Susan Boyle from Britain's Got Talent.

[ElvisGuy]

A good friend of mine showed me this and it is simply wonderful and amazing ! Susan Boyle, a 47 year old woman from a village in the United Kingdom who has never been kissed and lives alone with her cat shows a talent that literally made me weep and proves that real beauty comes in many different forms..please watch this !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

[Christopher Cross Is God]

I saw that earlier today......At first I thought someone edited the vocals in and added the reaction shots of the judges, but it turned out to be real.

She's a true talent.......Funniest thing is, you could tell, just from the looks on their faces, that Simon and the other judges were expecting a horrendous performance.

[Solaris]

I cannot thank you ENOUGH for posting this!!!

She's feisty, she's phenomenal... and she's one in the eye to people who make assumptions based on a "look" and/or "age." If Western society ever needed a lesson in beauty coming in many different shapes, sizes, ages and packages, she's it---and yes, we needed it.

I hope someone picks her up for performance. I know she wanted to be a singer---but I think, given her personality, she'd also be a knockout on stage, doing musicals. Wow.

And... it was sheer pleasure, seeing Simon roll his eyes to begin with... and then when she started singing, to see his eyes widen in shock. Sheer bliss. :biggrin:

[ElvisGuy]

I cannot thank you ENOUGH for posting this!!!

She's feisty, she's phenomenal... and she's one in the eye to people who make assumptions based on a "look" and/or "age." If Western society ever needed a lesson in beauty coming in many different shapes, sizes, ages and packages, she's it---and yes, we needed it.

I hope someone picks her up for performance. I know she wanted to be a singer---but I think, given her personality, she'd also be a knockout on stage, doing musicals. Wow.

And... it was sheer pleasure, seeing Simon roll his eyes to begin with... and then when she started singing, to see his eyes widen in shock. Sheer bliss. :biggrin:

You are so welcome..The minute I saw this I knew people here at YABS would truly get it and appreciate the beauty and pure joy of it !

[titanfan]

Someone told me to watch it and I thought it was going to be a wonderfully horrendous performance--but when she started singing it totally blew me away. It was simply just wonderful. Wow, what an uplifting video! So talented!

[Venom Melendez]

I saw that earlier today......At first I thought someone edited the vocals in and added the reaction shots of the judges, but it turned out to be real.

She's a true talent.......Funniest thing is, you could tell, just from the looks on their faces, that Simon and the other judges were expecting a horrendous performance.

Not just the judges, the crowd too.

[kingdom2000]

That was a lovely performance. Don't watch Idol but know enough to see that Simon was thrown for a loop. I like that he just settled in and enjoyed the performance.

Few questions. Who is the hot blonde judge? And whats the big deal about getting three yeses?

[escapegoat]

Not just the judges, the crowd too.

Yeah...I think a lot of people learned a big lesson that night after seeing that performance. She was sheer brilliance.

[thehod]

Few questions. Who is the hot blonde judge? And whats the big deal about getting three yeses?

Wikipedia is your friend. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britains_Got_Talent)

Personally I cannot stand this, or other shows like it.

I will concede though that, on occasion, it does throw up something rather special, and this is one of those times.

[kingdom2000]

Wikipedia is your friend. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britains_Got_Talent)

Personally I cannot stand this, or other shows like it.

I will concede though that, on occasion, it does throw up something rather special, and this is one of those times.

Yeah yeah, on the bright side, mr wiki man, you missed this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Boyle

Ah the speed of the internet.

[Spike-X]

She's a true talent.......Funniest thing is, you could tell, just from the looks on their faces, that Simon and the other judges were expecting a horrendous performance.

I'll be honest, so was I. Let's face it, an old boiler with a face like a busted arsehole from a small village in England...your expectations are pretty low.

Then she started to sing...


Now, that's not at all my kind of music, but my goodness, what an amazingly talented singer that lady is. What a voice! And if she was nervous at all, you couldn't tell from listening to her. She sounds like she's been singing in front of people all her life. She certainly knocked that smug prick Cowell on his arse!

I'm tipping I'll be buying her CD for my mum for Christmas.

[Weetomuncher]

I think it is time to point out that Susan Boyle is Scottish as she comes from Blackburn, West Lothian in Eastern Scotland.

One of the main issues here in Scotland is that the programme makers shifted a short film about her home town to Bathgate, a much better looking adjoining town because Blackburn was considered dreary.

I would like to see the English reaction if the same thing was done to Newcastle, Liverpool or East London as those places aren't exactly pretty.

Scotland has already produced an unlikely singing star on reality TV with Michelle McManus, a 280lb young woman with a nice voice who won a singing contest despite Simon Cowell being desperate for her to lose.

Hopefully Susan Boyle will be another Scottish success story.

[Solaris]

I'll be honest, so was I. Let's face it, an old boiler with a face like a busted arsehole ..

Are you sure you aren't talking about a drink?

She's middle-aged and a bit saggy and overweight, slope-shouldered, and wearing an unflattering dress. Her facial features are a touch masculine. And yes, she stumped across the stage when she walked.

But there's a lovely young girl lurking in there. I can see her: pretty in a shy, understated way---the kind of girl who fellows overlook until her face lights up with a smile, enthusiasm eclipses the shyness... and the fellow thinks "Oh! Well, she is a bit pretty there, isn't she?" But then the shy comes back, and he thinks, "Oh, it's just Susan from next door"... and he misses out on a grand opportunity to share the life of a lovely lady.

Take a close look at her features, and see if you can't see that young girl, too.

:smile:

I read online that she was teased as a child for some disability (it didn't say what), and that she gave up pursuing a singing career before, to care for her sick mother, who died in 2007 at the age of 91. Again, it didn't say how long the mum was sick---she may have been caring for her mum for many years.

Further, she's sung in the church choir for years, and apparently not long ago got a job singing at the local pub.

