'Idol' TV show breaks records in China
(AP)
Updated: 2005-08-28 09:16

The television finale of an "American Idol"-type pop star contest in China has broken ratings records, the Associated Press reported.

Li Yuchun sings and dances at the 2005 Super Girl contest finals in Changsha, Hunan Province August 27, 2005. Li got more than 3.52 million votes in support of her. Zhou Bichang, the second place winner, and Zhang Liangying, the third place winner, received more than 3.27 million and 1.35 million votes respectively. [Xinhua]

Millions of people tuned in Friday to Hunan Satellite Television for the live, three-hour finale of "Super Girls".

Li Yuchun, 21, was named champion of the "Super Girls 2005" contest after garnering 3.5 million votes from fans all over China.

Votes were accepted by mobile phone text message and each phone number was allowed 15 votes.

Li just topped 20-year-old Zhou Bichang, who got 3.2 million votes.

For weeks, fans have been turning up at malls around China shouting and carrying posters of their favorite "Super Girls" contestants in a bid to rally votes in their favor.

Security guards were called in last week at two local malls after "Super Girls" fans became unruly while lobbying shoppers to vote for their aspiring star, Shanghai Daily reported.