I know why the judges didn't whittle down the contestant pool. They couldn't bring themselves to oust Lawson & TotT, who would have to go next if the judges were to retain any respect and credibility. Easy way out was to let the public decide.
Inclusion of Lawson & TotT is pretty controversial, IMO. Why let a professional act compete? Next you know they'll have Straight No Chaser on the show. Now they're stuck with a pro act that (embarrassingly) isn't in the same league as the other amateurs - noticeably inferior vocals - forcing the judges to struggle to dredge up positive feedback. Yammering about "class" and "respect" because the talent just isn't there.
I did enjoy Lawson & Co's rendition of House of The Rising Sun, but they didn't wow me with sheer vocal talent like the other 3 groups last week.
This, this, and this some more. I was pretty annoyed that they let Lawson "make a comeback" on the show. It's supposed to be amateurs looking to get a big break with the music contract, not some old pro who's been around the block. I thought the purpose of the show was to promote some lesser known groups.
The judges are almost afraid to say anything negative about him, ever, even when there have been some weaker moments. For example, during Save the Last Dance for Me, he missed some of the high notes, but the judges ignored it and thought everything about him and the group was perfect.
As far as who should win, I think SCS. However, I have a feeling that the lead guy is just using this competition and the other guys as a stepping stone on his way to doing bigger things instead of staying together as a group.