Here's what wikipedia said about the effect *after* she was on the show:

Social Media
On the day following the performance, the YouTube video was the number one article for all categories on Digg, with nearly triple the votes ("diggs") of the second most popular.[2] Less than 14 hours after submission, it is in the top five popular items for the past seven days.[3]

The same video was also popular on Reddit, with enough clout to top the front page as well.[4]

The most popular YouTube video submission garnered 800,000+ views in the first 24 hours with a five star rating across the board & well over a million views in the first 48 hours. This was despite embedding of the video being disabled. As of the end of 12 April 2009, it was the single most viewed and the most popular video of the day. Also, the submitter was awarded the most subscriptions of the day. In addition, it was awarded 99 additional honours.[5]. After a mere 48 hours the You Tube link has over 2 million hits and over 15k comments.


Given all that, I'm pretty darned sure *some*one in the musical stage industry will be looking her up. I certainly hope so. :smile: She's an inspiration to all, but especially to women pushing 50 (Like me, heh).

And I think your mum will LOVE a CD of her singing for Christmas. :biggrin:

[Solaris]

I think it is time to point out that Susan Boyle is Scottish as she comes from Blackburn, West Lothian in Eastern Scotland.

One of the main issues here in Scotland is that the programme makers shifted a short film about her home town to Bathgate, a much better looking adjoining town because Blackburn was considered dreary.

I would like to see the English reaction if the same thing was done to Newcastle, Liverpool or East London as those places aren't exactly pretty.

Scotland has already produced an unlikely singing star on reality TV with Michelle McManus, a 280lb young woman with a nice voice who won a singing contest despite Simon Cowell being desperate for her to lose.

Hopefully Susan Boyle will be another Scottish success story.


Ah yes, I noticed she is Scottish, too. :biggrin: Go Scotland!

As for the town... they were silly. Show where she really lives, tv guys. Remember, you're not filming for dumb Americans wanting an "Idol," you're filming for British who want "talent." The very nature of the difference in show names *implies* that the Brits are looking more for substance, rather than appearance. Give it to them. Warts and all (in the case of the town; Ms. Boyle had no warts).

[Weetomuncher]

I don't see what appearance has to do with singing ability.

Off the top of my head I can think of loads of less attractive singers who have made a success of their careers.

People like Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Luciano Pavarotti, Elton John, Edith Piaf, Michael Jackson, Barry White, Monserrat Cabale, Iggy Pop, Lemmy and dozens of others would have got nowhere on looks alone but their talent made people overlook their physical appearance and buy their music.

[Tobias March]

Ah yes, I noticed she is Scottish, too. :biggrin: Go Scotland!

As for the town... they were silly. Show where she really lives, tv guys. Remember, you're not filming for dumb Americans wanting an "Idol," you're filming for British who want "talent." The very nature of the difference in show names *implies* that the Brits are looking more for substance, rather than appearance. Give it to them. Warts and all (in the case of the town; Ms. Boyle had no warts).

Talent? Did you see the reactions of the snide folk in the audience? They were looking for a crucifixion.

She did sing beautifully. I am sick of the footage though, they've been playing it on a loop here on the news.

[Mermaid]

Talent? Did you see the reactions of the snide folk in the audience? They were looking for a crucifixion.

She did sing beautifully. I am sick of the footage though, they've been playing it on a loop here on the news.

I haven't seen anything about it.

[Solaris]

Talent? Did you see the reactions of the snide folk in the audience? They were looking for a crucifixion.

She did sing beautifully. I am sick of the footage though, they've been playing it on a loop here on the news.


Yes, I did---and I loved how their attitude changed when she started singing. The judges were the same---and two of them were gracious enough to admit it. Especially the female judge: she came right out and said that "I think everyone here wanted you to fail... we were all cynical, and we shouldn't have been." [paraphrasing there]

That *does* say something about us all, I think.

[Tobias March]

I haven't seen anything about it.

Really? I saw it at least 3/4 times last night. Seven I think.

[Jae Namkyoung]

Yeah I've almost haven't heard a thing about it, execpt once on yahoo but I hadn't given it much though till I saw the post here, and was like O.O, I showed my Dad and we're both very happy for her and hope she makes it through!

[Solaris]

I do, too. :biggrin:

[Christopher Cross Is God]

I'll be honest, so was I. Let's face it, an old boiler with a face like a busted arsehole from a small village in England...your expectations are pretty low.

Then she started to sing...

It wasn't just her appearance (Although that was a large part of it).....The first video I saw of this had the audio being a bit off, almost on a 1-second delay. Combine that with the sudden shots of the judges smiling and such, and it looked like a joke video edited for the internet.........I was happy to see it wasn't the case, it's always nice to see new talent shine through.

I don't see what appearance has to do with singing ability.

Off the top of my head I can think of loads of less attractive singers who have made a success of their careers.

People like Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Luciano Pavarotti, Elton John, Edith Piaf, Michael Jackson, Barry White, Monserrat Cabale, Iggy Pop, Lemmy and dozens of others would have got nowhere on looks alone but their talent made people overlook their physical appearance and buy their music.

None of the people you listed went on a talent show to start their careers, where oddballs are often shown to the public & failing miserably.

[4thHorseman]

I didn't have any audio at work so I had to wait until last night to listen to it.

My initial reactions listening to her talk and everything was not positive. She seemed like a wonderful lady, funny, sweet, hopeful but I didn't think she would be all that great of a singer.

Then BAM. She opens her mouth and holy fuck I got goosebumps. Completely unexpected and you could tell nobody did either. People started cheering after that first line of lyrics, Simon's eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his head, and I was speechless by the end of it.

Just...Damn. If she doesn't get something from this I would be shocked.

And I agree with Solaris in terms of musicals. First thing that went through my head after the video was over.

