• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, June 5, 2008

AT&T, the longtime facilitator of voting on "American Idol," will play the same role on NBC's related "Nashville Star" this summer.

As the wireless sponsor, viewers will be able to use AT&T to text in their votes regarding the contestants on the country music competition.

The series is moving to NBC this summer--starting June 9--after multiple seasons on USA.

AT&T executive Mark Collins said that text messaging is "becoming the most popular way for consumers to interact with their favorite television programs."

A difference between "Star" and "Idol" is the competition this year will be open to duos and trios, in addition to the usual solo acts. The winner gets a performance at the Beijing Games later this summer.