The producers know what they are doing to hold an audience of a reality show for so long. They are able through the judges and the auditioneers to reveal real emotion...not acted out from the auditioneers. From the devastating failures and truisms from the judges (sorry they are right 100% of the time....remember the truth hurts) to the people that get picked to go on to the next round and their passion and sheer joy.
it is real and is the essence of competition. It is no wonder that talent is coming out of this mixmaster of a show. Sheer genius.