I think that person needs to get a life. If they think other contestants don't have the same advantages, they are nuts. The only reason we are hearing about Kelly is because so many people dislike her because of her personality. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the phone bank letting people text for free! I Think this person needs to look up the definition for cheating.

I think people need to quit "hounding" Kelly Pickler. There is no doubt the girl can sing and if America votes and she wins, so be it. Yes, there are others just as good as her but whatever America decides is who should win. I think as this point in the game, the real winners will ALL get some kind of singing contract out of it. So regardless of who is given the title of AMERICAN IDOL, they are all winners at this point. As for the phone bank being called "cheating", they are just upset because the person they want to win is not on top. I think any way you want to vote or how many times you want to do it is up to you. GET over it and let the singing search continue.

Please, I can't believe that anyone would call this cheating. I am not a Kellie fan but I am sure that all of the contestants are getting support from there hometown. Each contestant gets millions of votes. I don't believe that 11,000 would send her from the bottom out of the top three. What is probably helping her much more and is disgusting is VOTEFORTHEWORST.COM!!!

Look at some of the previous winners. No one is doing anyone a favor by voting for someone that does not have what it takes to be successful after the Idol finale.

If it provides relief to the Albemarle phone system then that's cool. Imagine how it would be to attempt to place an emergency call only to have an "I'm sorry but all circuits are busy" message blared in your ear. Is it cheating...not really. You're going to always have the human factor of "Ooo hey let's push the button a few thousand times to support the home town girl". The same thing happened at UNCC whenever Clay made it to the last round. In summary, folks will do anything to support their home turf.

If the e-mail quote above is genuine then the author should get over it. It's just a television show.

It's not cheating. It's a convenience for people who would vote anyway. Plus, if you do the math, it's not enough votes to change the outcome. There are MILLIONS of votes cast each week. I think the last time I heard a figure it was about 40 million in a week. If the Pick Pickler Phone Bank is casting 11,000 votes, that's less than .03 of a percent -- a tiny fraction of one percent. But what it illustrates is how loyal Kellie's fans are.

Well, I've loved Kellie and her voice since the first time I heard her sing at the auditions. She DOES deserve to be there and I dont care about the whole phone bank thing, I mean, I know people who will sit and call all night long to vote for their favorite person. There is NO difference in the text messaging or the phone lines-get a grip.

What bothers me about this whole thing is that as much grief and stife in this nation of ours that people worry abot these little things . DON"T SWEAT THE PETTY THINGS AND DON'T PET THE SWEATY THINGS . And NO i don't think it's cheating .If you can vote at the phone banks DO IT !! Kellie is being just like anyone else would be in her place. Her southernisms do NOT bother me at all. If some of the people would make a tape of themselves speaking or singing they would see just how 'corny' they sound. Think about it , noone seems to like what they hear during playback. I know i'm not perfect but neither are the hometown critics . GO KELLIE I'M BEHIND U GUUURL

I think that participation in phone banks and multiple voting, for any of the contestants, is disgusting, and don't give me this "so and so is doing it."

Kelly was not the worst last week, but she came in a close second. She certainly did not perform in anywhere near the same league as Katherine, Chris, or Paris! And she certainly will not win overall.

I don't care if it's cheating or not. Kellie-belle needs to go. I am totally sick of her yokel routine. I have lived all of my 55 years in the Charlotte area and as a southerner I'm embarrassed by her act. She ain't keepin' it real.

It is disappointing that so many "locals" find Kellie to be "annoying" or "fake." The girl has a great life story, and is a genuine small-town girl who is having the experience of a life time. No one can argue against the fact that she has talent. I think most of the antimosity is because it's a small-town country girl doing well in the competition and unfortunately many people who are speaking out against Kellie in the area I'd say are transplants. Who knows, I might be wrong, but that's just my opinion.

I think that unless all the contestants are going to have over 40 phones texting for them for free with no busy signals, then YES its Cheating and unfair. The communications company should extend the same offer to each idol contestant. This should not be about means but about talent!

Heck no it's not cheating. It's the way the system works.

"People all over America are in an uproar about it"? Oh puh-lease, give me a break.

This is American Idol and the voting is done through free phone calls and text messaging. The system totally allows for people that just have their favorite and to them it doesn't matter how good they are on a given night.

"So many other deserving talents are losing their chances"? Again, puh-lease. If they are truly talented, the first thing that is happening after they lose is that an agent is giving them the list of possible deals. After all, you don't have to win Idol to hit it big, look at where some of the past "losers" are now.

Stop hating, they hate her cause she nice and pretty, get over it and that aint cheating----stop hating

I think the phone bank is a good Idea. Kellie may have a bad night and not pick the best song for herself, but Kellie is doing a great job. Keep it up Kellie.

