I would have put the term "winner" in quotes, since that aspect of the show has nothing to do with it's purpose. Just like the "reality" shows which are ultimately scripted through careful editing, the show's producers create a product that keeps people watching. Cloris Leachman was kept on the show because her dancing was so bad it was hilarious. People kept watching just to see how badly she would do next week. The contest has absolutely nothing to do with dancing, or even popularity. It's all secondary to ratings.
Do you have something more to share than your warped view of reality...it's really quite boring.