Now that it’s almost down to 24, voting begins for the next American idol and to give more viewers a chance to cast their votes, American Idol is allowing audience participation to cast their choices online. Beginning this season, fans and supporters can now take to the web to express their votes for the AI wannabee that they are rooting for.

Producers of the American Idol, America’s highest-rating television show have announced that they are now letting viewers to cast their votes through Facebook. In addition to phone calls and text messaging, online voting is an additional mechanism decided by AI in hopes to encourage more fans to participate in deciding who is going to be the next American Idol.

According to the Associated Press, it is the first time for a Fox series to go internet voting. The network said that the toll-free phone and At&T text-message voting will continue at standard rates.

Anyone from the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with a Facebook account can participate in online voting and everyone is allowed to cast up to 50 online votes.

"American Idol" has long wanted to add an online ballot component but couldn't take the step until the social media site came up with a "secure solution," series creator, Simon Fuller was quoted as saying by AP television writer, Lynn Elber.

The show has suffered viewership in the last couple of years slipping from its top position in the ratings. But with the new judges, Jennifer Lopez and rocker, Steven Tyler, the show said AP has been reported to regain its place as America’s most watched show at No.1 ranking.

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