I think that how you vote is your own business. The person that wins will of deserved to win. The American people seems to really love Kellie. She is a very sweet country girl just trying to get a break in this world. Leave her alone and let her keep singing. She has a wonderful voice. If you want to say her group is cheating then they all are cheating. How do you like that. The person that started this NEEDS TO GROW UP AND GET A LIFE!!!

Who cares who wins. Its American Idol. Non of the contestants are are true musicians...only corporate puppets.

v. cheat·ed, cheat·ing, cheats
v.tr.
1. To deceive by trickery; swindle: cheated customers by overcharging them for purchases.
2. To deprive by trickery; defraud: cheated them of their land.
3. To mislead; fool: illusions that cheat the eye.
4. To elude; escape: cheat death.
v.intr.
1. To act dishonestly; practice fraud.
2. To violate rules deliberately, as in a game: was accused of cheating at cards.
3. Informal To be sexually unfaithful: cheat on a spouse.
n.
1. An act of cheating; a fraud or swindle.
2. One who cheats; a swindler.
3. Law Fraudulent acquisition of another's property.
4. Botany An annual European species of brome grass (Bromus secalinus) widely naturalized in temperate regions.
***********************************************
HAVING PEOPLE IN YOUR HOMETOWN LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU BY VOTING FOR FREE>>>IS NOT CHEATING! They would be voting at their homes anyway, so why not for free? Is it cheating for CINGULAR to let their customers vote by text messaging? I would have to say no.

This really makes me wonder about the journalistic intergity of news orginazations that waste their time talking about this whole American Idol thing. There are more important things going on in the world, and here we are discussing what some view as cheating to win a talent competition... ON A RIVAL NETWORK! So what if this is or isn't considered cheating? People need to get a life and move on.

It may not be 'cheating' per se, but it is definitely giving a skewed impression to both the producers and the media that Kellie is more popular with fans than she actually is.

American Idol producers supposedly throw out any votes from speed and automated dialers. However, there are no similar limits on text messaging through one of their sponsors. Mass voting paid for by someone who is in the business of selling the Cingular service just does not sit well.

You ask what the difference is between this and a fan individually casting 300 votes. That fan paid out of their own pocket and wasn't subsidized.

Would all of these people have voted that much for Kellie on their own? Somehow I doubt it.

My understanding is that the voting percentages are very close ... just fractions of a percent. Last year the winner won by approximately 350 votes.

I think the CTC Wireless "Pick Pickler" Phone Bank is a great way to show support for the city of Albemarle. The phones are NOT pre-programmed to vote for Kellie and American Idol fans have their choice of voting for whomever they want. It's great to see an organization support the community and create a family-friendly atmosphere.

I think it is cheating how much are they paying to do this voting? Every time someone sends a text from a mobile phone there is a charge.I watch this show every week and hear alot of pitch problems and with any kind of music but country she has a problem singing it. I am from close to her area and yes we do want to support our hometown people but we should support whoever is the best and she is not!

The other night she got over 9 million votes. You do the math if you can. The phone bank did not make a difference.

The best singer will win in the end, and it won't be Pickler, regardless of how many text messages come from Albemarle. If you actually think there's nobody else stuffing the ballot box for other "idols," then you are very naive.

So some may think Kellie is "annoying", a little too "country" for their taste, or a number of other gripes. But I think the girl is just cute as she can be, down to earth, and can sing her butt off to boot. So why would she not deserve to win any more than the others? And the phone bank cheating? Come on, if she does have one, are you naieve enough to think she's the only one that has one????

There is a huge difference between people sitting at home all night voting and this. It might be pushing it to call it cheating, but I definitely think that it should be limited how many calls can be received from one number. Plus, does a "town" really need to get involved in a reality contest?

I don't think its cheating. Who knows what's going on in the hometowns of other contestants? I think its great that her hometown is this supportive of her. I have loved Kellie since I first saw her on Give Me The Mike last year. Then I saw her on the previews for the new Idol season. She has a voice of an angle and a great personality. How many votes are cast each week any way, 30 million? I don't think 11,000 would swing the vote either way. I do believe someone is just does not like Kellie and is venting.

Why don't some of you, the media included do a little bit of research before just posting whatever the heck you feel like posting. Last year almost every contestant had phone banks. NSU maintained a huge phone bank for Carrie Underwood, and anyone is free to do this. Give it a rest people, please.

I feel that anything other than doing it the way it is suppose to be done per American Idol is cheating. So it really doesn't matter which singer is still there if done the correct way.

Someone needs to evaluate the rules pertaining to this action and then see if there is cause to be upset or not.

The real question is, who cares? Will it truly impact your life if she wins or loses? For the "outraged" readers, I recommend that you focus on more pressing global issues as opposed to Hollywood fluff.