[king mob]

As for the town... they were silly. Show where she really lives, tv guys. Remember, you're not filming for dumb Americans wanting an "Idol," you're filming for British who want "talent." The very nature of the difference in show names *implies* that the Brits are looking more for substance, rather than appearance. Give it to them. Warts and all (in the case of the town; Ms. Boyle had no warts).


Britain's Got Talent is only the latest money-making machine for Simon Cowell after Pop Idol, Popstars, X Factor & American Idol. It's a terrible, terrible, terrible programme that features three horrendous judges who represent everything that's wrong with British commercial television right now.

It's a freakshow and that's the reason why the audience look like they're ready to tear the poor woman apart, it's common to see the thing turn into something that makes me hate this country.

I want to think 'awww, that's nice' but I can't get the image of Simon Cowell smiling as he sees another few zeros pop into his bank balance after seeing this woman.

[Cam63]

I wish her happiness and success.

[titanfan]

I don't see what appearance has to do with singing ability.

Off the top of my head I can think of loads of less attractive singers who have made a success of their careers.

It wasn't just her appearance, it was the whole editing and presentation where she admits to not having been kissed, living with her cat and her having dressed in such ordinary clothes. If you watched Idol or any of the various talent shows like this, 99.9% of the time when there is a set up like that, the person is terrible.

[KevinTBrown]

I didn't have any audio at work so I had to wait until last night to listen to it.

My initial reactions listening to her talk and everything was not positive. She seemed like a wonderful lady, funny, sweet, hopeful but I didn't think she would be all that great of a singer.

Then BAM. She opens her mouth and holy fuck I got goosebumps. Completely unexpected and you could tell nobody did either. People started cheering after that first line of lyrics, Simon's eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his head, and I was speechless by the end of it.

Just...Damn. If she doesn't get something from this I would be shocked.

And I agree with Solaris in terms of musicals. First thing that went through my head after the video was over.

Yeah, I can definitely relate with the shock of hearing the speaking voice vs. the singing voice.

Alison Krauss is the perfect example of that! Gorgeous singing voice, the voice of an angel.... BUT when you hear her speak, it's like listening to a hick. It's really odd to hear.

[Bakasama]

Personally I cannot stand this, or other shows like it.

Hmm, I guess you would be appalled if you ever saw the Eurovision Song Contest.

[thehod]

Hmm, I guess you would be appalled if you ever saw the Eurovision Song Contest.

Yep, another pointless 'competition' that's long outlived its lifetime.

Best thing allround woud be to take it out behind the chemical sheds and put a bullet into it.

[king mob]

Yep, another pointless 'competition' that's long outlived its lifetime.

Best thing allround woud be to take it out behind the chemical sheds and put a bullet into it.

I'm probably the only hetrerosexual male in the UK who likes Eurovision apart from Terry Wogan of course.

[thehod]

I'm probably the only hetrerosexual male in the UK who likes Eurovision apart from Terry Wogan of course.

Well after the voting debacle of the last 15 odd years, he's sworn off it, so you're the last of the EuroLords now mob.

We'll get you a little blue box, shall we?

[Tom]

I hate to be so cynical, but that was one masterfully manipulative bit of theater. All praise to her. She seems like a lovely woman who's had a rough life and she does indeed have some talent, but the eye-rolling from the judges and the way the piece was edited was just a bit much. There's no way they had no idea she could sing that well. She would have had to audition to get to that point, so the producers (of which Simon is one) already knew what she sounded like. Bravo to them, though. For the last two days all anyone seems to be talking about is this TV show. That's some primo PR work right there.

And what does it say about people that this has become an overnight internet sensation? Why would anyone be surprised that an unattractive person might be talented?

[Christopher Cross Is God]

She would have had to audition to get to that point, so the producers (of which Simon is one) already knew what she sounded like. Bravo to them, though. For the last two days all anyone seems to be talking about is this TV show. That's some primo PR work right there.


Not to defend these types of shows (I don't really care about them), and I understand your skepticism, but Simon has claimed (For American Idol, at least) he doesn't go through the audition process.....And he dislikes the fact that they often put in goofs in the beginning stages.

He could be telling the truth, he could be lying, who knows......But he probably tries to see the contestants only when they audition on live television, so he can give a genuine assessment, rather than have things rehearsed.

[Tom]

I don't know, that shot of Simon resting his face in his hands and all but batting his eyes at her was impossible for me to take seriously.

[Michael P]

Now, Tom, surely you're not suggesting that reality show producers selectively edit or stage footage in order to hook the audience with familiar master narratives.

[Black Atom]

I hate to be so cynical, but that was one masterfully manipulative bit of theater. All praise to her. She seems like a lovely woman who's had a rough life and she does indeed have some talent, but the eye-rolling from the judges and the way the piece was edited was just a bit much. There's no way they had no idea she could sing that well. She would have had to audition to get to that point, so the producers (of which Simon is one) already knew what she sounded like. Bravo to them, though. For the last two days all anyone seems to be talking about is this TV show. That's some primo PR work right there.

And what does it say about people that this has become an overnight internet sensation? Why would anyone be surprised that an unattractive person might be talented?

Glad I didn't have to be the first person to say this. I couldn't really make it through the clip. The editing made the whole thing feel disingenuous. It would not have been such a huge shock that she'd be talented except that the clip fosters that expectation by manipulating the attitudes of the judges and the audience.

[Christopher Cross Is God]

I don't know, that shot of Simon resting his face in his hands and all but batting his eyes at her was impossible for me to take seriously.

From the few American Idol shows I've seen, it's how Simon acts.

I don't disagree that the bit was staged by producers who were "in-the-know", that's fairly obvious....But, I'd venture to say Simon was one who didn't know about it, beforehand.

[jesse_custer]

Jeezus, I have to agree with Tom. I couldn't even enjoy the performance with all the obvious editing.

[AllisterH]

From the few American Idol shows I've seen, it's how Simon acts.

