'Idol' sponsor helped Allen win?

American Idol sponsor AT&T may have contributed to Kris Allen's victory on the show, it has been reported.

Representatives for the mobile provider - the only one on which that fans can cast votes via text message - attended two parties where they distributed phones with free text messaging and taught Allen fans how to "cast blocks of votes", The New York Times reports.

The function reportedly allows viewers to cast ten or more votes at once.

A spokesperson for AT&T acknowledged that the parties, which took place in Allen's home state of Arkansas, occurred.

"We were invited to attend the local watch parties organised by the community. A few local employees brought a small number of demo phones with them and provided texting tutorials to those who were interested," the insider said.