What in the world is wrong with everyone? Hating Kellie Pickler for what reason? Being naive and innocent isnt a crime and personally I believe that coupled with her personal story are why lots of folks vote for her. SHE CAN SING. I don't see her making the final 3, but she deserves to be where she is. As for cheating with the phone bank in Albemarle, get a clue will ya? 11,000 votes in a tally decided by millions is statistically insignificant. I think its just a bunch of jaded and jealous women making the most noise against this young talented woman. Cut her some slack.

She isn't the best in the competition, that's for sure. That title was reserved for the little singing cowboy that cried at the ocean. She does have singing talent, though, so give her a break. What is important is the fact that, as a person who can claim Albemarle as their hometown and the center of all cultural knowledge, she is bringing my hometown to light for all the glory that it is and the utopia of redneck VIPs it will become. Buy real estate in Albemarle if you know what's good for you.

I don't have a cell phone. Can I borrow one of yours and vote for 2 hours are would that be cheating? I guess I should go buy my on to keep it honest. Hogwash to who ever started this.

I don't feel that it is in any way cheating. In fact I changed my text plan to unlimited just so I could get many votes in for the hometown girl, because you couldn't get through by dialing. As stated before we do whatever it takes to support our own turf... GO KELLIE PICKLER!!!!!

Simon Cowell said it was a singing contest.
Kelley cannot sing. An American Idol should be able to sing different types of songs, and Kelley cannot. She proved that last week. She is playing dumb. People should vote only for right person, and Kelley is only be voted in, because she comes from N.C., and I guess the people like dumb blonds.

Its not cheating but I think she sucks.

I agree with the woman. It is cheating. Kelly Pickler is the dumbest blonde I have ever heard, And she cannot sang as well as the others. The ones that vote for her are only voting for her because she either lives in their hometown or because they think she is sexy. Thats all there is too it. Don`t get me wrong, she is a pretty girl as long as she keeps her mouth shut. You are suppose to be voting on how well the sung, not on looks. She should have been kick off this past week because she was terrible and she herself even admitted it. I think the rest of you people should get a life and open up your darn ears!

Yes it is cheating! And to answer your question:

"What’s the difference if someone sits at home and votes 300 times or they do it for free through a phone bank?"

Well, if they sit at home and text vote 300 times they have to pay for each vote. Here you have a local communications company setting up a system where they can text vote multiple times for free. THAT is the difference.

It doesn't matter if it's only 11,000 votes out of millions. It's still cheating. If I only take a few quarters from the bank vault, is that not still stealing? Or is is "okay" because they have millions of dollars, so what I took does not matter at all. Baloney....it's the principle.

Kellie's last performance and her not being in the bottom three is a joke. To the question of: is Kellie really dumb or is she faking? Both! Yes she is really dumb and has decided that playing this up can win the crowd over so now she is acting even dumber. And people see through it and it makes her annoying every time she opens her mouth. She may be okay looking, but she is not that attractive and nowhere near as pretty as Katharine. And she is not even in Katharine's league when it comes to singing ability.

This really isn't about Kellie Pickler. This is about conflict of interest and what looks like a major sponsor of American Idol (Cingular) endorsing one contestant over all the others and showing favoritism. CT Communications' web site lists Cingular as a "partner". Photographs from the Pick Pickler Phone Bank showed a 6-7 foot inflatable Cingular logo in front of the phone bank and balloons with Cingular written on them. How would Kellie's supporters feel if they learned that a partner of one of American Idol's sponsors' partners were footing the bill for thousands of text messages for another contestant? Would they think it was fair? Quite unlikely...

the only reason kelly is still there is because of her back woods talkin not the singin. she reminds me of Lisa on Green Acars pretty to look at but dumb.people of albemarle wake up shes makin this place look like Hootersville.

Do some better research. Those who have, are disgusted with this for a reason and most certainly have done the research.

The proof is in the big picture.

We all know who AI's # 1 sponsor is. This retailer who is not some small time business is partners with Cingular. Took advantage of that, the contest and other contestants are suffering for it. Cingular, Fox, News media outlets, alot of e-mails and calls have been made.

The Corporate hand need to keep their hands out of the Cookie jar. Especially this one who raided the pickler jar dragging a number one AI sponsor with it. Offering freebie's with cingular logo on items. As long as people utilised the 40 phones w/ FREE unlimited text voting for one contestant only Miss Pickler. Unethical to say the least.

Give it to one contestant in this manner. Then it needs to be given to ALL contestants.

As I said do the research. There is more dots to connect. But, Im sure this will give you a nice jump-start.

Disclaimer- This is all just in my humble opinion of course from my own research and not necessarily verbatim of the facts. You do the research and come to your own conclusions of the tangible facts.

Proof is in the pictures?

