According to CNET, AT&T sent text messages out to 75 million customers to let them know to watch American Idol's premiere last night.

Some AT&T Wireless customers have voted an emphatic no on a promotion for American Idol that popped up on their phones this week.

AT&T, a sponsor of the show, said it sent text messages to a "significant number" of its 75 million customers, urging them to tune in to the season premiere on Tuesday night.

But some recipients thought the message was a breach of cell phone etiquette, and gave it the kind of reaction that the Idol judge Simon Cowell might give an off-key crooner.

The online service Twitter had a steady stream of complaints. "AT&T just sent me a text message advertisement about 'American Idol.' Evil," a Twitter user named Joe Brockmeier wrote on Tuesday. "The economic downturn definitely means a spam upswing."

Another user named Nick Dawson wrote: "Seriously AT&T? Did you just text me twice during a meeting to tell me about 'American Idol?' Very professional!"

Mark Siegel, a spokesman for AT&T Wireless, said the message was meant as a friendly reminder. "We want people to watch the show and participate," Siegel said. He added, "It makes perfect sense to use texting to tell people about a show built on texting."

Because AT&T is a sponsor of American Idol, only its customers can use their cell phones to vote for their favorite singers via text message--so viewer participation means more revenue for AT&T.

For the full story, click here!

Posted at 11:42AM Jan 14, 2009 by Kevin P McAuliffe in Astound  |  Comments[0]