Althouse: AT&T unfair to Adam Lambert?

May 27, 2009

AT&T unfair to Adam Lambert?

"Representatives of AT&T helped fans of ["American Idol" winner Kris] Allen at the two Arkansas events by providing instructions on how to send 10 or more text messages at the press of a single button, known as power texts. Power texts have an exponentially greater effect on voting than do single text messages or calls to the show’s toll-free phone lines. The efforts appear to run afoul of 'American Idol' voting rules in two ways. The show broadcasts an on-screen statement at the end of each episode warning that blocks of votes cast using 'technical enhancements' that unfairly influence the outcome of voting can be thrown out."

30 comments:

Jason (the commenter) said...: I think they did a good job over at Gizmodo showing how ridiculous the NYT is for even reporting this.

But let's add to the outrage. The only emotion people can feel anymore.; 5/27/09, 1:49 PM
Palladian said...: "But let's add to the outrage. The only emotion people can feel anymore."

I agree! Maybe Sonia Sotomayor will overturn the decision and declare Lambert the winner.; 5/27/09, 1:58 PM
Jennifer said...: Do we know that they didn't throw those blocks of votes out?

Do we know that no AT&T reps helped any Adam Lambert fans?

Do we care!?

Besides, *I* know how to send that many texts at a time and I am a techo-loser. Are they seriously pretending that techno-savvy teen fangirls couldn't figure it out?; 5/27/09, 2:07 PM
Wince said...: Seems to me that if the NYT is in search of a newsworthy scandal involving unfairness and corporate influence, this might be better place to start.; 5/27/09, 2:11 PM
mariner said...: Of course.

If the gay guy didn't win there must be something wrong.

Sheesh.; 5/27/09, 2:27 PM
Rialby said...: Seriously, who the hell cares?

The NoKoComs are threatening to bomb Seoul and Tokyo and the NY Times is writing about effing American Idol voter fraud? Really?

We are so screwed.; 5/27/09, 2:28 PM
Unknown said...: B-b-b-b-but, you *know* them hillbillies and Christians (not to mention the Christian hillbillies) ain't gonna vote fer no queer. The NYTimes story is but an example of that larger truth, right?; 5/27/09, 2:30 PM
Palladian said...: "The NYTimes story is but an example of that larger truth, right?"

Even though every queer I know far prefered Kris in terms of appeal and hotness.

We all ignored the actual singing because even at its best it's below our standards. If you want to hear really good "falsetto", forget Lambert and listen to Scholl.; 5/27/09, 2:36 PM
A.W. said...: Does that mean we are going to have a sequel to Bush v. Gore? Allen v. Lambert?

Can the republic survive another go at this?; 5/27/09, 2:37 PM
traditionalguy said...: Don't let ACORN learn At&t's trick.; 5/27/09, 2:39 PM
Unknown said...: If you want to hear really good "falsetto", forget Lambert and listen to Scholl.

Well, it was a bit jarring to switch over from Pearl Jam, but well worth it! That's pretty incredible. I'll have to click through a few related videos now, it seems.; 5/27/09, 2:44 PM
Anonymous said...: I think Obama should set up a board right away to regulate this kind of HATE! A Committee for Public Safety maybe? The NYT reporters could sit on the board after their business goes into BK, and they could judge us fairly and impartially, just like they do their "news." And think of all the new jobs when the guillotine industry takes off!; 5/27/09, 2:49 PM
Palladian said...: "Well, it was a bit jarring to switch over from Pearl Jam, but well worth it! That's pretty incredible. I'll have to click through a few related videos now, it seems."

Scholl's wonderful. The countertenor part is sometimes difficult for modern ears but once you're used to it, there's some wonderful music written for that range.

Handel actually wrote many of these parts for a castrato named Senesino, so it's doubly impressive that Scholl, a father, does the parts so beautifully.

Drew Minter, Alfred Deller and James Bowman are some other countertenors who I admire.; 5/27/09, 3:01 PM
Unknown said...: AT&T did Adam a favor. Now he does not have to release a version of Kara DioGuardi's horrid song as his first single.; 5/27/09, 3:27 PM
Chris Althouse Cohen said...: Palladian: Oh, yes, what fools we all have been for not just listening to opera. Why, that's the only truly great singing. How dare we praise a "singer" who wouldn't stand a chance in the opera world!

Anyway, gay guys finding Kris more physically attractive than Adam doesn't matter that much. It's not a beauty contest. If it were, Kelly Clarkson, Ruben, Fantasia, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and David Cook would never have even made it to Hollywood. Kris is somewhat good looking and Adam Lambert has a jiggly midsection. I still way prefer Adam.; 5/27/09, 3:38 PM
themightypuck said...: Although the competition is interesting, who here would actually buy an album from either one of these guys?; 5/27/09, 3:51 PM
Jason (the commenter) said...: Who needs opera for falsetto? Just listen to Anthony Hegarty from Anthony and the Johnsons and Hercules and Love Affair; 5/27/09, 3:58 PM
Jason (the commenter) said...: I wonder if these AT&T representatives are behind the ballot stuffing over at Trooper York as well.; 5/27/09, 4:00 PM
Unknown said...: Bronski Beat!; 5/27/09, 4:54 PM
Palladian said...: "Palladian: Oh, yes, what fools we all have been for not just listening to opera. Why, that's the only truly great singing. How dare we praise a "singer" who wouldn't stand a chance in the opera world!"

Spoken like a child. Lots to say but little wisdom.

Do lighten up a little, Chris. Throw some glitter around. Put on an Adam Lambert song. You'll feel better.; 5/27/09, 5:04 PM
David said...: Oh who cares?

Whoops, I guess a lot of people do.; 5/27/09, 5:41 PM
Methadras said...: "Palladian said...

"But let's add to the outrage. The only emotion people can feel anymore."

I agree! Maybe Sonia Sotomayor will overturn the decision and declare Lambert the winner."

She can't. They are both white. Even if Lambert's sexuality is in question.; 5/27/09, 6:36 PM
Palladian said...: "She can't. They are both white. Even if Lambert's sexuality is in question."

The only question about his sexuality is "top, bottom or versatile" I think.; 5/27/09, 7:15 PM
Fen said...: Silly citizens. Pay no heed to Nero. Look over there! Another Christian being fed to the lions. Just for your amusement.; 5/27/09, 9:31 PM
Anonymous said...: Good God, it's bad enough that anybody ever pays attention to this idiot show, but now it's news even after the damned show is over?; 5/28/09, 5:14 AM
Freeman Hunt said...: Idolgate!

Like Jennifer, I also know how to send multiple texts at one time. Is knowing how to use a phone really a technological enhancement?; 5/28/09, 7:02 AM
Freeman Hunt said...: And good for Lambert for saying this "controversy" is silly.

Please go away, singing show.; 5/28/09, 7:03 AM
TMink said...: The lesson to be learned is to stay on good terms with the tech guys.

Trey; 5/28/09, 9:04 AM
Frank said...: Adam Lambert is laughing all the way to his Max Factor/Maybelline endorsement.; 5/31/09, 11:16 PM
Anonymous said...: цензовый электрошокер превосходного качество.; 1/27/10, 10:42 PM