Why Singer Susan Boyle, No "American Idol," Is a Big Deal
By Bonnie Erbe, Thomas Jefferson Street blog.
Of all the online commentary I've seen on the Scottish answer to American I dol, singer Susan Boyle, this from Entertainment Weekly is by far the most, er, moronic:
All these words have been thrown around pretty liberally in reference to Susan Boyle, the unassuming 47-year-old Scottish woman who bowled over Simon Cowell with her rendition of a Les Miz song on Britain's Got Talent. Her clip went viral, and next thing you know, she's got 11 million hits on YouTube and an endorsement from Patti LuPone herself on The Early Show (see clip above, and check out Ken Tucker's take here).
Not to be a grump, but am I the only one who finds this a little over-the-top and, frankly, a little condescending? Plenty of big-voiced PYTs sing their hearts out every week on American Idol (not to mention onstage in Broadway shows) without getting this kind of reaction. But Susan, because of her looks, because of the fact that people were snickering at her before she opened her mouth, becomes a sensation simply by being able to carry a tune. She has a decent voice, sure. But let's not get carried away.
I don't believe the world's admiration of this woman's incredible voice is over-the-top or condescending. What was condescending was the host's reaction and the audience's reaction to this obviously matronly woman trying out on what is normally a pretty young thing's platform.
I got goosebumps watching Susan's performance because she is incredibly talented. And it made me wonder how many similarly talented people who don't fit Hollywood's description of beautiful are denied careers due to the most regressive of American values: shallowness.
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Susan Boyle: success BECAUSE of looks- not DESPITE them.
Being a singer, I admire Susan Boyles wonderful voice. However, she is not the only person out there with a set of pipes on her. I think it's hypocritcal to get overhyped about a singer because of they have talent but do not look pixel perfect. Is that not the same as getting overhyped about a singer whose gorgeous? Had most of the fuss over Susan Boyle been about her beautiful voice rather than her age, weight, or, height this would not bug me at all. But, my lord, I could find an article based on her eyebrows. This is because, although her singing on Britains Got Talent brought about the fame, 95% percent of her publicity is based on her looks. The fame given to her for her looks is no better or different than those who get it for looking pixel perfect. Either way it comes down to looks, so those supporting her because 'it's nice to see a star whose not perfect are being pretty hypocritical. In addition, even though she may not fit in perfectly, she is trying with makeovers and wardrobe changes. Is this to say someone who is young, naturally thin, tall,or blonde does not deserve fame? Should they wait until they are half way through retirement in order to get your support? Or should they gain a few pounds, draw on a few wrinkles, and then try again? And what is to asume other stars do not have such a great personality, if you right them off as a pretty face you will not know. Susan Boyle has gotten more of a chance BECAUSE OF HER LOOKS, NOT DESPITE THEM. That's ridiculous and people should be ashamed (if you do not fall into this category please do not take offense because it should be quite clear who this applies to) And honestly, if I were her, I think I'd be wanting to crawl in a hole right now because I would be mighty embarressed and offended to be adored for not being pretty. How is that a compliment or success people? (not trying to be rude, I'm just a very blunt/straightfoward person)
susan boyle
I cried when I heard Susan say at an interview that she wanted to prove that she was not the worthless person that others had told her she was...how very cruel people can be! My prayer is that with all the fame and attention, she remains that beautifully simple soul whose true beauty shines forth not only with her voice, but with her life.
Susan Boyle's
What really came through with Susan Boyle is her straight-forwardness, her integrity, and her unassuming conviction of her own talent. She conveyed an emotional honesty in her poised and direct rendering of that song. She was she, herself, and no one else. Her own person came through and that touched an emotional, responsive, well-spring in her audience, both in-person and on utube. I know that I was thrilled! Of course, seeing and hearing the reactions of the three judges absolutely heightened and affirmed her impact. Something deep was touched. They spoke with such candor and emotion. And that Simon, he looked so handsome and appealing when his show-biz persona fell away. Wow, what a little "sugar" will do! His unguarded astonishment and delight brought out something special in that man. For a performer to illicit that response, well, that is artistry, isn't it? The whole video is worth watching again and again just to bring some heightened happiness to one's day!
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