For the past week, Adam Lambert fans have been, if I can be honest, acting like very sore losers over last week's win by Kris Allen on season of American Idol. They've been complaining that viewers who cast votes for Kris Allen did so because they're homophobic, tone deaf, stupid, and possibly cheaters.
As far as the first three go, my response is: get over it. I'm sick and tired of the mentality that is rampant in American that uses any excuse, including a television show, to fuel a gay/Christian debate. It's asinine. Get over it.
As for cheating? Well, there might be something to that the charges of voting irregularity. Maybe. A BIG maybe.
Adam Lambert fans have been crying "Unfair! Unfair" for days on end. To be honest, they've have been generally acting so rude and nasty that I've ignored their complaints. (Maybe they've never heard the story of the boy who cried wolf?)
But it looks like perhaps there might have been questions about the voting. The NY Times reports that, indeed, reps from AT&T were invited to a party in Kris Allen's hometown in Conway, Arkansas and spent time showing folks how to power text, something prohibited by the Idol rules. It doesn't look like the same consideration was given to Lambert fans in San Diego.
Lambert fans have also been citing a report by Arkansas Fox affiliate that claimed 38 million votes came from the state, which only boasts a population of 3 million, as proof of voter fraud. The station has retracted that statement, saying their reporter had incorrect information. The station has posted a correction on their website:
CORRECTION Based on incorrect information provided to one of our reporters, FOX16 News reported Wednesday night, an extraordinary number of votes came in from Arkansas to American Idol.AT&T spokesman Ted Wagnon told us today, "AT&T does not divulge or confirm how many votes were cast in any state."
We apologize for the error.
Here's the deal, folks.
First of all, let's dispense with the notion that 38 million votes were cast from Arkansas. Even when the stat was reported initially, people were skeptical that it could be right. That the station retracted it - something that happens every day in the media - should clear that up. If you believe every stat the media reports, you need your head examined. In this media age, incorrect information is reported all the time and then retracted or corrected.
Second, I'm hoping that Idol has policies in place to block or not count power texts. I have no idea how the voting works, but Idol rules are clear those block votes aren't allowed. We all know that the results are audited by an independent firm, so let's hope that any power text votes were not counted and the final results were, in fact, correct.
Third, if there's still any question, let's hope that Idol has the ability to go back and verify those votes, and thereby clear Kris Allen's name. The reality is that at this point, Kris Allen's win has been tarnished. If it turns out Idol stands by the results, Lambert fans will never let the conspiracy theory die. If Idol overturns the decision and crowns Lambert, he'll be the winner via a scandal, and who wants to win that way?
Last, I wasn't surprised by the Kris Allen win. If you read this blog regularly, I've been saying it's the only logical win possible. Despite Adam's talent, despite what anyone wants to believe about radio, the two most popular music radio formats in American are Country and Contemporary Christian. Neither necessarily have to do with religion, but the style of music is very soccer mom, adult contemporary, soft rock. It only makes sense.
In the end, whatever happened or happens, let's remember that neither Kris Allen or Adam Lambert had anything to do with any voting irregularites. Their job was to sing, and both did exceptional jobs on the final performance show.
Here's to hoping that Idol takes the time to review the votes, throw out anything that's suspicious, and give fans an official statement on the results. In the meantime, can we just be thrilled for both contestants? From what I've seen, the title really doesn't mean much. Both are getting incredible media attention, both come out of the gate with a huge fanbase, both are signed to record deals, both are on their way to great careers. And they see quite content to support each other.
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Fox 16 did not retract anything.
They issued a correction stating that incorrect information was given to them. They did not retract that the incorrect information came from ATT nor did they retract that the initial number given to them (Fox16) was 38 million votes.
It sounds like ATT made the retraction and told Fox 16 to correct.
People need to learn to read and to characterize statements correctly.
There was NO retraction.
I just have to say: Adam DID get ROBBED. And I CANNOT STAND when the individuals supporting the opposition of Lambert - has to just stamp the ole "we're sore losers" cliche on us...When in fact...it goes deeper than that...LET'S FACE IT: ADAM LOST CUZ HE IS GAY. Up until is admission of his homosexuality--he was brining in the votes...But when the pics were found online of him kissing a man, he then admitted he's gay--for which he then LOST votes...So you don't have to be a bloody rocket scientist to figure out that the voting schema for American Idol is biased...Cuz C'MON...THAT STATE REELED IN KRIS'S VOTES CUZ OF THE POWER TEXTS...THEY'RE A BUNCH OF BIBLE THUMPERS THAT due to their rigid beliefs, they are willing to let someone's sexual orientation override the man's ability to perform/sing...They INTEREFERED WITH THE TRUE RESULTS...It almost makes me SICK. So OF COURSE KRIS FANS flip the script, by saying we're just SORE losers...However, in addition--I thought that Kris got many votes for having a cute baby face, that all the 11-15yr. olds swoon over...Therefore, kiddies will sit on their phone for 2 hours ringing A.I. in favor to vote for Kris...And not for nuthin...but Kris has a generic voice. GEEZUS, IF IT WERE LEFT TO THE PROFESSIONAL PANEL---> ADAM WOULDDA WON. SO THERE YA HAVE IT...KRIS WON BY THE FEAR & IGNORANCE OF VOTERS IN THE BIBLE STATES...NOT BY HIS(lack thereof) talent.
Adam IS the American Idol!!!!!
Kris is the Arkansas Idol
If this is the case then David ARchuleta should have been given the
title for season 7. Clearly everyone knows that his popularity through out the world confirms he is the true American idol. It was
transparent that during season 7 that the votes were rigged. Many
fans could attest to their own experience when voting for David their
votes went to cook. Idol people are very crooked straight from England and have been fooling the American people with their shenanigans. It won't be too long now before they are literally found out. Why do you think that Simon and Paula want out. They don't want
to be caught in the middle of this. They just want to take their money and run. They both knew what was going on with the votes regarding Archuleta and now Lambert. This show should be fined and taken off. Yes, If Lambert is given the title so should David Archuleta. Fair is fair.
AMERICAN IDOL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DUMBASSIFICATION OF AMERICA
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