But Ditmire from Fox-Pitt Kelton says the so-called hybrid half-human, half-electronic system at NYSE "is at a relative disadvantage" on days like Thursday.

FORBES: Crank Up The Volume

"They went dark and never came out, " says Fox, who owned the stock for a while but sold it when the company failed to unravel the accounting problems.

FORBES: Correction Appended

Lythgoe says Fox does ask for extra hours during the show run, but never pushed for year round American Idol.

NPR: 'Idol' Delivers Ratings Power for Fox