I must say I'm disturbed how much air time this story is getting, just for the reason that it is. Ms. Boyle's voice is not Broadway-ready (in my opinion), it's just that people were surprised that such a lovely voice came out of a woman that, let's face it, is unfortunate looking. If she had been an attractive, or even average looking, woman, I do not think this story would be so newsworthy. It's as if people are saying, "Who would've guessed that that beautiful voice would have come out of THAT?!" It's very cynical and demeaning. We may raise up the story as inspiring, but underneath I actually feel it's a bit mean spirited. Anyone else feel this way?

To a point, yes, but not quite -- at least not in the conclusion.

No, it's not Broadway ready (though I have heard worse voices in Broadway-level performances) But then, she's not auditioning for a part on Broadway. She's taking part in what is essentially a national talent show. And it is a talent show that has a history of letting two kinds of people get on stage: those with real talent and those who can provide Gong Show-style entertainment. Clearly, the producers who let her on stage knew they were getting the former, while the audience and judges expected the latter.

As a musician, I'd say that voice is only part of the performance. One can have a beautiful voice but fail to give what I'd call an "authentic" performance -- one that connects with the audience and conveys emotion and depth. She showed an amazing (I think) ability to step in front of thousands of people and do the latter very, very well.

I think a couple of things resonate with people watching the video that have made it so popular: First is the sheer courage, as my wife describes it, of going for your dreams when the cards seem stacked against you (age, looks, opinions of others, etc.) and triumphing, proving people wrong, being true to yourself -- believing in yourself even if no one else does.

Second is that for some (many?) people at least, I think it does cause some introspection. There has been some written about the popularity of the video in the British press. I liked this from The Beauty That Matters Is Always on the Inside in The Herald (of Glasgow):

Susan is a reminder that it's time we all looked a little deeper. She has lived an obscure but important life. She has been a companionable and caring daughter. It's people like her who are the unseen glue in society; the ones who day in and day out put themselves last. They make this country civilised and they deserve acknowledgement and respect.

Susan has been forgiven her looks and been given respect because of her talent. She should always have received it because of the calibre of her character.

I'll take reminders of that, and examples of it to show my children (especially the one who receives more than his fair share of bullying), wherever and whenever I can get them.

The bolded is I guess what I was trying to sum up. Since when can only beautiful people sing, or hold other talents? What I meant is that it shouldn't have been such a HOLYCOWICANTBELIEVEMYEARSSHESSOWONDERFULIMSOSURPRI SED moment like it was. By giving it so many headlines, the media is essentially saying, "This unattractive woman proved everyone wrong by singing beautifully," to which our response SHOULD be, "Duh, so what? That's not news...I know plenty of people who can sing," but instead we're all saying, "Who would've guessed?! She sure showed them!" The story is uplifting, but the reason why it is so uplifting is the problem.

I see what you're saying, and to a point I agree. I think where I disagree is that I'm basically unwilling to assume that "who would have guessed" is what we're all saying. Some, yes (including the press, I fear), but I simply can't believe it's all of us. It's not what I'm saying.

I'm saying "what a wonderful reminder that our culture is wrong when it encourages us to judge people based on looks and other things that shouldn't matter, which it does so pervasively, and that we fall for that encouragement to our peril." And (literally the first thought I had watching it), "what a wonderful reminder that none of us should give up on our dreams." She's my age. It was the first thing I said to my wife after watching it -- "Maybe I shouldn't treat myself like I'm crazy for thinking I could write a book at my age."

Bear with me for a minute. I'm going to get all personal, sentimental, idealistic, spiritual and (since this is GreekChat) fraternal here. I've thought a lot since I posted last about why this video has moved me so, and here's what I've thought about.

