Almost Half of Access Hollywood Viewers Feel American Idol Mix Up Was a Stunt

ALMOST HALF OF "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD" VIEWERS POLLED FEEL "AMERICAN IDOL" MIX-UP WAS A PUBLICITY STUNT

SHOW AIRS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2005

BURBANK, Calif. – March 25, 2005 – A Nextel text messaging poll conducted by "Access Hollywood" reveals that nearly half of the hit entertainment newsmagazine's participating viewers feel that Tuesday's "American Idol" mix-up, in which the incorrect call-in numbers were shown for contestants Mikalah Gordon, Anwar Robinson and Jessica Sierra, was a publicity stunt. The story airs on "Access Hollywood" on Friday, March 25, 2005.

On Tuesday, the last two digits of the call-in numbers for "American Idol" contestant Gordon, Robinson and Sierra should have reflected their order in the lineup. Due to the error, their votes would have gone to the first three singers: Anthony Fedorov, Carrie Underwood and Scott Savol.

While "American Idol" producers have publicly denied that the mix-up was deliberate, 49-percent of "Access Hollywood" viewers polled disagreed, while 51-percent said they believed that it was not intentional.

Fox aired a second "American Idol" vote on Wednesday, and a special 30-minute edition of the talent contest was broadcast on Thursday to announce the elimination of Mikalah Gordon.

"Access Hollywood" is produced by NBC and distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. Rob K. Silverstein is the executive producer.