Viewer Voting FAQs for Season 6, Fall 2009, So You Think You Can Dance
How do I vote?
Each contestant will be assigned a toll-free telephone number during the performance shows which feature voting. However, during the first 3 weeks of voting (starting Tuesday, November 10th, 2009), contestants will perform as couples and each dance couple will be assigned a toll-free telephone number during those performance shows. To vote, simply watch “So You Think You Can Dance” on FOX each week (see local listings for times in your area) and dial the telephone number of the contestant(s) for whom you wish to vote. Voting will open at the end of each performance show which features voting. DO NOT call before the end of the show as the lines will not be open. For the first 2 weeks of performance shows (October 27th and November 3rd) the results will be decided by the judges and no voting will take place. During those first 2 weeks the judges’ elimination decisions will be revealed at the end of each performance show. For all other performance shows which feature voting the results of the vote will be revealed in the results shows that will also air on FOX later the same week (see local listings for details). Rules and procedures are subject to change at producers’ discretion without notice.
Who can vote?
Anyone calling from within the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands can cast their vote for “So You Think You Can Dance”.
When can I vote?
For the weeks when the public votes on performances, voting for “So You Think You Can Dance” will open at the end of the performance show each week (see local listings for times in your area) and will stay open for at least 2 hours, subject to time zone restrictions. Outside of these times, the toll-free lines will play a busy signal and your call will not count as a vote.
Is it true that some people can cast votes outside of the 2 hour window after the show?
No, this is not true. As part of the process to ensure that the “So You Think You Can Dance” voting system is accurate and ready for the public to call and vote, a test window is built into the toll-free system for the morning of each vote show. During this test window, anyone calling the toll-free numbers from a phone with a West Coast area code will hear the ‘thanks for voting’ message. This vote window is for testing purposes only and any calls received during this time do not count as valid votes. Your votes will only count if you call during your valid 2 hour vote window after the performance show, subject to time zone limitations. Outside of these hours, votes will not count, even if you hear the ‘thanks for voting’ message.
How much does it cost to vote?
Telephone calls to the “So You Think You Can Dance” voting lines are toll-free from landlines so you will not be charged to vote. If you use a cell phone to call, airtime and applicable roaming and long distance charges will apply.
Can I vote by using my cell phone?
Yes, you can vote using your cell phone, although airtime and applicable roaming and long distance charges will apply to toll-free numbers from cell phones. Contact your cell phone service provider if you want to know how much you will be charged.
If you are calling from a cell phone and you are in a different time zone from your cell phone number, the system will accept or reject your vote based on the time zone of your cell phone area code. For example, if you have a New York cell phone area code but are calling from Los Angeles, you will be voting outside the East Coast voting window and your vote will not be accepted. Try calling again from a land line telephone during the West Coast voting window.
Text message voting is not available for “So You Think You Can Dance”.
I couldn’t get through to the lines or all I get is a busy signal when I call – why?
Although the telephone network is designed to handle huge volumes of calls simultaneously, there may be times (particularly just after the show) when it will not be able to handle every single call due to the sheer volume. If you are calling during your voting window but can’t get through to cast your vote, be patient and try again.
If you hear the fast busy signal, it may be that you are calling outside of the voting window. When your voting window closes, lines will switch from a ‘thank you for voting’ message to a fast busy signal.
If you are sure you are calling within your voting window but still can’t get through, it may be that your local phone company has been flooded with calls. Try waiting a few minutes before calling again. If you still have problems, contact your local phone company.
If you are calling from a cell phone with an area code that is in a different time zone from that in which you are calling, the system will accept or reject your vote based on the time zone of your cell phone’s area code. For example, if you have a New York cell phone area code but are calling from Los Angeles, you will be voting outside the East Coast voting window and your vote will not be accepted. Try calling again from a land line telephone during the West Coast voting window.
Can I vote if I subscribe to a digital phone service or VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service?
Yes, you can vote if you subscribe to some digital or internet-based phone systems, such as Vonage or Skype. However, note that digital phone and VOIP services often re-route outgoing calls to a different geographical location from which the call is being made. As a result, you may only be able to vote in the voting window to which your call has been re-routed. If you are trying to vote in the regular voting window for your region and your call is re-routed outside of your region by your service provider, you will not be able to vote (instead, you will hear a fast busy signal). However, you still have the availability to vote during the other voting window. For further information, contact your digital phone or VOIP service provider.
