Every week, millions of votes are cast for American Idol contestants. As the season progresses and the demand for voting increases week after week, it can get more difficult to get through right away on the toll-free phone lines. The tips below will help American Idol viewers have the best opportunity to vote for their favorite contestant.

Follow these tips for successful voting:

1. Call during non-peak periods.

Voting lines are open for two hours following each American Idol broadcast. The highest call volumes for toll-free telephone voting generally occur within the first 30-45 minutes after the show ends and this is the time when viewers are most likely to get a busy signal. Waiting for non-peak times, such as the second hour of voting, increases your chances of successfully voting for your favorite American Idol contestants via the toll-free numbers.

2. Use a cell phone to call.

Try calling from a cell phone if you cannot get through using a land line – and vice versa. Both land lines and cell phone systems will experience line congestion, especially during peak periods, but try both if you can. Cell minutes will be used even though the call is toll-free.

3. Vote via text message.

AT&T Mobility subscribers can, of course, send the word 'VOTE' to the 4 digit number that corresponds to their contestant of choice (e.g., 5701, 5702, etc). Standard text messaging rates will apply depending on your wireless plan. If you are not an AT&T Mobility subscriber, you will not be able to vote via text message, so follow the tips above for calling the toll-free numbers.
      
4. Be patient!!

Remember, there are millions of people also trying to vote at the same time, so if you can't get through, keep trying and you will be able to cast your vote eventually.