I agree it was very uncomfortable but let us not forget that Charlotte all the way through the competition butted in to the other panelists comments and opinions when it wasn't her turn. JP did go too far though.
This show has banged on too much about the acting and slated Lauren for having a bit of acting and singing training behind her as being in a bad way. I have never understood why they should think that.

Well, the acting is more important than singing in the role of Dorothy - what 'big' songs are there? Few solos, and OTR the only belter, so acting should have been given MORE of an emphasis, imo.

And Lauren's training, I think, whilst making her very collected and good at performing, has alienated her to people - Though ALW phrased it in a terrible way, I do agree that I am waiting for that bit of vulnerability - without it, I cannot empathise with Lauren and I wouldnt see her onstage. Especially important for an innocent, young Dorothy character

I agree that there should be more emphasis on the acting for this role, however I just cannot take to Laurens style to me she over acts to such an extent that I find the faces she pulls quite horrid to watch, although I know in a theatre you would not get the close ups. I like danielle in the up beat / comedy style numbers bit find her so understated in the others that I fail to see any acting. That does not mean that the acting is so natural it doesn't appear to be acting it means I only see her standing and singing ( I dont count walking down stairs or from one side of the stage to the other acting ).