I don't disagree that the bit was staged by producers who were "in-the-know", that's fairly obvious....But, I'd venture to say Simon was one who didn't know about it, beforehand.

The 2 guys backstage CLEARLY knew what she was capable of and I'm thinking that if it was similar to American Idol, when Susan Boyle did her introductory audition, those judges/producers were blown away and promptly clamped down on the recording of that initial audition.

They probably had everyone else on the show thinking she was this year's Sammo Hung and thus everyone was expecting a very bad singer.

[kingdom2000]

Jeezus, I have to agree with Tom. I couldn't even enjoy the performance with all the obvious editing.

Do have a point there. I don't know how British reality shows normaly edit things but the copious amount of reactions shots from backstage (audience and judges not so strange) seemed really out of place.

[jesse_custer]

Yeah, I would like to see the fucking performer of the song substantially more than a bunch of uninteresting assholes doing groupthink.

[Solaris]

I hate to be so cynical, but that was one masterfully manipulative bit of theater. All praise to her. She seems like a lovely woman who's had a rough life and she does indeed have some talent, but the eye-rolling from the judges and the way the piece was edited was just a bit much. There's no way they had no idea she could sing that well. She would have had to audition to get to that point, so the producers (of which Simon is one) already knew what she sounded like. Bravo to them, though. For the last two days all anyone seems to be talking about is this TV show. That's some primo PR work right there.

And what does it say about people that this has become an overnight internet sensation? Why would anyone be surprised that an unattractive person might be talented?

It's the underdog syndrome.

Most of us feel very ordinary, feel intimidated by the media hype of "you must look like this/dress like this/etc. to be beautiful, to be successful." We see a very ordinary-looking woman in a dumpy dress come stumping across the stage, we see her being feisty and full of personality, but getting the negative reactions from the audience and judges---and then she opens her mouth and sings like an angel.

It's one in the eye to everyone who's ever said "You're not beautiful enough, fancy enough, well-spoken enough, from the right side of the tracks," etc. We identify with her as "the common, ordinary person who's underrated because of it---there can be something special, something extraordinary, underneath the most common exterior."

As to whether or not it was orchestrated, it's quite possible. It's also possible that, unlike here in the U.S. where Simon does attend the initial auditions, he may delegate that to an underling over there---and even then, he may or may not have known about it, and/or he may have kept it to himself, so as to get a more genuine reaction from the other two judges.

As to the editing, an editor with a quick eye and a lot of cameras can pretty much count on catching "rolling eye" reaction shots from the crowd and judges. Can't blame 'em for using them.

[Spike-X]

And what does it say about people that this has become an overnight internet sensation? Why would anyone be surprised that an unattractive person might be talented?

I think a lot of it, for me, is more surprise that a talented but unattractive person was even allowed on the telly in the first place.

[Tobias March]

Sunshine just showed the clip again!!!

[Black Atom]

Do have a point there. I don't know how British reality shows normaly edit things but the copious amount of reactions shots from backstage (audience and judges not so strange) seemed really out of place.

Apparently in Britain it's customary for the audience to launch into uproarious applause at the beginning of a performance. I got the impression that the audience reaction at the end of the song was edited in right after the first note the woman sang.

[Cam63]

Sunshine just showed the clip again!!!

Ah, yer gunna miss 'em !

[kingdom2000]

I think a lot of it, for me, is more surprise that a talented but unattractive person was even allowed on the telly in the first place.

LOL, but yeah sadly true. If want to know part of the reason for the decline of music, just look at how beauty trumps talent. Going by today's standards, most of the acts from the 70s-early 90s would have never had a snowballs chance in hell because not pretty enough.

[king mob]

Well after the voting debacle of the last 15 odd years, he's sworn off it, so you're the last of the EuroLords now mob.

We'll get you a little blue box, shall we?

And a sparkly pair of boots.


I even watched Eurovision at the Bristol Expo a few years back, and helped tell people who was from where. I need help...........

[king mob]

The 2 guys backstage CLEARLY knew what she was capable of and I'm thinking that if it was similar to American Idol, when Susan Boyle did her introductory audition, those judges/producers were blown away and promptly clamped down on the recording of that initial audition.

They probably had everyone else on the show thinking she was this year's Sammo Hung and thus everyone was expecting a very bad singer.


The two backstage were tiresome Geordie presenters Ant & Dec who happen to be part of the same golden handcuffs deal with ITV that Simon Cowell has.

[Cayman]

I like her. She's sassy.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I saw this a few days ago on ET. But didn't some young boy do the same exact thing a few months ago on the British version. No one thought he could sing since he was a fat kid and he shocked everyone by his voice ?

[MacQuarrie]

I think it's part of a new zeitgeist. We're tired of being cynical, we want some surprises and a little optimism now. It's what got Obama elected. Even if this piece was staged and choreographed to manipulate the audience, we're okay with it, because we want to have a little joy finally.

Then there's the fact that we all want to be her; to be an ordinary, unimpressive person who finally gets the chance to shine and does it spectacularly, and then is humble about it. We're all waiting for that chance to step up and show what we can do that nobody ever expected.

[Weetomuncher]

Britain's Got Talent was won previously by a very plain looking guy with a powerful tenor voice called Paul Potts (thank goodness for the S) but he was another that looked like an unlikely prospect but he went on to win the series.

Very often British talent shows produce unlikely winners with 90s karaoke producing people like Gary Mullan, a little Scottish guy who sung just like Freddie Mercury and became a popular tribute singer.

Anyone with talent can get somewhere with a little luck.

[Deathstroke]

Well that was just fucking priceless.

[Tobias March]

The two backstage were tiresome Geordie presenters Ant & Dec who happen to be part of the same golden handcuffs deal with ITV that Simon Cowell has.

