Last night, before the voting was SUPPOSED to start, phone lines were OPEN. Did anyone else notice that?

You may have called during what they call a "test window." If so, you're vote isn't counted.

From the American Idol FAQ:

"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 American Idol voting system is accurate and ready for the public to call and vote, a test window is built into the toll-free system. 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, or if Cingular Wireless subscribers text, during your valid 2 hour vote window after the show, subject to time zone limitations. Outside of these hours, votes will not count, even if you hear the 'thanks for voting' message.

Didn't know that...but I do know it was way too easy to vote last night.....II was able to get in easier than the previous times that I have voted.....hope there was not a glitch and they have to do a do over.....

Where do you live???? The polls open up EST. If you are Central or West Coast they are open before your show even airs.

i bet they were all open except Sanjaya's line so that this is their way of beating the scam thats going on...

It's a massive conspiracy to take advantage of the bubbleheads who actually vote for that stupid show.

Yep, that's true. It has always been like that. I always wondered why it never came up in the media.