T wireless customer you can vote using 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 voting 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 after the West Coast broadcast, 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.

You may also vote online at www.AmericanIdol.com using your cell phone if you have an internet enabled handset. Please note that data charges will apply.

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 voting 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 after the West Coast broadcast, 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.

I am having trouble voting online – why?

Although the Internet can handle huge volumes of vote submissions simultaneously, there may be times (particularly just after the show) when your local service provider may not be able to handle every attempt due to the sheer volume. If you are trying to vote during the vote window but it isn't processing your attempt, be patient and try again later or you can always vote unlimited times via toll-free or AT&T text messaging.

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.

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, 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, standard text message rates if you text via AT&T Text Messaging and voting online is free except for your standard internet access charges or data charges if you are using a web browser on your cell phone.

Voting by AT&T 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 wireless 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 text my vote using a cell phone with AT&T as the provider?

As with the toll-free voting, each contestant will also be assigned his or her own AT&T 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 wireless customer, 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 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 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 customers 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 text their vote?

Text voting is only available to AT&T wireless customers with two-way text messaging capable handsets. If you are an AT&T wireless customer and wish to check if your handset has two-way text messaging capability, go to www.ATT.com or visit an AT&T store. AT&T wireless customers 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 wireless subscriber, you can vote using the standard toll-free phone numbers or online at www.AmericanIdol.com using a Facebook account instead. If you would like to become an AT&T customer so that you can text your vote, go to www.att.com/americanidol.

When can I vote using AT&T text messaging?

Voting for American Idol opens after the performance show each Wednesday (for the first week of voting, the performance shows will air on Tuesday and Wednesday), 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 text message vote will count if you are an AT&T customer 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. If you are voting online at www.AmericanIdol.com using a Facebook account, you will receive a 'thanks for voting' confirmation message after you vote. However, please note that if you vote online only your first 50 votes will count. After your 50th vote, no further votes will count for that performance show. If you are experiencing trouble with any of the three voting methods, remember that you can always try another voting method.

Can I send multiple votes / send to multiple shortcodes in a single message?

When texting your vote, you should send your vote to only one shortcode/text number at a time. If you do not receive a 'thanks for voting' confirmation message (one per contestant you vote for) then your vote will not count and you should try again by sending to a single shortcode at a time.

How much does it cost to vote via text message?

The cost of voting for AT&T wireless customers varies depending on your AT&T wireless text messaging package. If you do not have an AT&T wireless text messaging package, AT&T 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 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 text messaging network is designed to handle huge volumes of votes simultaneously. In the unlikely event that congestion is experienced, the notice '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 wireless customer, you will not be able to text message your vote for American Idol. Call the toll-free numbers instead or go to www.AmericanIdol.com and vote online if you have a Facebook account.

How do I find out the results?

The performance/voting shows will air on FOX each week (see your local listings for show dates and times) and the results will be broadcast on FOX every Thursday. 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?

The American Idol voting process is administered and carefully monitored by an independent vote management company. The producers, in consultation with this independent vote management company, reserve the right to remove so-called “power dialing votes” (via toll-free, AT&T text messaging or online) that are identified as having been cast in such a significant block, either by technical enhancements or otherwise, that it could unfairly influence the outcome of the voting.

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.

How can I get tickets to show tapings?

Regular season shows become available on a first-come-first-served basis. Check www.AmericanIdol.com and go to TICKETS for details on how to request tickets.

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:

For Mac Users: