She’s the Voice
A funny thing happened eight days ago, on the other side of the world…
A few minutes of something special was recorded, giving the world a clip that should inspire people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, anywhere.
…
Have you seen her yet? If so, you are probably among the more than 30 million who have watched her on U-Tube. I don’t actually watch that much TV anymore – a few hours a week really. But I caught this clip from Britian’s Got Talent about four times on various talk shows this week, and then searched for it today on U-Tube. And every single time I watch it, it moves me.
Alright, I admit, I cry.
Every. Single. Time.
Why?
One middle-aged woman making strangers on the other side of the world weep with emotion – seems bizarre. I guess she touches me because she utterly transforms from ordinary, from so-called ‘ugly duckling’ – as seen through the eyes of a critical audience whose reaction to her was recorded – into powerful, beautiful woman. Because, Lordy Lord, this girl can SING.
…
She bursts forth with this unexpected voice from heaven … a voice I always wished I had, kinda imagined I might have had with all those hours of practice in the hairbrush and behind the wheel of the car. But alas… my darling husband always wonders aloud who is standing on the cat’s tail when I try to get melodious! (I am hoping my talents lie in other areas!)
…
But back to this amazing amatuer singer who has so gripped the world. The Britain’s Got Talent clip is amazing for the shift in attitude that happens in an instant.
But back to this amazing amatuer singer who has so gripped the world. The Britain’s Got Talent clip is amazing for the shift in attitude that happens in an instant.
This single 47-year-old from a small Scottish village, with barely any singing training
wiped this nasty eye-roll from Simon’s Cowell’s face…
And replaced it with this slightly gobsmacked look…
And halted this unkind mimicking of her dancing …
Into this shocked appreciation…
If you have not yet seen Susan Boyle in action…
Do yourself a favour:click here.
You MUST…
And you will do this…
I promise.On her already-erected Wikipedia page, Susan is quoted having no idea who twittering supporter Ashton Kutcher was, before going on to star beside him on American TV show Larry King Live. How refreshing! (I wonder if Ashton thought so too?)
…
She is also reported to have observed
(referring to BGT audience’s initial reaction to her on stage):
Modern society is too quick to judge people on their appearances. …
There is not much you can do about it; it is the way they think; it is the way they are. But maybe this could teach them a lesson, or set an example.
She is also reported to have observed
(referring to BGT audience’s initial reaction to her on stage):
Modern society is too quick to judge people on their appearances. …
There is not much you can do about it; it is the way they think; it is the way they are. But maybe this could teach them a lesson, or set an example.
Well I think she looked beautiful…
especially when her confidence rose alongside that soaring voice…
and I hope she never gets a makeover.
What a marvellous gift she has.
Her voice, her story.
What a woman.
What an inspiration.
Wouldn’t it be great if all the Susan Boyles of the world find their voice, their gift, and share that beauty with us.
We should be so lucky…
23 Comments
Sarah Lulu
*applause* ..she’s such a gift and a challenge!
Brown's Creek Kennels
Even my 14 yo son was blown away. It was very moving. I’m so glad you ‘featured’ her.
karen
Anonymous
I was just “AMAZED” at her lovly voice, and a tiny bit jeleous. I just hope noone takes advantage of her and her wonderful talent. It is a real modern day cinderella story.
signed
Theresa in Alberta
Dusty Devoe
She is amazing! She’s beautiful inside and out!
Pony Girl
That was pretty cool. I loved watching the judge’s faces. Especially Simon’s. He actually seems nicer on that show than he does as a judge on American Idol!
steviewren
Amen to everything you said!
jeanie
I too have been a blubbering mess every time I have seen it.
It gives such hope and a great lesson – the most beautiful things can come in unexpected parcels.
Dina
Have you read this editorial by
the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-schmich-
bd19-apr19,0,6444611.column
I really like what it says. The basic idea is that although Susan Boyle’s story is inspiring, the lesson we’ve learned might be a bit off. Basically, it’s don’t judge a book by it’s cover. We don’t know what hidden talents someone might have.
What the editorial says is we should take that a step further. It shouldn’t matter whether someone has a special hidden talent or not. We should show ALL people respect.
Some unkissed overweight socially awkward women DON’T sing like angels. But does that mean they deserve our smirks and insults?
My husband brought up Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer–compared Susan Boyle to that him. It’s okay to make fun of someone and exclude them from the fun. But when we realize there’s something cool and useful about them, we’ll be nice.
The editorial really changed my view on the whole Boyle situation. It’s not that I feel cynical now. I think it just made me MORE inspired. Instead of the lesson being “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover” I think it’s “Try to treat EVERYONE with respect. And try to give them the benefit of the doubt.”