".....yes I have Ant or Dec...." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kUanJxydds)

The only moment in that film that made me laugh. I put it down to Nighy. Who is always excellent, even when being cuckolded by Cate Blanchett.

[Mermaid]

I finally saw Susan Doyle on TV tonight Tobias. Amazing voice.

[Mermaid]

Ah, yer gunna miss 'em !


More than he'll miss us? *whimper*

[Tobias March]

I finally saw Susan Doyle on TV tonight Tobias. Amazing voice.

I told you! :biggrin:

[Mermaid]

I told you! :biggrin:

:biggrin: you did that

[Sean Walsh]

People like Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Luciano Pavarotti, Elton John, Edith Piaf, Michael Jackson, Barry White, Monserrat Cabale, Iggy Pop, Lemmy and dozens of others would have got nowhere on looks alone but their talent made people overlook their physical appearance and buy their music.

People TODAY are very critical of looks and appearance, especially from new faces and up-and-coming stars.

For those already entrenched in celebrity, they've been "grandfathered" in from the ol' days so it doesn't really matter how they look, really - they're already stars.

Also - Simon Cowell produced the WWF Wrestlemania album back in 1993, so really anything he has to say about music is irrelevant to me and should be irrelevant to you. :tongue:

[Alan Lynch]

Anyone else find it a tad patronising that everyone is making a big deal of the fact that this woman is, well, weird? Like it should be a surprise that she can speak coherently let alone belt out a tune. And Simon Cowell has a lot to fucking answer for when it comes to that attitude.

But screw Britain's Got Talent. Like I need to encourage Cowell and that snivelling cunt Piers Morgan to pull sad faces at people for not sucking.

[Nicola Scott]

Thanks for posting that Forrest!

I just watched it then after seeing a brief bit on the news about her.

Seeing the audience erupt into appulse after one line and the stand after two brings a tear. There's nothing like being surprised by people.

xx.

[Cam63]

Anyone else find it a tad patronising that everyone is making a big deal of the fact that this woman is, well, weird? Like it should be a surprise that she can speak coherently let alone belt out a tune. And Simon Cowell has a lot to fucking answer for when it comes to that attitude.

But screw Britain's Got Talent. Like I need to encourage Cowell and that snivelling cunt Piers Morgan to pull sad faces at people for not sucking.

When you make a point, you make a point, Alan.

The over-editing of the segment has sucked.

[Cam63]

Thanks for posting that Forrest!

I just watched it then after seeing a brief bit on the news about her.

Seeing the audience erupt into appulse after one line and the stand after two brings a tear. There's nothing like being surprised by people.

xx.

I hope the promoters don't take the low road and she just becomes another freak show.

[Alan Lynch]

I hope the promoters don't take the low road and she just becomes another freak show.
Of course they will. Her entire run on the show will be based around her looks and lifestyle; Simon Cowell doesn't know how to handle people who can't get a cover shoot on the glossy magazines. Honestly, they'll all act just as surprised if she's singing like this in the final just because she isn't Leona Lewis' twin.

[CannonFodder]

Wow she can sing, and that's such a beautiful song.

[section 8]

Ironically My live-in girlfriend showed me this same clip yesterday

I was bitching about how every one on "reality" Television particularly dating shows, is a freaking supermodel. When I said I would rather see an overweight, balding, insurance, salesman meet the middle aged lady with a lot of cats. She went online and showed me this clip.

Like anyone else who can hear, I was stunned.

[Merey]

I hate to be so cynical, but that was one masterfully manipulative bit of theater. All praise to her. She seems like a lovely woman who's had a rough life and she does indeed have some talent, but the eye-rolling from the judges and the way the piece was edited was just a bit much. There's no way they had no idea she could sing that well. She would have had to audition to get to that point, so the producers (of which Simon is one) already knew what she sounded like. Bravo to them, though. For the last two days all anyone seems to be talking about is this TV show. That's some primo PR work right there.

And what does it say about people that this has become an overnight internet sensation? Why would anyone be surprised that an unattractive person might be talented?

It's the underdog syndrome.

Most of us feel very ordinary, feel intimidated by the media hype of "you must look like this/dress like this/etc. to be beautiful, to be successful." We see a very ordinary-looking woman in a dumpy dress come stumping across the stage, we see her being feisty and full of personality, but getting the negative reactions from the audience and judges---and then she opens her mouth and sings like an angel.

It's one in the eye to everyone who's ever said "You're not beautiful enough, fancy enough, well-spoken enough, from the right side of the tracks," etc. We identify with her as "the common, ordinary person who's underrated because of it---there can be something special, something extraordinary, underneath the most common exterior."

As to whether or not it was orchestrated, it's quite possible. It's also possible that, unlike here in the U.S. where Simon does attend the initial auditions, he may delegate that to an underling over there---and even then, he may or may not have known about it, and/or he may have kept it to himself, so as to get a more genuine reaction from the other two judges.

As to the editing, an editor with a quick eye and a lot of cameras can pretty much count on catching "rolling eye" reaction shots from the crowd and judges. Can't blame 'em for using them.

Or as I see it, a feel good movie come to life.

I guess it's good that the unpretty people are getting some of the national and now international spotlight in a type of show where (apparently - I don't follow these things) they don't normally get it, but I'm also not keen on all the manipulation behind it.

It's interesting to me that she sang a showtune because all I could think was 'why exactly is this a huge deal' because there were plenty of folks who I'd come across during my theatre days that also were not ideal beauties, but would could sing and perform just as well or better and they actually sustaining careers as successful working actors. Hell, sometimes it's the unconventional looking folks who flourish as character actors whereas the cute, thin leggy blondes are a dime a dozen and fade into the background.

[KevinTBrown]

I hate to be so cynical, but that was one masterfully manipulative bit of theater. All praise to her. She seems like a lovely woman who's had a rough life and she does indeed have some talent, but the eye-rolling from the judges and the way the piece was edited was just a bit much. There's no way they had no idea she could sing that well. She would have had to audition to get to that point, so the producers (of which Simon is one) already knew what she sounded like. Bravo to them, though. For the last two days all anyone seems to be talking about is this TV show. That's some primo PR work right there.

