“Idol” Adds Online Voting Via Facebook

When the polls open for the current season of Fox’s American Idol on March 1, fans will be able to vote online for the first time.

Voting will start at americanidol.com, which will direct fans to log in to their Facebook accounts to access the voting page. During the online voting window, fans may cast up to 50 total online votes for that evening’s performances.

This new arrangement not only allows more ways to vote, but also proves the ubiquity of Facebook. And it is further evidence of networks embracing second screen viewing.

“We have been wanting to do online voting for several years, and now Facebook has offered us a secure solution and we are ready to go,” said Simon Fuller, Idol’s Creator and Executive Producer. “The show has always involved a high level of engagement with its viewers through texting and phone voting, and it’s great to expand on this tradition.”

In addition to online voting, fans will continue to be able to vote via phone and text message (AT&T wireless customers only).

The 12 male semifinalists take the stage for the first time Tuesday, March 1, followed by the 12 female semifinalists on Wednesday, March 2. This season’s finalists will be announced Thursday, March 3. More info.

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Sarah Skates has worked in the music business for more than a decade and is a longtime contributor to MusicRow.

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