Headscratchers / Scooby-Doo! Stage Fright

• Why didn't Fred and Daphne simply take first place and give their winnings to Emma and her parents?
  • Maybe they thought that Emma's parents would consider it "charity" (or unearned in some other way) and refuse to take it?
  • If Fred and Daphne won, they would have to pay taxes on their winnings, and then if they gave their winnings to Emma, she would probably have to pay taxes on that too. Emma's family gets more money if she wins it herself.
  • Neither Fred nor Daphne had any intention of launching a musical career, but Emma might wish to one day. Having a victory in a high-ratings TV talent contest under her belt could do a lot to earn the young artist an audience, if and when she seeks fame and fortune beyond the Gales' farm.