I don't think there's anything wrong with the winner knowing ahead of time unless the show explicitly states that they're not. Even so--who cares? I couldn't name one "People's Choice" winner. It has about as much cache as if my aunt gave out movie awards.
By the way, I'm giving you a Lauralee Braswell for notable contributer. Awards are so rare and underdone nowadays, so it's a big honor to get one.