IMO, it is manipulated, but not completely outright rigged. AI doesn’t want a scandal like the old Twenty-One scandal. Everyone knows how they try to manipulate with contestant placement, song choice, stage productions, etc.
Plus, I remember Ju’Not’s “Hey, There Delilah” and it wasn’t very good. I remember saying with another poster (I forget who) that his version was way too “heavy” sounding. It’s a nice, light charming little song that is almost a lullabye. He was belting it out like a power ballad.
Happiest of birthdays and may you have many more! :)