In Conway, Ark., population 50,000, they knew. And they voted.Kris Allen, arguably the town's most famous resident, took home the "American Idol" crown Wednesday night despite a celebrity judge "who long ago crowned his opponent the heir apparent," (From left: Runner-up Adam Lambert, Allen, host Ryan Seacrest, AP Photo/Fox)
The community support of Allen was strong and rural voters likely got in more than their two cents worth on Tuesday night when votes were cast. Kaylie Felty of Maumelle told Dickerson, "He's going to win. It took me four hours to get the first four votes in, and then I voted constantly until 11:45" p.m. At a party in Simon Park Wednesday night, other fans brought signs to show their support that said things like "Blister on my thumbs, Voted 250,000 times."
When Allen was announced as the winner, a local celebration began, coordinated by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kris Allen Kick Awesome Task Force. For people like Julie Ivy, who ran a fan page, painted her car, passed out business cards, promoted Allen on the radio, among endless hours of voting, the prize was worth it. "That two seconds when he announced (Allen's) name all four months I would do it all again in a heartbeat," she said. "It's a great feeling to know that we supported him from the beginning. I'm thrilled." (Read more)
UPDATE, May 28: Fox Television and the show's producers deny "reports that a major TV sponsor of the show -- AT&T -- may have skewed results" by giving free phones to viewing parties in Arkansas and giving instructions on how to send 10 votes at once, reports Wayne Friedman of Media Daily News. "AT&T said this promotion was only for two local viewing parties." (Read more)
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