And what does it say about people that this has become an overnight internet sensation? Why would anyone be surprised that an unattractive person might be talented?

Actually, from what I've read, the judges didn't have a clue, including Simon. There are others who pre-screen those who appear on the show. Then the judges give their "yes" or "no" answer to determine if they come back, but they haven't a clue as to how good or bad these are going to be.

What's being shown is the audition in front of the judges for her to come back.

[king mob]

But screw Britain's Got Talent. Like I need to encourage Cowell and that snivelling cunt Piers Morgan to pull sad faces at people for not sucking.


You're in a locked room with Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan. You have a gun but it's only got one bullet, just what do you do!?

[king mob]

Actually, from what I've read, the judges didn't have a clue, including Simon. There are others who pre-screen those who appear on the show. Then the judges give their "yes" or "no" answer to determine if they come back, but they haven't a clue as to how good or bad these are going to be.

What's being shown is the audition in front of the judges for her to come back.

The contestants in all of Cowell's programme's are screened before they get near the judges. This is partly to screen out the real crap, but also to get the freaks who'll make good Saturday night telly.

There is a slight difference in Britain's Got Talent as most of the contestants are freaks anyhow & they're really just there for Cowell and Morgan to sneer at while Amanda Holden tries to not look like she's hit a career low.

[Spike-X]

You're in a locked room with Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan. You have a gun but it's only got one bullet, just what do you do!?
Shoot myself?

[Spackling Compound]

Anyone else find it a tad patronising that everyone is making a big deal of the fact that this woman is, well, weird? Like it should be a surprise that she can speak coherently let alone belt out a tune. And Simon Cowell has a lot to fucking answer for when it comes to that attitude.

But screw Britain's Got Talent. Like I need to encourage Cowell and that snivelling cunt Piers Morgan to pull sad faces at people for not sucking.

Her voice was to be expected. I didn't see her as that much of an amazement. I think it's more odd that the supermodels have the chops. I've been around a few church choirs in my life and most singers worth a damn look like Ms. Susan, not like Katy Perry or whatever.

I agree with you, Alan.

[Dazzler]

I'm really into this story right now, but I still find it kinda weird that everyone's just amazed that she's NOT a supermodel and can sing.

However, I love that she flattened the judges and made them eat crow, whatever I may think her talent is like. (I happen to think she's darn good.)
These people are waaaaay too obsessed with looks. I mean, part of American Idol is that you have to "look" the part.

It's kinda gross that musical talent seems to go hand in hand with sex appeal in the minds of today's world.

--Dazz

[section 8]

I'm really into this story right now, but I still find it kinda weird that everyone's just amazed that she's NOT a supermodel and can sing.

However, I love that she flattened the judges and made them eat crow, whatever I may think her talent is like. (I happen to think she's darn good.)
These people are waaaaay too obsessed with looks. I mean, part of American Idol is that you have to "look" the part.

It's kinda gross that musical talent seems to go hand in hand with sex appeal in the minds of today's world.

--Dazz
This was part of my complaint that led to my original viewing of this clip,

Honestly? I was simply amazed that ANYONE could sing so well without formal training.

[Spackling Compound]

It's kinda gross that musical talent seems to go hand in hand with sex appeal in the minds of today's world.

--Dazz

If this were American Idol, that would have been touching but by week 3, they'd ask her to sing "Bootylicious" and then it would be "game over".

Musicals and opera and that sort of thing don't require sex appeal. The crap that most of us refer to when we say "pop music", has to have skankability.

[Dazzler]

If this were American Idol, that would have been touching but by week 3, they'd ask her to sing "Bootylicious" and then it would be "game over".

Musicals and opera and that sort of thing don't require sex appeal. The crap that most of us refer to when we say "pop music", has to have skankability.
Right?

Sometimes, I pine for the Apocalypse.

Seriously, Bach looked like a stuffed sausage with warts, but he's my favorite composer of all time (I'm a Baroque Bitch). In today's world, because of his funktastic looks, he wouldn't even score a blip on the radar. The world has some screwed up priorities.

--Dazz

[Spackling Compound]

Right?

Sometimes, I pine for the Apocalypse.

Seriously, Bach looked like a stuffed sausage with warts, but he's my favorite composer of all time (I'm a Baroque Bitch). In today's world, because of his funktastic looks, he wouldn't even score a blip on the radar. The world has some screwed up priorities.

--Dazz

As far as singers are concerned, Patsy Cline is one of my favorites. I don't think she'd have much of a chance these days. Don't think she could dance.

[Tom]

Actually, from what I've read, the judges didn't have a clue, including Simon.

Well, of course they're going to say that. It's not like after going to all the trouble of creating this "story," they're going to come out later and say it's ... a story.

I spend a lot of time (more than is healthy) blogging about reality shows and I've met dozens of contestants and a handful of producers. Believe me, it's nothing BUT staging. There's not a thing "real" about reality television.

Again, this is not meant to take away from the woman's talent. She deserves every bit of acclaim that's coming her way.

[Nicola Scott]

I don't think it's just amazement at someone having talent but not being a classic beauty.

Sure, that's part of it but I think it has more to do with the fact that she's 47, unemployed and unpolished but clearly has something sophisticated and thoughtful going on in the voice department.

I think it's more about amazement that she has remained undiscovered, not as a pop idol but just as a working musical theatre performer.

[Grazzt]

Seriously, Bach looked like a stuffed sausage with warts, but he's my favorite composer of all time (I'm a Baroque Bitch). In today's world, because of his funktastic looks, he wouldn't even score a blip on the radar. The world has some screwed up priorities.