When I called one of the toll-free lines, I heard the wrong dancer’s (or couple’s) number – why?
All lines for “So You Think You Can Dance” are tested before going on-air to make sure the lines work properly and are playing out the correct audio. If you call and hear the wrong contestant’s number (or dance couple’s number), it’s possible you accidentally misdialed, so check the number and dial again.
What will I hear if I call the toll-free numbers?
Voting begins at the end of the performance show when ALL of the contestants have performed – if you call before then, you will hear a busy signal and your vote will NOT count.
At the end of the performance shows which feature voting, phone lines will be opened and voting can begin. Voting lasts for at least 2 hours, subject to local time zone restrictions, from the end of the show and during that time you will hear a pre-recorded message thanking you for voting for your chosen contestant(s). Each contestant (or dance couple, during the first 3 weeks of voting) will have their own number read/shown on air, and the phone message will confirm for whom you have voted. After the voting window closes, no more votes will be accepted and lines will play out a busy signal.
When I called, I was told to call a “900” number – isn’t “So You Think You Can Dance” voting toll-free?
If you call to vote for your favorite “So You Think You Can Dance” contestant(s) and hear a message to call a “900″ number, or if you hear anything other than ‘thanks for voting’, you have misdialed. Do not call this “900″ number to vote as “900″ numbers are not connected to “So You Think You Can Dance” voting. Please try the “So You Think You Can Dance” toll-free numbers again, dialing carefully.
How do I know my vote has been counted?
Your vote will count if you vote during your valid voting window and hear the ‘thanks for voting’ message. If you do not hear a pre-recorded message thanking you for voting, your vote did not count.
How do I find out the results?
“So You Think You Can Dance” will air a performance show Tuesdays on FOX each week (see your local listings for show times) and, with the exception of the first 2 vote weeks when the results of the judges’ elimination choices will be revealed at the end of the performance shows, the results of each vote will be revealed in the results show on FOX each Wednesday (see local listings for details). So make sure you don’t miss a single minute of ”So You Think You Can Dance” each week if you want to see how your vote affected the results!
What’s being done about power dialing?
The “So You Think You Can Dance” voting process is administered and carefully monitored by an independent vote management company. The producers, in consultation with this independent vote management company, reserve the right to remove so-called “power dialing” votes that are identified as having been cast in such a significant block, either by technical enhancements or otherwise, that it could unfairly influence the outcome of the voting.
Why can’t I vote by the toll-free numbers using a payphone?
Votes from payphones will be blocked. To vote for your favorite contestant(s), use a standard land line telephone or cell phone. If you use a cell phone to call, airtime and applicable roaming and long distance charges will apply.
Why can’t I vote on the Internet?
Only toll-free phone voting is available for “So You Think You Can Dance”.
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45 Comments | Add Yours




45 Responses to “Viewer Voting FAQs for Season 6, Fall 2009, So You Think You Can Dance”
Can you vote for two different dancers?
THank you, thank you, hank you for having Paula Abul, what a great move. She is tops. Now I know why my wife and I watch the show, you guys are BRILLANT!!!!! Thanksd again for the great show. Dan & Joyce Kowal
I’m very disappointed that FOX has disenfranchised the audience for the first two weeks of season 6.
I’m appalled at the way tappers are viewed in the program. Tappers have to learn the other dance genres, so why are not the other dancers tested on their ability to learn tap. It does not appear fair to me in any way for tappers to be singled out.
Love the show!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you I think this is my favorite season.
thanks again for a wonderful show.
Arinis,
You have the same question I have. When I first started watching (in season 5), I didn’t understand what would happen at the end of the season. I thought that they would choose the best male dancer and the best female dancer (which is the way I think it should be). Anyhow, I used to call and vote for my favorite male and female dancer. I got the “thank you for voting” message with both calls. It would be nice if they would clarify the rule, but maybe they don’t want viewers making repeated calls for their favorite dancers (which is understandable).
Is there dvd of the seasons selling somewhere?
Dan, I don’t think it’s a real handicap. Up here in Canada this year, a tapper was among the top 4. Tappers can do anything.
I call and call and can’t get through, so now I don’t bother to vote. Why can’t Fox institute online voting as other audience participation shows have? Too bad the producers are so short-sighted.
