[XIII]

I think you could just tell Clarkson was being on his best behaviour and dare I say had been a bit humbled by what had gone on in the weeks before recording. Agree the contestants make all the difference and TBH I don't think the casting has been as good in the Clarkson era as it was in the 90s when they often had much more personable contestants on who you generally felt their life would change with even just a 5 figure win.

I'm not saying white collar professionals can't apply and go on these shows but I think you need a mix of people from different backgrounds and to me, it's more fun seeing say a supermarket worker win big over a doctor.