Sure, there's not total control over a live show and open voting like this but there are ways and means of powerfully tipping the balance for or against particular individuals and the way this show has progressed makes me sure it has been both subtly and blatantly manipulated as far as possible. However manipulation, I concede, is rather less than 'conspiracy' and ALW and the panel all must have their own faves however even handed they may try to appear...though often they don't bother to hide their bias.
Much of ALW's choices could be seen as moves to give his own fave the edge but then again I suppose it can all be interpreted in a different light. For instance, did he retain Ben because he fancies him as the 'teeny girls'' Joseph or because he knows Ben's are so atrocious it smooths the path for Lee? Personally I am convinced it's the latter but I may be quite mistaken. Next week will be the crunch.