"American Idol" -- Rigged ballotting?

Fox Television ^ | May 13, 2003 | TommyDale

[Dell Dude]

I like the show but that's all it is: a show. The people of America do not choose the American Idol, the producers do. Unless the votes are *independently* tabulated and counted by a *trusted* source, the whole thing is a scam and a sham.

The fact Ruben was even in the bottom two a couple weeks agao pretty much proves my pint. they just wanted some drama. I don't believe that had anything to do with any votes.

[Bogey78O]

Basically

[discostu]

Well it is in their best interest to pay attention to the real numbers. Remember the winner of this gets a big fat contract with Simon's company, plus various tours and a lot of other cash outlays. Those phone calls are an indication of revenue potential, if they BS it they stand to lose a lot of money.

That being said I'm not convinced that the people who were on the bottom but didn't get kicked off were really on the bottom. The building of drama is good for ratings. It's in their best interest to be honest about who loses each episode and who wins in the end, everything else is probably constructed drama.

[fatima]

Reuben dog.Clay maybe-kim outta here.

[Luis Gonzalez]

Sinatra's natural talent matured, his first few recordings, while extremely good (All Or Nohting At All...that era) did not compare with the incredible artistry of later years.

Clay Aiken has a superb voice which can be trained, most singers lack the basis that he has in such abundance.

[Luis Gonzalez]

[JustPiper]

Nope just got normal busy signal. Kim's line was free. Only Roooben and Clay's were busy ;)

[fatima]

Barry Manilow. ,How did you know that,I keep thinking and thinking but Ru will win.Are we getting move to chat,if I join as thread it's chat or back room the fatima blessing.

[JustPiper]

I stopped watching after they canned the chick with the crimminal background.

Frenchy was cool. They kept another one who also had a criminal background though. Then they kicked Croey off for a criminal background.

[JustPiper]

I love Clay but I have to say Roooben is the best.

[Hatteras]

I think he/she was talking about Frenchie. The big black girl with the blond doo. She's an Aretha wannabe. Great voice. She went out early on after they got to Hollywood. She was involved in some kind of porn stuff.

Rueben sounded a little rough tonite. I like him but he's not American Idol material. Josh (the marine) said in an interview that he thinks Clay should win but believes Rueben is getting the "push" from the judges and producers and because of that, he'll probably win. Hmmmm...

My daughter has tried to call from here in the Raleigh area after the last few shows and Clay's line has been busy. I took that as a good sign for Clay fans. Either way, each of the last 4 or 5 contestants will make a pretty penny after the dust settles. Josh, after his stint in the corp will be swept up by the Nashville crowd, Clay will do fine in either Pop or the theatre (or both), Kimberly will get her share of offers and Rueben will definitely lose some weight touring on the Luther Vandross circuit. BTW, Where's Barry Gordy?

[JustPiper]

They get between 7-21 million calls, not all hometown ;)All the contestants are from the South and I'm Midwest ;)

[JustPiper]

drek!

Whats a drek? ME? I got the 205 Fever!

[fatima]

This is true and I did want Jose and I gave up after that but Ru is really good.Why does Clay lift his eyebrow,why can't some one answer serious questions.

[JustPiper]

That should be voting for Kim.

Rooben is #2!

[JustPiper]

Dial-a-Kick-In-The-Butt to Simon Cowles.

I've liked Simon from Day 1, he is honest and acts like a Republican ;)

[JustPiper]

I'm a Pepper, She's a Pepper, Wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too? ;(

[JustPiper]

hated whoever sang "Mack the Knife".

That would be Clay from the poster's homestate ;) You could vote for Alabama 205- Rooben! LOL

[JustPiper]

Clay Aiken belongs off broadway. Before he goes there, he should be convicted of murdering Mac the Knife by the way.

I agree, I thought he would have done much better!

Kim and Ruben in the final, Ruben your next American idol.

Hope you are right!"

[Dave S]

Sounds like the local phone service was overloaded. Sounds typical of what happens when concert tickets go on sale, etc. Nothing sinister.