Britain's Got Talent

[Rick Munroe]

Obviously, you who are trying to denigrate we who enjoyed the clip, move on.

 

It's the complete opposite, actually. Those who were not moved to tears are being denigrated by those who were. Can you show me where anybody has been put down for enjoying the video? Or is it just the case, once again, that anybody who expresses an opinion that is contrary to the majority, as xafnndapp has done, is berated and told to shut up and "move on"?

[Guest andrewd]

My 2 cents, for what it's worth...anybody got change for a dollar?

 

I actually have to agree with part of what xafnndapp says. I think the producers definitely knew what they had with Susan and orchestrated her premier very well, from the music played over her interview tape to the dramatic instrumental play of the song she had just sang whilst the judges gave their critic of her performance.

 

I also have to say that I did the same thing with the video. I closed my eyes and listened to just her vocals. I agree they were very good and quite remarkable, albeit not perfection. But at the same time I also wonder, as I do with other TV performances, what does it sound like in person? Am I getting the full benefit/appreciation of the performance from the boob tube or does it sound different in person? I also wondered if she would be able to sustain a week in week out gruel of preparing other songs. In other words, is she a one hit wonder?

 

That being said, the producers undoubtedly packaged her as best they could for the greatest possible effect. At some point she auditioned for someone and got the go ahead to sing more, so she must have talent that is maybe not fully appreciated/viewed on YouTube.

 

It certainly is possible the judges were briefed or prepped regarding Miss Boyle, but I have to say that I think that would tip the producers hand and therefore run the risk of not capturing genuine surprise on the judge’s faces.

 

As to how talented is she really? How gifted is her voice from God? That is open to interpretation. One incontrovertible fact however, is that no matter what the producers did or didn’t orchestrate, no matter what the judges did or didn’t know beforehand, the audience’s reaction was real, and genuine and certainly not prepped. That in and of itself, for me at least, is validation that what we witnessed was real and true talent. Several hundred people had a seemingly unanimous nearly split second response to her voice, so I have to think she does indeed have a special gift not limited to just her voice.

 

I think one of the most appealing aspects to all of this is that Susan Boyle herself seems genuine; which is, I think, part and parcel of her appeal. She seemingly didn’t know how truly gifted she was. She appears modest and unassuming; which for me is the most charming aspect of her. Beyond her outward appearance, she seems like a beautiful person based on the briefest of glimpses we were, as one of the judges said, ‘privileged’ to have seen from that 7 minute plus video of her. Her personality is as much a part of her appeal as is her voice, for me, even more so.

 

No doubt, Britain’s Got Talent will probably see its biggest viewer ship numbers since Paul Pott’s made his debut under very similar circumstances. I’ll be watching for sure….

[+ Italiano]

But he didn't call her a freak. He was referring to the way society, wrong or right, views those who are different. He said, "in their mind..."

 

Rick, there is a reason why I like very much the huge majority of your postings: because you are a SMART MAN! (well, also because it's very hot to look at your ass each time I read them).

Thanks for pointing that out.

 

Zipperzone, cool down.

 

Lots of fortune and money and fame and happiness may descend to Susan, who is a lovely lady.

[+ Italiano]

Or is it just the case, once again, that anybody who expresses an opinion that is contrary to the majority, as xafnndapp has done, is berated and told to shut up and "move on"?

 

You hit the point.

[N13]

Without getting into the "was it a set-up? or not?" argumement; it is apparent that the whole incident is capturing the attention and imagination of a huge number of people.

 

One of the by-products that I am noticing as I scan the various 'comments' is that a, not insignificant, number of people are questioning why is it only valid because she had talent. There seems to be a soul-searching as to why do we think we have the right to ridicule anyone. If she had not had talent, does that mean it is ok to smirk and laugh AT her? There seem to be a lot of people who are thinking that maybe we do not have that right.

 

I like that.

 

I am in NYC and I found that after 7/11 there seemed to be a softening of people's attitudes towards others. A 'kindness' that still lingers almost 7 years later. I am hoping that the same softening is working its way into our consciousness as to the value of people who are different or not 'like us.'

 

Maybe a kinder, more generous time is at hand. Wouldn't that be nice!!!

[Rick Munroe]

What if Susan Boyle Couldn't Sing?

