I'm not sure that you can't hear clapping because of lack of people. It seems to me like the audio feed cuts off directly after the music and comes back up for the in-between music and announcements. For example, after announcing a skater's name, it seems to cut to complete quiet until the music starts. I don't think we're actually hearing the background ambient noise from the rink.
Oh is that what's happening? I wondered why the weird and unnatural silence between programs and scores. That would make sense. And Layback, I totally agree, especially considering the original technical maturity gap between them! Very good program for them. Looking forward to seeing it grow over the season.