SMS via Asia Votes for Idol prizes
As American Idol 4 progresses in its elimination rounds with eight remaining contestants, Star World continues to cover the countdown for regional viewers every step of the way, tears, hugs and individual triumphs in tow.
For those Idol fans who haven't kept up-to-date -- or who don't get Star World at home -- this season marks an initiative directed especially at Asian followers of the biggest talent show on the planet.
Star World has been running Asia Votes, an independent SMS poll to track Asia's favorite American Idol contestants -- along with a chance at winning the grand prize: an all-expenses paid trip for two to Los Angeles to watch the American Idol finale, live.
The poll runs weekly for the duration of the countdown, from 3 p.m. Jakarta time on Wednesday to 3 p.m. on Thursday, until May 26.
Votes are tallied each week and broadcast on Star World -- remember, it's an independent poll, so while your vote won't affect actual American Idol results, you can still pitch your talent-scout knowhow against those of American viewers.
In addition, Asian fans can enter the weekly American Idol Trivia Quiz, with a free Idol microphone in store for the top five scorers of the country each week.
The trivia is open from 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday to 10:59 p.m. on Sunday. Viewers can also play for kicks outside this time frame, just to test their American Idol IQ.
Participation in the trivia is unlimited, so fans can answer as many questions as they like within the above period. At the end of the contest, which closes on May 26 at 10:59 p.m., the top scorer in the country will walk away with an Apple iPod Shuffle.
Not enough of a draw? Coming soon to Hard Rock Cafe Jakarta is Idol Night, featuring former Indonesian Idol Luki, a gala dinner while watching the latest American Idol elimination and a singing contest with an iPod Shuffle as the grand prize.
Runner-ups will receive an Idol microphone to fine-tune their vocal skills -- and of course, there will be a lucky draw and door prizes for guests.
Best of all, 10 lucky Sunday Post readers can win tickets to Idol Night, hosted by Star World and Indovision in cooperation with Hard Rock Cafe.
Watch this space on Sunday, April 16, for a chance to win a ticket to Idol Night to be held on Wednesday, April 20, at Hard Rock Cafe Jakarta.
American Idol 4 polling how-to's
Access numbers:
Indonesia 9200 Singapore 79000
Poll Day/Time SMS text format
Asia Votes Wed, 3 p.m. to IDOL Thurs, 3 p.m. (e.g. for Simon Cowell, "IDOL simon")
Trivia Quiz Wed, 3:30 p.m. to 1) Send: IDOLIQ
(multiple choice) Sun, 10:59 p.m. 2) Answer: IDOLIQ
Fun trivia outside Trivia 1) Send: IDOLIQ Quiz hours (e.g. for week 1, "IDOLIQ WK 1") 2) Answer: IDOLIQ (e.g. for week 1, question 3, answer A, "IDOLIQ 3 A"
Help Menu -- IDOL HELP (instructions received automatically)
* Click on www.startv.com/idol for results and live updates.
** Asia Votes closes at 3 p.m. on May 26; Trivia Quiz closes at
10:59 p.m. on May 26.
American Idol 4 is broadcast Wednesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m.
(direct off satellite) and 7 p.m. (prime time telecast) Jakarta
time on Star World.