I don't know, he was a writer. He doesn't have to get in front of the camera for anything. As long as he stuck to writing and producing music, he'd do fine, he just wouldn't cut it as a pop performer.

[section 8]

If this were American Idol, that would have been touching but by week 3, they'd ask her to sing "Bootylicious" and then it would be "game over".

Musicals and opera and that sort of thing don't require sex appeal. The crap that most of us refer to when we say "pop music", has to have skankability.

What would be a better word? "Skankabilly"?

[Darediva]

Right?

Sometimes, I pine for the Apocalypse.

Seriously, Bach looked like a stuffed sausage with warts, but he's my favorite composer of all time (I'm a Baroque Bitch). In today's world, because of his funktastic looks, he wouldn't even score a blip on the radar. The world has some screwed up priorities.

--Dazz

Dazz, why am I not surprised that you go for baroque?

[BnL]

She's really not that unattractive. Most people need a proper fluffing up before they're camera-ready. She definitely needs to have her eyebrows plucked...hell, she needs to take a weed whacker to them. Give her a decent hairstyle and a proper bra, and she'd look perfectly presentable.

[Dazzler]

I don't know, he was a writer. He doesn't have to get in front of the camera for anything. As long as he stuck to writing and producing music, he'd do fine, he just wouldn't cut it as a pop performer.
Oh, geez, you know, you may have a point. Phil Specter and Bob Geldoff sort of come to mind on that one.

Dazz, why am I not surprised that you go for baroque?

Well, 'Diva, it's probably my face powder and frilly shirts. They tend to broadcast my loyalties. :wink:

Plus, you know, that baroque is the most awesome of the awesomeness. I also love Rococo. I don't understand how anyone can NOT love them.


--Dazz

[joe27]

I have a feeling it's all downhill for her from this point on. Everybody will get sick of patting themselves on the back for no longer being cynical and start looking for reasons to tear her apart.

[EMeadow]

Yep, another pointless 'competition' that's long outlived its lifetime.

Best thing allround woud be to take it out behind the chemical sheds and put a bullet into it.

The shock of the European collective upon seeing Lordi win the thing for "Hard Rock Hallelujah" is why the show is worth it.

And that's how I became a fan of the band.

[Darediva]

Another Susan Boyle recording has surfaced. (http://snurl.com/g2l5w)

[king mob]

If this were American Idol, that would have been touching but by week 3, they'd ask her to sing "Bootylicious" and then it would be "game over".



In any other of Cowell's programmes this is exactly what would happen, but this is a spin off from X Factor and the poor bastards who are painfully crap, but get set up for mockery and public humiliation in front of 12 million eager viewers. Britain's Got Talent is incredibly staged so that there's always a diamond in the rough for the likes of Morgan, Holden & Cowell to look amazed at, after they've ripped the piss out of some daft bastard trying to make a sink into a musical insrument.

[Spiffy]

A good friend of mine showed me this and it is simply wonderful and amazing ! Susan Boyle, a 47 year old woman from a village in the United Kingdom who has never been kissed and lives alone with her cat shows a talent that literally made me weep and proves that real beauty comes in many different forms..please watch this !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Watching that performance reminds me of why I HATE Ant and Dec, those hosts, almost beyond reason, and extremely disrespect any show who employs them.

It's simply annoying when they cut from mediocre performances to shots of these guys blathering backstage like a couple of baboons. But when they do it in the middle of a performance like that? Well, not only do Ant & Dec deserve shovels to the back of the head, so does the show director.

[Charles RB]

I grew up on SM:TV Live, so I'm mentally programmed to like Ant and Dec. :frown:

[thehod]

Watching that performance reminds me of why I HATE Ant and Dec, those hosts, almost beyond reason, and extremely disrespect any show who employs them.

Well if it makes you feel any better, here's the little scrote getting hit in the face with a paintball... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXeMontXSTI&feature=related)

[Hurricane]

Just saw the Susan Boyle thing for the first time today. I have to say, it made my cold black heart melt a little. The whole thing gave me chills.



Then I read this thread and Tom shit all over the moment...

[Spackling Compound]

In any other of Cowell's programmes this is exactly what would happen, but this is a spin off from X Factor and the poor bastards who are painfully crap, but get set up for mockery and public humiliation in front of 12 million eager viewers. Britain's Got Talent is incredibly staged so that there's always a diamond in the rough for the likes of Morgan, Holden & Cowell to look amazed at, after they've ripped the piss out of some daft bastard trying to make a sink into a musical insrument.

Rinse and repeat.
Thank you, King.

[the4thpip]

From the few American Idol shows I've seen, it's how Simon acts.

I don't disagree that the bit was staged by producers who were "in-the-know", that's fairly obvious....But, I'd venture to say Simon was one who didn't know about it, beforehand.

And at some point, without cameras present, there WAS a moment like that. And they tried (a bit clumsily, sure) to recreate that for the telecast. What's the big deal?

[Tobias March]

Alastair Campbell on Susan Boyle. (http://www.scotsman.com/entertainment/Alastair-Campbell-has-new-spin.5184440.jp)

I'm reminded of that old line that if you can fake sincerity in a relationship - you have it made.

This just makes me want to see In The Loop all the more.

[Karen El]

It's kinda depressing that this is such big news. I mean, OMG person who is not beautiful and/or rich has talent. Feh.

[Alan Lynch]

It's kinda depressing that this is such big news. I mean, OMG person who is not beautiful and/or rich has talent. Feh.
That's what's been bugging me silly since it aired. Newspapers with headlines screaming "the woman everybody loves". Really? I'm completely neutral on her, but reserve nothing but the highest contempt for Simon Cowell and his like for encouraging society to get to the point where only models could possibly be considered talented.

I'm actually quite embarrassed at how angry the whole thing makes me.