All fraternities and sororities have values and principles that matter to them and that their members try to live by. Obviously, for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, those values center in many ways on music. But not just on music as a job (which it's not for me or many of my brothers) or as a diversion or the like. At the core of our principles -- what makes us the brotherhood that means so much to me and so many of us -- is the firm belief that music is more than just something that adds fun to life. It's a potent force -- a very potent force -- that has the power to enrich the human spirit beyond measure, to turn hearts and to change lives. We believe that it is our role, our duty and privilege, to use that power for the uplift not only of ourselves and our brotherhood, but of humankind. That is why our national philanthropy has nothing to do with raising money or awareness (as very valuable and important as those things are), but instead requires us to give of ourselves in making music for those in hospitals, nursing homes and the like. The firm belief in the power of music is very real to me.

When I watch the video and listen to her sing, I hear two things: First, I hear a woman who found music and singing as a way to cope with the bullying and rejection she received as a child, for whom music became a balm and a refuge, or in the words of The Herald column, a life boat. I hear a woman whose life has been changed and enriched immeasurably by her music. I hear a woman who has found an anchor in her singing.

And second, I hear in her voice, in her singing, an invitation to be lifted up myself: to reject cynicism and prejudgmentalism and preconceived ideas of beauty, to let my heart be turned and instead witness and value true Beauty.

Too many in the press may be playing this like a "who'da thunk she could sing like that." Some viewers well may share that view. I think many, though, love cheering the underdog on and seeing the underdog triumph and think that if that underdog did it, maybe they can as well.

And I'm enough of an idealist that I just have to think that I'm not the only one who sees and hears in that video the power of music to change lives, to call us to our better selves and to invite us to learn and celebrate what true Beauty is.

[/idealism and sentimentality]

ETA: I just found this at The Daily Record in Scotland. Apparently, the paper has a copy of a 1000 CD-for-charity release in 1999. Assuming it's the real thing, click here to hear Susan Boyle sing "Cry Me a River." (The real Cry Me a River," not the Justin Timberlake mess. :D)

< giving MC a standing ovation.

^^^ LOL, you're kind.

You know, I really did think as I watched the standing ovation for her: Wouldn't the world be a better place if we each got a standing ovation every now and then?

I certainly agree that some people are sharing the video because of the "never give up on your dreams" factor. I agree with everything you said. Unfortunately I'm not so sure the media, as well as some others, have similar motivations.

I think most of the media is just trying to catch up - and ride the gravy train. The nice thing about all this is that it is driven by ordinary people who looked it up on youtube. I am so ready for some good news - this and the Captain who was captured by the pirates have made my week.

Exactly. What matters to the media is selling the "story." There are some in the media who will get it, but perhaps my cynicism shows with me not being too surprised when many don't.

But I think the common man and woman get it.

That video is so awesome! I saw it on Twitter and I got all teary eyed!

I hope all her dreams come true :)

Thank you for your idealism and sentimentality. I appreciate that you come from a musical background and that you talk about the power of music to change lives. It has certainly changed Susan Boyle's life and now mine as well. My autistic son reacted to her voice, not her looks as he was not looking at the screen...it reached inside of him. He seldom speaks but he looked at me and said, "You know, she's pretty good!" I already had tears in my eyes. Then I just sobbed.

Paula M.
Sigma Delta Tau
Patrae Multi Spes Una
One Hope of Many People

I finally watched it today and wow...just wow. I got teary-eyed.

I think for me it was the emotional connection she had with her piece and the audience that gave me chills. It's a beautiful song and you can tell she just felt every note and every word. Those are always the most powerful performances (for me).

I may have posted this before in this thread but her song selection was very good. If only they could choose so well on American Idol!

Since when? Since beautiful people are always the one in the spotlight when it comes to entertainment. When was the last time you saw a plain jane plus size woman get good publicity in terms of entertainment? Rarely.

The media, half the time, is going to discuss situations that are hot topics. This happens to be the big thing right now. Whether their motivations are positive or not, it's what's going to be discussed.

I didn't get as much of a surprise watching the video because it was all my family talked about last week.

I really didn't think her voice was that great! I think the surprise came from her outside appearance.

I still get chills when I hear Paul Pott's first performance!