Back in the day, during the FOX iteration ofAmerican Idol, the show was more than just a pop culture juggernaut. It was one of the shows that kept the network at the top of the pack.American Idolhad two episodes per week; one meant for the performances and the second for the results show. Each week, at least one hopeful would be eliminated whenRyan Seacrestsaid, “Dim the lights.” However,having a separation of days meant voting would open at the end of the first show, and fans would typically have until the morning to ensure their favorites would advance to safety. As long as Vote for the Worst didn’t interfere.
Now, on ABC, there are still two episodes a week once we get past the initial auditions, but the structure of the finalists is a tad different.Because the format, post-Aulani week, is live shows and there are only so many episodes left between the Top 24 and the finale, the cutting gets bigger and happens in real time. There are no official results shows where a celebrity mentor sings their hits and the hopefuls do a medley around the week’s theme. No, no. Now, when Ryan Seacrest says, “Voting is now open,“you best get to your various devices and lock in your votes during the East Coast airing.
How Does Live Voting Work for ‘American Idol?’
Let’s analyze how live voting works forAmerican Idol. It’s honestly pretty simple. At the start of the East Coast airing ofAmerican Idol, though it is broadcast live coast-to-coast,fans have essentially a little less than two hours to rally the votes around their favorites.No longer do they have until the next morning to vote, where the results would allow the hopefuls to sing for celebration or sing for safety. When Ryan Seacrest announces the final commercial break, your votes must be locked in so the numbers can be tabulated. From there, the hopefuls wait in agony to learn their fate.
Through three convenient modes, fans have the opportunity to vote during each episode. First, they can vote viahttps://idolvote.abc.com. Second, they can lock in their votes through theAmerican Idolapp, your hub for all things Idol. Finally, they can vote via SMS text with the numbers revealed during the episode, as well as through social media posts. There is a limit of 10 votes per contestant per method, each episode, for a total of 30 across all three voting methods. Of course, with the hopefuls eager to earn your votes,they have used their own personal platforms to give their followers all the necessary detailsso they don’t miss out on the chance to keep them in the competition.
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When one show says no, another says you’re the winner.
The Fear of Live Voting
WithAmerican Idolgoing live coast-to-coast,the limited window casts some doubt on the fairness of the system.WhileAmerican Idolis not the only reality series to adopt this type of voting concept, some fans fear the transparency. Sure, there areAmerican Idolfans who have their favorites, and no matter how they do or what the judges say, they are going to vote solely for them. Others, like me, wait until the very last moment to divvy out my votes based on their performance that night. With this voting setup, there’s always a question about the quality of performance determining the final outcome. Additionally, the running order is also crucial. Many fans who vote and tune in live will watch from start to finish, no matter where they’re watching from. But there are those who come in late and only see some performances closer to that voting window ending. As reality talent shows are known to give that outstanding performer or exceptional wow factor the final spot of the night,that “pimp slot” tends to lead to secure safetyas it’s the last one before voting closes.
At the end of the day, this is a network reality show. Legally, it is fair. Sure,American Idolhas had a past history of some voting scandals, but we live in a time when that type of thing is almost foreign. But from a moral fairness standpoint, there will always be some naysayers fearful of the conceit. The live vote ensures that viewers tune in each week, ensuring that those ratings go up. It’s a win-win for ABC,as they continue to dominate. At the end of the day,make sure your alarm is set every Sunday and Monday to cast your votes!Your favorites will be forever grateful.
American Idol
