Susan Boyle?

[thunderball]

Just heard of this lady today but it seems I'm one of the last ones in the known world (well the YouTube/Twitter/Facebook world anyway). Sang on Britain's Got Talent and has become a worldwide phenomenon basically overnight. Listened to her audition and while I wouldn't say it was the very best example of singing I have ever heard it certainly was rather stunning, especially considering what people's expectations of her seemed to be (older, overweight, what most would call 'unattractive', learning disabilities, lived with mom, etc.). I must say I had a tear in my eye when she was done blowing the audience away. The next Paul Potts perhaps?

[Shane]

I was quite happy to see that footage. She's a true feel-good story.

[Brodirt]

I love the performance. It was, quite literally, stunning.

The cynic in me, though, saw through the manipulative production. I hated that. I think Simon Cowell was totally scripted, but the other two judges' reactions seemed honest.

I have a bug up my butt on this topic...I hate the treatment that the beautiful people get in this world. I think 30 Rock did a great skewering of the subject about a month ago with the episode with John Hamm and how his character is so good looking that while he sucks at almost everything, for his entire life his good looks had people telling him how great he was at everything.

I'm neither an ugly duckling nor a swan, so I don't really have a horse in this race, but it is an issue that has bugged me forever.

[mmack66]

I've never heard of her either.

[cricky101]

It gave me goosebumps. The reaction of the crowd and judges was pretty amazing.

[Topgumby]

The surprise that somebody who came of as so awkward could sing with such power and grace is the attraction, but when you think of the song, why should we be surprised?

When Sinatra sang "September Song" as a kid in the 40's it was beautiful, but to my ear it has nowhere near the meaning and depth of feeling that he gave it as a fifty year old man in 1965.

I think Susan Boyle can give that song a lot more oomph than some twentysomething singer/actress who doesn't understand the wearing effect of life as something other than a hypothetical proposition.

It'll be a hard act for her to follow...wonder what she'll sing next?

[richmondesi]

That was so cool! I couldn't get over Simon looking doe-eyed at her... Really cool

[Mr. Igg]

Yeah, that was a true feel-good story.

[Tommy_C]

I was totally blown away by her performance. Disappointingly, it goes to show our ingrained bias to initially discount people who might look odd. But her voice is absolutely amazing, and she seems like a very down-to-earth and kind woman as well. I hope she has great success going forward. I read online, today, that Simon Cowell is, reputedly, working on a record deal for her already. I hope that she does turn out to be the next Paul Potts (he's an amazing singer, too). What a wonderful feel-good story. We need stories like this when so much in the news is, seemingly, apocalyptic and depressing.

[Dandaman]

I was late to this party, too, having just listened to her tonite. Then I found there was another performance by Ms. Boyle on Youtube singing "Cry me a River" and I listened to that (twice). I really liked her version of that song better than her Les Mis TV performance. So I strolled over to iTunes store and sampled about twenty versions of the song by artists great and small. I prefer Ms. Bowles version, easily. I hope she does get a record contract!

[sfbobus]

I was late to this party, too, having just listened to her tonite. Then I found there was another performance by Ms. Boyle on Youtube singing "Cry me a River" and I listened to that (twice). I really liked her version of that song better than her Les Mis TV performance. So I strolled over to iTunes store and sampled about twenty versions of the song by artists great and small. I prefer Ms. Bowles version, easily. I hope she does get a record contract!

I had exactly the same response. I think someone will have her under contract soon (Simon Cowell is a producer I believe)

[TimmyBoston]

I thought her rendition was brilliant. I truly hope she succeeds. She seems like someone worthy of celebrity.

[Straight Arrow]

I just listened to her sing Cry Me a River. She is marvelous. A truly great talent like this surfaces rarely. She deserves to be heard and I will be the first in line to pick up her debut recording.

[SRock]

I was quite happy to see that footage. She's a true feel-good story.

Indeed! One of my troops cried when he watched the footage. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover.

[Bluestaco]

I love that story.
It's "Britain's Got Talent," not "Britain's Got People With the Total Package," so who care's if she's plain as mud? She has a lot of talent and I hope she wins the competition.

I think she already has, though. She's going to (for at least 15 minutes) make music for somebody, and hopefully create a lot of joy...and a few bucks!

[Sue]

Her performance was stunning even in the face of snickers and rolling eyes. Did you notice she had begun to walk off stage afterwards? I wonder if the PTB will insist on a make over? I hope she is allowed to remain her own person.

The rendition by Susan Boyle sounded better to my ears:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

than Elaine Paige:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua-vKRx8MsA

Sue