'Idol' bits: new voting methods, Clay Aiken, Carrie Underwood, Phillip Phillips

ajc.com

Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

"American Idol" is adding some intriguing voting elements this year.

This includes real-time Google searches as part of the "voting." I'm not sure how this will work but apparently whenever you hunt for a particular singer on Google, a voting  platform will pop up. I'm not sure when people will be able to vote this way.

Toll-free calling, the only option the first few seasons, will still be available. Then texting came along partway through. Last year, they added Facebook and an American Idol app.

"Idol" will also add a new wrinkle: real-time voting results while the performance show is happening. starting Feb. 26 during the first finalist performance show.

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