American Idol: Voting

Each week during the performances "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest rattles of a bunch of numbers and tells fans that they can't vote until lthe end of the show. Avid fans of the hit music reality show know all about those number and votes. But for the new or novice fan, it may all sound a bit confusing. Here's a quick primer and overview of what those number means and the voting process on "American Idol".

"American Idol" is a musical reality show where television viewers and fans of the singers vote for their favourite singer. The singer with the lowest number of votes is eliminated from the competition until a winner is crowned as the new "American Idol".

Votes are cast via the telephone or text message using a toll free number {1-866-IDOLS (43657) plus the number of the singer (ie, 10, 02, 10, 12 etc.)}.

"American Idol" does not limit the number of votes each person can cast so it is possible for a single person to vote numerous times. Once the performances have concluded the phone lines are open for a two hour period after each airing (two hours in the eastern/central time zone, two hours in the pacific time zone, etc.). Fans who use a mobile phone to vote must be aware of the time zone in which their phone is registered; for example, if you live in Florida but are on business in Montana your vote will only count if cast during the eastern time zone voting window. Fans who have their mobile phone service with AT&T can also vote for their favourite singer using the text messaging (SMS) service by sending VITE to the four digit number attached to the favourite singer. For fans who use their mobile phone minutes used for voting may be deducted depending on the phone service plan being used. Fees may also be assessed for texting a vote, again depending upon the service plan of the phone's owner.

Voting is open to fans of all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

Voting is heaviest in the first hour after the show's airing; "American Idol" suggests being patient and perhaps waiting until the second hour to call. The system is designed to handle a large number of calls ,but even so it can be hard getting through due to the excessive volume of voters.Votes can not be counted for reaching a busy signal, only those calls that include the message thank yo for voting will count. If at any time a message is heard asking for a credit card or directing the caller to a 900 number "American Idol" says that these are NOT valid "American Idol" voting numbers and says to hang up and try the number again. "American Idol" says that LL voting calls are free. Worried about someone "stuffing the ballot box" with blocks of votes? The "American Idol" phone system is designed to monitor for such calls and eliminate the block of votes.

Watching "American Idol" can be an interesting experience. Voting is not required unless you have a favorite singer you really want to see move on, then voting is important.

So, what's with the judges? Until this season the judges were simply there to provide immediate feedback to the singers and perhaps help guide voters in their decisions. This season the judges have the ability to save a singer from elimination, but only once.