Whether a dog will increase in popularity or not is not what concerns a judge in a dog show. I have not seen the show so have no idea what the judge found in the Newf- but he must have preferred others to the Newf. What we see on TV (and even pictures) is not necessarily what the judge is "seeing." There is no substitute for hands on for each dog.
As for the increase in popularity, yes, the Newf is becoming more popular. For years and years, the Newf was ranked as #49 or 50 by AKC (based on numbers registered, litters produced?). This past year saw the Newf jump to #42 (or there abouts). I've had a HUGE increase in the number of requests I get for our regional club's breeders listing. It used to be about 3 per week but is now up to 10-16 per week.