"Amazing"
"Unbelievable."
"Mind-blowing."
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. She’s no LuPone, and her talent is only really shocking if you’ve already counted her out as a squawker on account of her granny hairdo and pre-fame Julia Roberts eyebrows. Once the element of surprise is gone, we’re all going to be stuck with the fact that she’s a capable, but by no means extraordinary singer. And is that really worth all the fuss?
What’s your take, PopWatchers: Is Susan really a major talent, or are we all getting a little carried away?
More Susan Boyle:
Ken Tucker on Susan Boyle on CBS ‘Early Show’ appearance
Susan Boyle: Why we watch…and weep
Susan Boyle’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ audition gives Simon his second spontaneous ‘O’ of the week
I agree – it’s a nice story and it’s great that she’s a good singer, but her voice was just fine. Nothing spectacular, just good. I’ve heard numerous renditions of that song that are far better than what she did. Heck, I think that Paul Potts gut that won Britain’s Got Talent a few years ago was a far better story and a far better talent than this woman. I agree, the hype for this has gotten way overboard.
the big thing is she can sing ..there has only been one hit singer to come from idol has been a country singer I like country but this show is about how you look first .. look at the why simons face looking why she comes out. name one person who can hold a note to her voice!! It is not just her looks but the way her voices makes you feel.
And now for the inevitable backlash. The media fulfilling its self-ordained obligation to raise something or someone up so they have something to talk about and then tear it down…so they have something to talk about.
Oh, dear. This is not going to go well.
i dont think its as much as her being a talent as it is about the whole: don’t judge a book by its cover. plus she seems like such a nice wonderful person, its great to see someone like that getting success and – really just being cheered on.
When everyone saw her, they thought she was going to be a total joke. Just look at the reaction before she opened her mouth. But then when she sang, she really had this amazing voice. And for me watching her, I was really touched. Here she was, a 48 year old woman, going for her dream and ultimatly getting it. I think that’s what was so amazing about her performance.
i’ve got to agree with you – she has a nice voice, but i honestly thought the standing ovation was a bit over the top…like people were trying to make up for all the snide, rude thoughts they were thinking when she was first introduced. i mean, good for her – she’s got character and she sings well. but i kept thinking, “really? is this it?” maybe that makes me a heartless b*tch, but at least i’m honest about it.
Wow. What a poor article. I guess Adam whoever that wrote it never had a dream come true. Sad. Maybe if Entertainment Weekly hired more experienced critics people would not quit this site in droves.
She’s obviously talented, but the best part of the story is the smile that came across Simon’s face repeatedly during her performance. That was what I personally enjoyed about her video, and I don’t need to see her all over the place to be reminded of that.
I think she has unbelievable talent, but sometimes people can be condescending. The comment I hate is “She is rally beautiful” (said AFTER she sings). She wasn’t beautiful BEFORE she sang? Come on people!
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/04/16/come-on-down-bob-barker-returns-to-the-price-is-right/
She has a wonderful voice. Quite honestly I think audiences are tired of the pre-packaged, processed performers. She is a breath of fresh air and has a great sense of humor. Look at the original clip where she joshes Simon Cowell about her age. She has a marvelous voice. She needs a good agent and manager.
I think you are getting carried away by letting this turn into a whinefest “what is the big deal? Why don’t I have any attention? hissyfit.
An unassuming and never been kissed woman walked on stage with her head held high despite an entire crowd laughing at her and waiting for her horrible voice to give them permission to completely laugh at her and her delusions. She stood her ground with grace and humour, and shined when the spotlight glared down on her. It is not much in the grand scheme of things, but it is enough, and if it makes millions feel good at no cost, what is YOUR big deal? Good for Susan, my fiancée and I both smiled as we watched the Youtube clip, and I am sure we are far far from alone. A complete stranger running with the ball gave us a happy moment, and while not a big deal, it is just a good deal.
I think she has a lovely voice, but sadly I think this all could go badly for her. She seems a little bit ‘off’. Perhaps some mild developmental delay or disorder? I worry about these people who rocket to fame overnight and may not be able to handle it. I just hope she won’t get exploited but I fear it’s pretty likely.
Susan has a beautiful voice and remarkable story. She showed how people can rise above name-calling and the shallow side of human nature to achieve their dreams.
I support her 100% and think she is an inspiration.
wow that was quick. lets all cut someone down who is fulfilling their dream.
so she isnt the BEST singer, but she’s good. would she be getting more press if she were traditionally beautiful? probably. would she be getting more press if she were an alcoholic drug abuser with a few DWIs? Definately.
let her have her moment.