I too would love to buy a dvd of the seasons or a dvd of the best of SYTYCD.
I think ballet and tap are two of the most entertaining forms of dance there are, but they get short shrift on SYTYCD. Last season Melissa got a chance to do modified ballet, but other than that, there are NO ballet or tap dances done by couples. Tap and ballet dancers are expected to do every other form of dancing, but NO ONE ELSE is expected to do tap or ballet. The vast majority is contemporary, with a lot of hip-hop, and most of the contestants specialize in those. Shouldn’t there be an emphasis on all forms of dance?
Geez…would have been prudent to post the voting toll free number on your website! i forgot it and now can’t vote tonite!
HOW CAN I MAKE SURE I AM USING THE RIGHT # FOR THE CONTESTANT I AM VOTING FOR? WATCHED THE SHOW BUT NOT SURE I HAVE THE RIGHT # !!!!
I have watched sense the very first show. I have always tried to vote but, have never gotten through. Please, PLEASE, add online voting next session!!! It is not that hard, most trained web designer know the technology!!!
I have watched sense the very first show. I have always tried to vote but, have never gotten through. Please, PLEASE, add online voting next session!!! It is not that hard, most trained web designers knows the technology!!!
I have watched sense the very first show. I have always tried to vote but, have never gotten through. Please, PLEASE, add online voting next session!!!
It seems whoever I vote for mostly ends up in the bottom,
It seems whoever I vote for ends up in the bottom, I was sad to see Channing go, she was one of the best performers of the night, and if Karen goes home or Elenore, that would make me so upset, I have been watching the show since season 3 and my faves never win, no matter what, love the show!
You guys need to sell a soundtrack with all of the music from the shows. There are a ton of great songs and a lot of variety. Just an idea. I doubt I’m the only one who would buy it. C-ya!
I emailed AskFox a couple years ago asking that same question if they could make a soundtrack and they said it was “highly unlikely due to music rights issues.”
Arinis, as far as I know, you can vote for as many dancers/couples as you want for as many times as you want. That’s what I’ve always done.
Why aren’t the voting numbers for each contestant posted? If you
miss the broadcast you still should be able to vote. And the numbers should be easy to find on the website. coming though fox tv is not user friendly. Thanks
shari, you’re supposed to be voting based on what you saw, so if you didn’t see the performances, you shouldn’t be voting. that’s what dvr’s are for. and if your really low tech… vcr’s.
amy g, that is true that it is not that hard to have voting online, however, it is immensely harder to block against the voting from becoming falsified due to robots and etc.
plus it’s not that hard to use a telephone, it’s toll free. if people’s internet goes down they will be really upset, or if the server gets overloaded. which happens way more than not being able to use a phone. and if they had both, then it would be impossible to keep from double voting because they can see a phone number twice but a phone number plus an ip address have no connection to each other.
what is up with the 6 dancer finale???? It is always the top 4 in the finale
I REALLY LOVE THE SHOW AND I THINK ITS GONNA COME DOWN TO MOLLEE AND RUSSEL CAUSE THEY PAIR UP VERY GOOD.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ALL
Shari: I agree, they should post the numbers on the site somewhere. I also think TEXT VOTING should be a MUST! I can never seem to get through on the toll free numbers. After hitting redial for over an hour last time, never did get to vote
What is the toll-free number I feel like voting for the finale but never wrote down the 888 number…nor do I remember who I want to number of the people I wanted to vote for.
Agreed, voting is not user-friendly. Watched the show, was going to actually vote as they encouraged me to do at the end of the show, but I have been unable to find the numbers for the contestants.
I have tried several times tonight to vote for Russell by calling 1-866-tempo-06, and every single time, I connect to something called a “reservation-less conference system.” I get no confirmation that I have voted for Russell, and the system the answers when I call the number asks for a conference code. When I enter 06, I am told this is incorrect. Obviously, there is some problem with voting for Russell tonight. I have tried via both my internet-based phone and my cell phone, and get the same results, so I know I am not misdialing. I feel badly that I cannot support my favorite dancer.
Absolutely love Ashleigh & Ryan
was upset that phone number was not on here. was busy during the end when rehash the number and now i can’t vote for ashley.
What phone# do I call to vote?
