Controversy
It is rumored that the show is rigged, with the winner having already been chosen since early on in the season, and that each season is manipulated in such a way that True receives the highest ratings as possible. Also, the voting is set up so that live rankings are shown online from the starting day of votes (Monday) through Friday, which is the day before the voting closes. This gives True approximately 24 hours to manipulate the vote in whatever way it wishes, and potentially gives it the opportunity to hand-choose which contestants will remain and which will be eliminated. However, none of those in charge of the show have admitted that there is any manipulation of voting results.
Critics claim that the various publicity stunts alone are enough evidence to suggest that such manipulations are occurring. For instance, the show's unexpected move of inviting contestants back into the running (as in seasons 2, 4, and 5) and all of the times that it went against the viewers' expectations by eliminating (or not eliminating) male or female contestants each week are obvious manipulations for higher ratings and more voting (meaning more money for telephone company True). In True's defense, these unexpected actions create the suspense one would expect to see in any television show. However, in a show that promises that the people have ultimate power (through their votes) in who stays or leaves, such manipulations, if they are occurring, are unacceptable.
Read more about this topic: Academy Fantasia
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