LAST EDITED ON 05-22-09 AT 03:11 PM (EST)Just thought of an overlooked one--mentor pimpage!
It wasn't as apparent this season because there were fewer mentors, but the show has been able to use the mentor-contestant footage as a way to bolster someone's stock or to create questions and doubt.
Example: Barry Gibb pimping for Jordin in season 6.
Last season recall Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jason Castro? IIRC, that was not a positive vid package for Jason.
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Also forgot the emphatic pimping Simon did of LaKisha in season 6, top 6 week by kissing her after he gave her comments, and then gave her even more comments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYPnjLbPH5c
This is probably a subset of judges' comments but it is extraordinary.