 

An excellent point by Dennis Palumbo (once again at Huffington Post): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-palumbo/what-if-susan-boyle-could_b_187804.html

 

What would the judges and the audience have thought, and said, had her voice been a creaky rasp, or an out-of-tune shriek? Would she still possess that "inner beauty?" Would we still acknowledge that the derisive treatment she received before performing was callous, insensitive and cruel?

 

The unspoken message of this whole episode is that, since Susan Boyle has a wonderful talent, we were wrong to judge her based on her looks and demeanor. Meaning what? That if she couldn't sing so well, we were correct to judge her on that basis? That demeaning someone whose looks don't match our impossible, media-reinforced standards of beauty is perfectly okay, unless some mitigating circumstance makes us re-think our opinion?

 

Personally, I'm gratified that her voice inspires so many, and reminds us of our tendency to judge and criticize based on shallow externals of beauty. What I mean is, I'm glad for her.

 

But I have no doubt that, had she performed poorly, Simon Cowell would be rolling his eyes still. And the audience would have hooted and booed with the relish of Roman spectators at the Colosseum. And that Susan Boyle's appearance on the show would still be on YouTube, but as an object of derision and ridicule.

 

So let's not be too quick to congratulate ourselves for taking her so fully to our hearts. We should've done that anyway, as we should all those we encounter who fall outside the standards of youth and beauty as promulgated by fashion magazines, gossip sites, and hit TV shows.

 

We should've done that anyway, before Susan Boyle sang a single note.

 

Personally, I didn't assume she wouldn't be able to sing beautifully based upon her looks. Some of my favorite entertainers are people who possess great talent but are not what society consider raving beauties (e.g., Patti Smith, Yoko Ono, Phoebe Snow, Elvis Costello, Meat Loaf) so it didn't come as a shock or surprise to me. I'm actually more surprised when so-called sexy/beautiful people can sing well (so I guess I'm biased in the opposite way).

[Guest ncm2169]

A prior Susan Boyle CD is discovered.

 

From DailyRecord.co.uk:

 

< But the Record can reveal she made her first recording back in 1999, when she sang blues ballad Cry Me A River for a charity CD. Only 1000 copies of the disc were ever produced. >

 

When you listen to it, you WILL NOT BELIEVE it is the same person. Of course it was 10 years ago, but ... I listened to it 3 times and I still have chills in my spine. This lady is un-fucking-believable.

 

Here's the link where you can listen to it:

 

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/04/16/exclusive-susan-boyle-s-first-ever-song-release-revealed-listen-to-it-here-86908-21283564/

[Rick Munroe]

she made her first recording back in 1999, when she sang blues ballad Cry Me A River for a charity CD.

 

Wow, I hope she does more jazz and blues like this on her album. She kind of reminded me of Jane Olivor here.

 

Loved this from the article you linked to:

 

Susan suffered a mild form of brain damage at birth and she admitted to Sawyer that she was bullied when she was younger. “They did a bit,” she said, “but they always do that with someone who is quiet and I tended to be quiet at school.

 

“Well, they have turned around. They are nice to me now, so we will move on from there.”

 

I have a friend with that same exact background. I think she's going to be a big inspiration to him.

[+ purplekow]

A prior Susan Boyle CD is discovered.

 

From DailyRecord.co.uk:

 

< But the Record can reveal she made her first recording back in 1999, when she sang blues ballad Cry Me A River for a charity CD. Only 1000 copies of the disc were ever produced. >

 

When you listen to it, you WILL NOT BELIEVE it is the same person. Of course it was 10 years ago, but ... I listened to it 3 times and I still have chills in my spine. This lady is un-fucking-believable.

 

Here's the link where you can listen to it:

 

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/04/16/exclusive-susan-boyle-s-first-ever-song-release-revealed-listen-to-it-here-86908-21283564/

 

 

I think these two songs are disparate and exemplify the range this woman has. The fact that 10 years ago she made a recording, furthers the idea that there are no overnight successes. Lovely version of Cry Me A River, very soulful for an ugly white chick.

[Guest ncm2169]

< there are no overnight successes

 

A decade does not an overnight make.

 

< very soulful for an ugly white chick

 

That time of the month, PK?

[Rick Munroe]

very soulful for an ugly white chick.

 

LOL Naughty kow!

[+ purplekow]

< there are no overnight successes

 

A decade does not an overnight make.

It makes somewhere around 3652 and 3654 overnights.

< very soulful for an ugly white chick

 

That time of the month, PK?

No just PK being un PC

[OceanTraveller]

I cried when I listened to her as well !!! Thank You Susan. Susan has had the last laugh !!

