anyone else thinks its a fix so that they can make money and market Maria outside the xfactor?

No, it's not a fix (although I do agree The Conways should have gone).

Possibly used as a scapegoat
Maybe Maria was getting less votes every week compared to Andy and Brenda and Sharon was due to lose one so they stitched her up with that song.
Shes better going out now as she won't be over exposed and could have a decent career