[Christopher Cross Is God]

That's what's been bugging me silly since it aired. Newspapers with headlines screaming "the woman everybody loves". Really? I'm completely neutral on her, but reserve nothing but the highest contempt for Simon Cowell and his like for encouraging society to get to the point where only models could possibly be considered talented.

Kelly Clarkson and some of the others who have won American Idol weren't the model types.

I just watched a clip of that same show, albeit the second episode. There was a half-Iranian kid from Wales.......Not as talented as Susan Boyle, but impressive, considering his age.

I found the production/edits & crowd-reaction a lot more irritating this time. It seemed like they hammed it up even more.

[Cam63]

It's kinda depressing that this is such big news. I mean, OMG person who is not beautiful and/or rich has talent. Feh.

I guess it says a lot about society, eh ?

[Mermaid]

I grew up on SM:TV Live, so I'm mentally programmed to like Ant and Dec. :frown:

Ha me too! I still like I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Not that i've seen it for a few years. They tried putting it on here last year......haha...it so didn't work.
I think mainly because nobody knew who any of the "stars" were.

[thehod]

Ha me too! I still like I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Not that i've seen it for a few years. They tried putting it on here last year......haha...it so didn't work.
I think mainly because nobody knew who any of the "stars" were.

No-one knows who any of them are over here either, other than the washed up DJ, the jolly pantomime star and the hot woman who will invariably pose in a bikini.

Other than that, they may have just grabbed random people off the street.

[Charles RB]

Ha me too!

Britain's Got Talent would be immeasurably better if Ant and Dec did a Pokerap on it.

("Don't be a Jigglypuff!")

EDIT: Holy crap, I just remembered someone on American Idol did the next best thing... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4GdGSnhr_c)

[Alan Lynch]

If Ant and Dec started being as funny as they were on kids' TV I'd happily like them again. I used to love their BBC stuff, and the - I think - 6pm slot they filled weeknights on Channel 4. Some of that stuff was genuinely hilarious, and the parental outrage more so.

[Karen El]

so which one is Ant and which is Dec? Oh wait, I just remembered I don't care.

[Spike-X]

Kelly Clarkson and some of the others who have won American Idol weren't the model types.

She may not have been stick-thin (thank goodness!) but you couldn't say she was in any way unattractive.

I just watched a clip of that same show, albeit the second episode. There was a half-Iranian kid from Wales.......Not as talented as Susan Boyle, but impressive, considering his age.


I think I know the one you're talking about. He was good!

And is it just me, or is there something not quite right about a ten-year-old boy singing a Michael Jackson song called Who's Loving You?

[the4thpip]

Kelly Clarkson and some of the others who have won American Idol weren't the model types.

Who could forget the likes of Chris Sligh, Frenchie Davis, Scott Savol and Mandisa?

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/the4thpip/chris_sligh1.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/the4thpip/0818_frenchie_davis_splash.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/the4thpip/bl-scottsavol.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll102/the4thpip/060405_mandisa_vmed_7pwidec.jpg

I think season 1 was the only one where they chose pretty singers without talent over talented singers without looks.

[the4thpip]

I think I know the one you're talking about. He was good!

And is it just me, or is there something not quite right about a ten-year-old boy singing a Michael Jackson song called Who's Loving You?

Michael was around that age when he sang it first, and it remains his best vocal performance on record, ever.

[Christopher Cross Is God]

She may not have been stick-thin (thank goodness!) but you couldn't say she was in any way unattractive.

Even after her weight-loss & makeover, I've never found Kelly Clarkson to be attractive. Her voice isn't bad, though.

[MacQuarrie]

Well, it seems the producers went out and found Susan Boyle and asked her to audition. Apparently the story was a little more manufactured than we thought.

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/american-idol-the-dark-side-of-27895.aspx#comments

[Charles RB]

If Ant and Dec started being as funny as they were on kids' TV I'd happily like them again. I used to love their BBC stuff, and the - I think - 6pm slot they filled weeknights on Channel 4. Some of that stuff was genuinely hilarious, and the parental outrage more so.

Oh, have they gone down then? That's a pity, they had a lot of easy humour and charisma when on SM:TV (you can't really do a live gag-centred show without it). The Pokefights were LEGEND.

Did job security do them in or something? "Hey, look how much we get, let's coast!"?

EDIT: One bit I clearly remember was on an April 1st episode, Dec suddenly passed out on live TV and they had to hurriedly cut to the second half of Pokemon while the nurse is called in. Ten minutes later, there he is thanking everyone for all the calls they got asking about him "and oh... *winsome grin* Happy April Fools Day, everybody! *wink*".

I do have to admire that he deliberately went out of his way to pretend it was all a joke - there's no way a long-time presenter would fake falling unconscious in a studio full of young children - just to keep the sprogs at home reassured.

[Michael P]

Well, it seems the producers went out and found Susan Boyle and asked her to audition. Apparently the story was a little more manufactured than we thought.

http://www.buddytv.com/articles/american-idol/american-idol-the-dark-side-of-27895.aspx#comments

I am Jack's utter lack of surprise.

[PatrickG]

You're in a locked room with Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan. You have a gun but it's only got one bullet, just what do you do!?

You miss on purpose, sit back and watch both men have strokes berating you for your shoddy marksmanship.

[Lester C.]

I heard of Susan Boyle on the day after she became famous, anyone who didn't doesn't have access to the internet. I didn't see what the fuss was about based on her looks alone. Well never judge a book by its cover and holy shit did she blow me away when listened to her today. It's like her singing voice and her speaking voice originate from two different entities.

[Grazzt]

It's like her singing voice and her speaking voice originate from two different entities.

Like Milli Vanilli!

[Spiffy]

Nobody rules like South Park rules. These guys crank out topical stuff, when the show is actually "in season", at an amazing speed. This time their topical target? Susan Boyle:

http://www.digitalspy.com/ustv/a153694/south-park-attacks-susan-boyle-exposure.html