You be the judge of it.

http://www.gonorwood.com/kelliepickler6.cfm

http://www.gonorwood.com/kelliepickler7.cfm

http://www.gonorwood.com/kelliepickler8.cfm

Some people need to do their homework. This phone bank is set up by CTC Communications which is partnered by Cingular Wireless. Cingular is sponsoring American Idol. CTC Communications is using HUGE blow up Cingular Wireless symbols as well as plastering Cingular's name all over the place with this phone bank. Because of the relationship between CTC and Cingular and the relationship between Cingular and American Idol, it is unethical and unfair unless they set up phone banks in EVERY contestants home town. PERIOD. This isn't about Kellie Pickler, it isn't her fault. This is about CTC Communications, Cingular Wireless, and impropriety.

Of Course it's cheating. Text messages normally cost $.10 apiece, and you will not get a busy signal when text messaging. I wonder if the people from Albemarle would be text messaging if they were paying for it out of their own pocket. I don't think so. I think this use of free text messaging should be considered power voting, and none of the votes should count.

The other contestants don't have the same FREE voting back which puts them at a disadvantage making it unfair IMO. Kellie is turning into the Jasmine Trias of Season 5. Remember how Jasmine was safe many weeks when she should have gone home?, Remember Scott from Season 4. Kellie clearly does not have the same level of talent as the rest of the remaining contestants. What this has turned into is a Popularity contest rather then a Talent contest. I think it's a crime to see someone like Paris who for the past 2 weeks has out sung Kellie but managed to land in the bottom 3. Katharine has more talent in her big toe yet because of this unfair advantage of this phone bank, Kellie remains on the show. It’s just wrong!

kelly wants the fans to feel sorry for her becuse she is stupid.dont shes had her 15 min of fame now shes goin to make millions and forget about poor old albemarle.

I think that you've failed to mention in your article exactly what has everyone so worked up. It is not just that there is a phone bank. Every contestant has either a phone bank or just parties at a fan's home with many people voting for that contestant.

The fact of the matter is that Cingular is a major sponsor of the show. More over, one cannot text vote unless they one is a Cingular subscriber. The free text voting that is not privately paid for, but by a corporation that is partnered with Cingular, is bypassing that fact. Anyone who lives in Albermarle, or is able to be there for the block party, can text vote for free, whether or not they are Cingular subscribers.

To make matters worse, the advertisements that are displayed at the voting both and on the www.gonorwood.com website clearly show that Cingular is endorsing Kellie Pickler, at least on the surface. I have personally spoken to the Office of the President of Cingular, and they are looking into the matter. They actually were not aware of the Cingular balloons and huge inflatable logos that appear to show Cingular's support of Kellie, while neglecting any support for the other remaining contestants.

What many fail to see is that it doesn't matter if one single vote is cast in this way, or if it is all 35 million. Fair is fair, and this situation is not fair to all parties involved.

When a partner of a show sponsor gives material support to one contestant and not the others, then yes, I say its cheating.

And just to state the obvious - the person casting 300 text votes at home from his or her own cell phone had to PAY (up to $30.00) for those those votes, he didn't get to cast them for free at a phone bank. See the difference now??

This is not about Kellie nor about her singing ability, prettiness and personality.

It IS about corporate ethics.

It is about the appearance that a large corporation who has, it seems, exclusive control of regional Cingular cellular towers and is in "partnership" with Cingular Wireless is sponsoring a single American Idol contestant. At $.10 per text message 11,000 "free" votes has a value of $1,100.00. Then there is the fact that Cingular branded advertising media and giveaways are being utilized.

It therefore appears that one of the largest Americal Idol sponsors, and the only carrier available for text voting, is favoring one contestant over the others. It should be stopped.

For those advocating free texting for all contestants, that does not ameliorate the problem. Cingular, and Cingular "partners" should not be in the business of giving away free votes to any of the idols. They should just sit back and rake in the cash generated from the insane amount of text calls being made every Tuesday night.

CTC is a local reseller of wireless services. This is not Cingular sponsoring the phone bank. Having CTC sponsor the phone bank is no different from your local Buick dealer helping to sponsor the local high school football team or the local Coca-Cola distributor sponsoring a hometown beauty contestant in the state pageant. It's a public service -- good for business and good for the town. I salute them.

It dosnt matter. She is gone after this week. Her new name is the butcher of albermarle! This girl just gets on my nerves besides the fact she can't sing. She can finally go back to hickville. Thank goodness I dont listen to country music, because no matter what happens I dont have to hear her butcher anymore songs.

Imagine for a minute that voting in the Presidential Election cost money. If Candidate A then cost $1 to vote for and Candidate B offered free voting...it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Candidate B would get more votes. Voting should be an equal opportunity endeavor...so either all text votes should be free EVERYWHERE or they should be free NO WHERE! It is a matter of financial fairness!!!