American Idol First: Simulcast Will Allow Live Voting Across The US

No longer will west coast  American Idol  viewers feel like second-class citizens. Starting Sunday, April 29, the  ABC-TV show will offer a first – a simulcast that will allow viewers across all time zones to watch and vote at the same time.

The simulcasts will take place for three weeks, running 8 PM-10 PM ET/5 PM-7 PM PT. Viewers can vote for their favorite performers via text, at the American Idol.comweb site, and on the American Idol app. Results will be revealed at the end of each show in real time.

“We set out on a journey to find the best talent this nation has to offer,” said Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment.  “As we head into the next phase of the American Idol competition, it only makes sense to let every viewer from coast to coast experience the magic of live television and have the ability to vote for America’s next superstar.”

Ryan Seacrest hosts the show, with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie passing advice to the remaining top ten contestants.

American Idol is produced by FremantleMedia North America and  CORE Media Group ’s 19 Entertainment. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin, along with executive producer Phil McIntyre representing CORE Media. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.

The article was originally posted on  deadline.com