Musicdeb – As you probably learned by now (but in case you didn’t), as Cat always says, these are 1-888 numbers, NOT 1-866 numbers. So, unfortunately for Russell, you were dialing the wrong number (which is too bad, since I like Russell, too!).
The Toll Free number is 1-888-876-36 plus 01 to 06 (for the 6 contestants left now after tonight’s show).
You have to watch the show to know who gets which number. They show a recap of all the dancers with their numbers at the end of the show right before the lines are opened.
I voted for 30 minutes last night – hit redial several times. ** Never got a busy signal ***
I voted for my 4 favorite dancers (2 male, 2 female), because I want them all to make it to the final 4. Then I’ll narrow it down to 2. Still can’t decide who I would prefer to win – it’s up to their performances and solos for me…
Hope this helps answer some of the “which number do I call” questions and whether you can get through to vote.
Need to correct the number issue. I think it’s 1-888-836-76 (tempo) plus the 2 digits for the dancer.
Sorry…
You should be ashamed of yourselves for putting threw a dancer who could not even dance for her votes. I am embarrassed for the show, and can not imagine any scenario that would justify the results i have just witnessed. I can only hope that there are as many people disgusted by this as I, and i will never support this show again in any fashion.
I tried voting for Molly several times during the voting period and received a busy signal every time. I successfully voted for two other dancers so I know I had the correct number. Did anyone else experience this?
If the producers can change the rules and procedures any time at their discretion, then they need to do so today, take responsibility for pushing people to vote for Ashleigh declare they voting invalid and let the finale be with all eight dancers. Either that or redo this weeks show when Ashleigh can dance and be fair. Ryan and Ashleigh are not top ten material and never have been.This week was crooked and dishonest. Where was Nigel’s too bad, that’s the life of a dancer speech and declaring Ash out of the contest since she could not go on. Why changing his mind now. He certainly blasted others for their problems, like folks can help it when their parents die. Remember? Ash be gone and take your crybaby husband, too. Like the other dancers haven’t worked hard? Bye, bye FOX.
Congratulations to all of the finalists of Season 6 “So You Think You Can Dance” – you’ve done a fabulous job! I would like the producers to recognize that for the weeks judges select the winning dancers it is their preogrative and duty to critique and announce to all those watching why and which couples they are selecting. The weeks when the public votes and decides who wins should be left up to those voting. The judges should just give their critiquing and not show personal preferences thereby unduly influencing voters. In other words the voters alone should make the decision.
I’m from Canada, I would really like to be able to vote for the US sytycd, can’t they change that?
Open more lines !!!! I;ve been trying for l 1/2 hrs. to vote for 2 of my favorites….redailing 10X ea. Can’t get thru !!!! I’ve always voted in the past. Please open more lines & help me feel I’ve contributed to the show !!! Thanks
This season has been great! I really enjoyed last night’s finale performances.Go Russell,Jacob and Katherine. I could definitely watch last night’s perfomance by Jacob and Katherine over and over.Perhaps that routine, Russells’ and ashley routine be part of their tour. Although my 2 favorites are Russell and Jacob this season my favorite dance was tonight’s dance with Jacob and Katherine simply the best! If Nigel and the judges read these, please for this season take in consideration to give perhaps 3 or at least 2 prizes as you did in season 4 where you gave to Katie who really came in third place and you made her feel as if she came in second and you left the trkue second place finisher in the cold which was really un fair to twitch.
How can you get a valid figure if one is allowed to vote as many times as possible? Seems to me that anyone who really want to win this can have his/her friends keep on dialing the same number (since it’s FREE) during that two hour window. All they would have to do is let their phone re-dial.
Seems to me that this would NOT be a true indication of how many DIFFERENT individuals actually voted for a dancer. It would be skewed by those who voted several times.
Why has nothing been announced about the season 6 tour. I go every year but ticket sales and tour dates are usually announced before the end of the season. Did I miss something?
i dont think the voting is ever real. think about it. when someones in the bottom or someone gets kicked off you never know how many votes that person got, they dont show the actual results. they probably make up the “voting” so you can feel like you have a hand in who stays and goes, i use to vote a lot but im not gonna vote ever again because i think the producers pick who stays and who goes, and of course who wins.
i LOVE ur show it awsome and i love keyla and jenin and branden and evan i just dont know who can win.