[Bart]

Hollywood would not even buy this story. . .

 

First I find today's technology amazing. 10 years ago it would have taken a month for this type of story to hit the front pages, but with you tube and internet the story becomes the sensation of the year.

 

I can totally understand our cynicism, we have been burned so much in the past, politics, religion, sports, entertainment and our own family here. Maybe that is the worst part of this is that we the public immediately put her to a pedestal and then find as many ways to knock her off. One moment, the public is criticized for not jumping on the band wagon and only days or even hours later the public is called gullible. It has been this way for thousands of years. The thing we all have to understand is that we are All human and we will all make mistakes in life and hopefully we can all find a way to forgive one another for them all. Yes I know "Cum-by-ya" syndrome but it I still have faith in people to be able to make intelligent decisions on their own.

 

Her recent GMA interview and performance seem to indicate that this is the real deal. This really is the good feel story for the year. An amazing story and if Britain's Got talent set it up a bit, Susan Boyle is real. The stage for the performance she may have not been the best or comparable to the recording, but put her in a sound room, good clean editing and a bit more intimate orchestra, I belive her performance of I Dream would be as good as the "Cry me a River" record. You tube is not the best for listening to a top notch performance.

 

All I can say is thanks Britain's Got Talent for giving us a great story that we all can share in.

[JT Brooklyn]

Finally something for the "Grown Ups" that doesn't have Ryan (Howdy Doody) Seacrest all over it for the Exposure!

[Guest zipperzone]

Finally something for the "Grown Ups" that doesn't have Ryan (Howdy Doody) Seacrest all over it for the Exposure!

 

Watch it BG - you're treading on dangerous ground, insulting my honey that way!!!!!!

[Guest zipperzone]

LOL And yet you know exactly what's in his mind.

 

 

 

That's very judgmental of you, isn't it?

 

Damn right it is. I guess judgmental is a trait you never indulge in.

[Guest zipperzone]

Rick, there is a reason why I like very much the huge majority of your postings: because you are a SMART MAN! (well, also because it's very hot to look at your ass each time I read them).

Thanks for pointing that out.

 

Zipperzone, cool down.

 

Lots of fortune and money and fame and happiness may descend to Susan, who is a lovely lady.

 

Zipperzone doesn't need to cool down - I made my point and stand by it. If you can't understand my point - so be it.

[+ Italiano]

Zipperzone doesn't need to cool down - I made my point and stand by it. If you can't understand my point - so be it.

 

If there is someone who didn't understand a point it's not me.

But let's chill.

[Rick Munroe]

Rick, there is a reason why I like very much the huge majority of your postings: because you are a SMART MAN!

 

Thanks; the feeling is definitely mutual. And I thought your point was thoughtfully and articulately expressed.

[Guest TexHunk69]

Reminds me of Little Voice

 

Isn't this phenomenon similar to the film "Little Voice" starring Jane Horrocks from AbFab and Brenda Blethyn, where an introverted girl with the voice of Judy Garland or other stars gets exploited by her mean mother and the public?

Obviously, Susan Boyle was vetted before she was accepted as a contestant and was picked out of hundreds or thousands to appear on the show, so some people knew how good she was, but beyond that, I'm happy to bask in the idea that a small town average person with a lot of talent gets to move to the head of the line and gets to enjoy some well-deserved acclaim and adoration. She certainly seems genuine, grateful and a lovely person. I just hope that people don't take advantage of her and that she gets her chance to be the next "Elaine Page". Thank you for posting her other recording--Is it heresy to say I like it better than Julie London?

[Steven_Draker]

she will soon be kissed and someone out there is bound to fall head over heals in love with her.

 

Ms. Boyle admitted some self-deprecating facts about herself: she's never been kissed

 

Never been kissed ... whatever. It's really disappointing that some people have to come up with lies like this. I can hardly buy her explanation: "This was a joke" ...

 

{shaking head}

 

[josephga]

susan performed for the judges this weekend in the semi finals

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRa1M0v3w5w

[TruthBTold]

Boy, was she nervous at the very beginning. Understandably. I wish she would pick other composers, however, just to hear her do something different.

[Guest zipperzone]

Boy, was she nervous at the very beginning. Understandably. I wish she would pick other composers, however, just to hear her do something different.

 

Same here - I'd like to hear her do some ballads from the "Great American Songbook". Songs that don't depend on the strength of her pipes.