I’m still stuck on Susan Boyle, and still weeping. I suppose that’s so 24 hours ago, and I should be thinking instead about how Mel Gibson’s divorce might affect his box-office cred with conservative Catholics. Instead, I play the YouTube clip over and over of Boyle, the frumpy, middle-aged British lady who marched out on the stage of the national TV show Britain’s Got Talent this past weekend. She bided her time through the judgmental hoots and snickers of the studio audience and judges (headed by international snickerer-in-chief Simon Cowell). She sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. And she brought a worldwide audience to their feet — to her feet — with the grandeur of her voice.
I’ll get back to pondering how Vin Diesel’s future might change with the success of Fast & Furious soon enough, but right now I’m pondering why the experience of watching and listening to Ms. Boyle makes so many viewers cry, me among them. And I think I’ve got a simple answer, at least for me: In our pop-minded culture so slavishly obsessed with packaging — the right face, the right clothes, the right attitudes, the right Facebook posts — the unpackaged artistic power of the unstyled, un-hip, un-kissed Ms. Boyle let me feel, for the duration of one blazing showstopping ballad, the meaning of human grace. She pierced my defenses. She reordered the measure of beauty. And I had no idea until tears sprang how desperately I need that corrective from time to time.
Yep. Simple as that. That’s why I weep. What’s your excuse?
I cried SO hard…there’s something so beautiful about reaching your dreams… and knowing that age means nothing. Simon’s smile alone would bring a tear to my eye, but her voice and her innocence opened the flood gates.
Thank you; you hit the nail on the head. I, too, keep watching this clip over & over again & the tears keep springing into my eyes. Thank you, thank you, Ms Boyle for a transcendent moment.
SHE IS SCOTTISH!!
also in Italy we were astonished, this is a lesson for our society and I thank you for describing so well what made us cry too – brings back to real emotions
Beautiful essay about a beautiful person. Thank you!
Spectacular…and yes, I’ve watched (AND cried each time!) 3 times since Brian Williams on NBC Nightly News this evening first “told me” about her. Wonderful!
This really inspired me! I teach students with learning disabilities and emotional problems. Many times they tell me that they feel useless, unintelligent, discouraged, and laughed at by their peers. I am going to show them this video…it is inspiring, up-lifing, and motivation. I hope she wins!!!!
There were tears here as well. Agree with you. The natural beauty from within her came out through her voice. She will go far. I only hope fame doesn’t spoil her.
no wonder Simon seems so bored on American Idol! This lady has more talent that anyone has ever had on Idol.
Don’t feel bad: I cried, too. Her debut is a beautiful triumph, and I hope her life is changed as a result. I wish her every happiness, and hope her talent and pluck are honored as they should be. How wonderful to see someone truly gifted, in such contrast to the manufactured “singers” that dominate the airwaves. Susan, you rock!!
I cried too. Liz, you couldn’t have said it better. Susan Boyle: from a 2 to a 10 in no time flat.
Transcendent indeed. I was taken completely by surprise by Ms. Boyle. Having seen Les Miz many times I think this is the first time I understood and felt the full depth of that song. She is living proof that there are still wonderful, inspirational surprises to be had in an increasingly cynical world. Brava, Susan! Keep dreaming that dream.
Thank u for sharing the same sentiment.
It was an amazing moment. It took alot of courage for her to appear on what I assume is a youth oriented show. We all wish we had the courage to put ourselves out there regardless of how we are ‘physically judged’ before we open our mouths.
I wish her much success in the second half of her life, although in some ways I think she must feel reborn. You GO GIRL!
it’s raining comments…amazing how many of us were touched from this event – she found the key to our hearts, after this all seem so shallow on tv