American Idol, a Simon Cowell offhoot, is to fully embrace social media this season with a plan to turn its dedicated Facebook page into a voting platform.

Fans will be able to cast up to 50 ballots during a voting period in conjunction with the shows broadcast as a supplement to traditional calls and text messages.

Offering ease of use and anti spam advantages over both it is likely to find favour with most Idol supporters however.

The service, which is due to launch on March 1, will direct Facebook users to a custom Idol voting page from which to cast their decisions.