Is American Idol manipulating results by order of performance?

Posted by mcw May 09, 2007 12:43PM

Categories: Basics of Idol

ReatlityTV looks into the rumors that the opening spot and closing spot on American Idol can influence the number of votes a contestant gets.

Some say the opening spot is distinct disadvantage because by the end of the show, many viewers have forgotten their performance and thus forget to vote for them.

It has also long been rumored that whoever sings in the closing spot on American Idol has a distinct advantage because viewers get caught up in the moment and the performance is fresh in their minds during the voting time window.

Reality TV Magazine went back through this season's top twelve eliminations on American Idol to see if there really is any disadvantage or advantage to singing earlier or later in the performance show.

And they say their research shows position counts