Reddunappy
It gives me goosebumps every time I hear her on TV now. It is a great story, and she was so cute during her interview on Good Morning America last week, she made me smile!
d/iowa
i saw this a few days ago and just bawled and bawled she was so good.
i could watch it every day 🙂
Jayne
Tears happened here, her voice is simply magnificent.
Kate
I definitely cried as well. Her voice is so beautiful. I love Simon’s face, priceless. I liked Dina’s comments. We need to work on being respectful and kind to everyone, no matter what they look like. Susan Boyle makes me wonder how many other people out there have amazing voices or other talents but are too shy or don’t have the self esteem to get out there and show the world.
Debby
I knew exactly how Susan Boyle felt at the end of her performance. 4 years back a newspaper editor offered me a chance to write for his paper. I was shocked, because I did not think that I was a writer. I only knew that I liked to write. That astounding moment when someone tells you that you have a gift…it’s amazing.
Nikker
Why do we all (society in general)seem to think that looks go along with talent and or success? Sad, sad, sad…..
Pencil Writer
I loved listening to and watching her (and the crowd, including Simon). One of my sisters sent me a link to the CD she was recorded on (a fund raiser I believe) about 10 years ago??? She sang “Cry Me a River.” Honestly, just listening to that wonderful voice, you would think the singer was the most svelt, sexy woman imaginable. Another testament (to those above and others) to how we erroneously associate one kind of beauty with another, while often missing the whole boat. I think Susan is beautiful, more than obviously talented, and I fervently pray that fame does NOT spoil her! She’s a treasure.
Frances
When you watch the video you see the audience start to stand ‘seconds’ after she starts to sing and funnily enough I noticed how lovely her dress was … that dress was not bought from Kmart and she had a good manicure before coming on the show.
Strange the things you notice before that voice rivets you with its soaring power.
Mom L
As with Paul Potts, the judges and the audience looked at a plain, unassuming person and expected nothing. And then were stunned when the most beautiful voices imaginable poured out. I don’t watch these shows – ever – until something like this happens and I have a chance to watch on YouTube. And yes, I’ve bawled and watched, cried and watched! I followed the link to Susan’s “Cry Me a River” – always one of my favorite songs by Julie London, although I know it was written for Ella Fitzgerald. Susan is truly amazing, and I’m glad she has a chance to show the world. We really do need to wake up and appreciate people regardless of looks.
Nancy in Atlanta
Gina (ks)
When I first saw this and how people in the audience and judges were acting, I was so embarrassed for her. I felt sorry for her and was so mad at the way they were acting. I thought this was going to be another, making fun of someone video. Then she started singing and I was like “You Go Girl.” Great story and what a wonderful voice. I hope she doesn’t change. I think she is beautiful the way she is.
Woman in a Window
I think she is a star but I found it very unsettling to see how acceptable it was to roll eyes and belittle her. If she had no talent would it be ok then? I think a lot of people are missing that. (Not you, Bush Babe, just a lot of others I think aren’t looking nearly deep enough.) When are we all going to learn to stop judging one another?
But, yes, I cried too. A lot.
Bush Babe
I did make a comment that seems to have disappeared about how I think we all have a ‘voice’, a calling of some kind (not necessarily singing!)… and that sometimes we get so disheartened by all that life throws at us, or so distracted by our ‘everyday’ that we forget to keep looking for that calling. Susan Boyle finally chased hers the way she should have – with incredible results. It’s never too late to try. And buggar what anyone else thinks!!
I too was disturbed by the mockery – something that seems prolific on these kind of shows. Like bullying in the playground, but in front of millions.
The sheer guts of this woman to get there, stay there, and sing, is (I think) what really gets me. She has the sort of intestinal fortitude I yearn for… she’s my hero!
🙂
BB
Freth :-p
Thank you!
I read your comment on PW’s blog and wondered where Granite Glen was located … clicked on the link to your blog … and scrolled own to “She’s The Voice.” Without reading further, I clicked on the video … WOW! Really chokes you up. I’ve never seen Simon so bowled over.
After many years in the little church choir … it was fantastic to see her world-wide! 🙂
Thank you for placing that link on your blog.
Hal Johnson
My wife doesn’t much care for computers. She uses them at work when she must, then seems to forget they exist. Imagine my surprise, then, when she called me while I was away to inform me that I MUST check out this Susan Boyle person on YouTube.
And yep, I think I could watch it 100 times with no risk of becoming jaded. It was a beautiful moment, and a gift from life.
Autumn Fullmer
I often find myself drawn back to watch the clip of Susan Boyle singing many times since it’s aired on television. I don’t think I’ve seen Simon Cowell smile as much as he did during that performance. You could tell he was completely shocked as the rest of the world was too.
Definitely goes to show that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. The contents inside may blow you away.