Asked this week outside Target, on Spreckels Avenue.

“I think a lot of people just did not like how flamboyant Adam Lambert was, and it might be rigged in the sense that American Idol wants to keep up this perfect image.”

— Heather Starick, 30, of Manteca, housewife

“It probably is, or it least it seems like it with all the stuff that has went on lately.”

— Fred Perez, 64, of Manteca, retired

“I think if it was rigged, then Adam would have won. I’m not too sure that it is.”

— Elaine Winks, 75, of Manteca, retired

“I don’t know if the end is rigged, but I know some people who are really good singers that never even got to see a judge. They let some lousy people on that show.”

— Dina Rheinor, 38, of Alameda, shipping and receiving worker