Lack of ‘Idol’ vote information frustrates fans

On weeks where vote totals and percentages aren’t revealed, it’s a safe assumption that there’s a large discrepancy between the high vote-getters and the bottom three, and revealing that information would result in very little drama. Concealing it, however, allows viewers to craft their own scenarios (and conspiracy theories).

Being forthcoming can create other problems. The best example came during the finale for “American Idol 2,” when Ryan Seacrest revealed the number of votes that separated the two finalists, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken.

However, someone screwed up, as first Ryan said that 13,000 votes separated the final two, and later corrected his number, saying it was just 1,335. As the AP reported later, the figure was apparently closer to 133,000. To this day, that discrepancy fuels theories that the show was rigged in favor of Ruben.

Of course, that didn’t exactly hurt Clay Aiken’s career, just as shocking eliminations, such as Chris Daughtry’s surprise exit a few weeks ago, doesn’t exactly hurt interest in the series. Conspiracy theories — and the number of them out there is proof of just how invested people are in “American Idol” — don’t damage the show, they help it by drawing viewers.

Even though being open and honest about vote totals would be ideal, it’s probably not going to happen, and transparency isn’t exactly best for everyone involved with the show. Viewers ultimately want to be caught up in the drama and the intrigue, and producers want people to keep tuning in. The best bet, then, is for the show to continue to do what it has been doing: giving information when it’s most advantageous to do so.

One thing should change, however: Regardless of the outcome, “American Idol” should, starting Wednesday evening, reveal the vote totals for the finale, identifying exactly how many votes were cast (not a number rounded off to the nearest million) and how those votes were cast (via text message or telephone). The precise number of votes that each of the final two contestants received should also be revealed. At this point in the competition, there’s nothing to lose by being more forthcoming.

During the results shows, host Ryan Seacrest is fond of talking in the second person, telling viewers that their votes matter, and that the winner will be “your American Idol.” If the winner of the most popular television series on the air today truly is America's idol, then Americans deserve to know how much they really like them.

Andy Dehnart is a writer and teacher who publishes reality blurred, a daily summary of reality TV news.

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