Idol votes influced by AT&T?

AT&T is known as a company with millions of loyal customers, but now it appears they may be gaining some negative attention. Allegations are out that the company may have influenced the outcome of the "American Idol" finale between winner Kris Allen and finalist Adam Lambert.

The New York Times reports that AT&T provided cell phones for text messaging the show at different parties for Kris Allen in Arkansas. The wireless mega-company is a sponsor of the show. If viewers cast votes via text messages, they are only allowed to do so through AT&T.

A spokesperson for the company claims that some employees were invited to the parties in Arkansas and let viewers of the show try the new demo phones by casting text message votes.

ABC News says that many Lambert fans feel that the Fox network should produce a list of the votes so viewers can see that nothing controversial happened in the voting process. Many fans believe "power dialing" occurred, which blocks other callers from casting votes, and Lambert would have won if this were not going on.

There is no word on if Fox plans to release voting records.