The Most Uplifting Video You Will Ever See
 

This is so amazing. It is an example of everything that is right with the world. Susan Boyle is an unemployed, 47 year old, single woman who has never been kissed and lives with her cat. There is a longer version to the right of the video if you want to hear her interview. Wait until you see Simon Cowell's reaction. There have been over 15,000,000 hits since yesterday.

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4853639?fr=yvmtf

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

My goodness! I'm all teary-eyed. That was wonderful. Thanks for posting it, Paula.

Wow. Just Wow.

This version on YouTube has more of the lead-in and more of the judge's comments, including comments how judgmental everyone had been.

Wow.

America's Got Talent has had a few stories like this, too. Last year's winner was an insurance agent who happened to have a kick ass opera voice.

Before I even clicked on the link I already KNEW that this was about Susan Boyle! I saw it for the first time yesterday and I couldn't believe it.

I think it's already amassed over 7 million hits on YouTube already? Watch the YouTube version when you can. There's a shot of some arrogant audience member rolling her eyes before Ms. Boyle began her song. I just wanted to slap her.

She sounds a lot like Lea Salonga!

People need more Les Miserables in their lives. If only the kids on American Idol were so wise with their song choices!

Have y'all been reading the backstory? Oxygen deprivation at birth left her with learning disabilities. She started singing as a way to deal with bullying and started singing in the church choir when she was 12. She stopped pursuing singing beyond church, karaoke and the like so that she could take care of her mother. She and her mother watched Britain's Got Talent together and her mother kept telling her she should be on it. She stopped singing when her mother died in 2007, but decided to try out for the show. This was the first time she'd sung in public since her mother died. Now she has a shot at singing for the Queen.

It's just such a great story all around.

i saw this on the news and then someone sent me the link. that you paula for linking it here. it moved me to tears-what a gift(to us) her voice is and what a wonderful lesson for so many of us who are too quick to judge.

Isn't it wonderful to know what G-d sounds like? Such a remarkable story...such a remarkable woman. I cannot wait to hear her next performance.

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

You know, I'm probably one of the few, but I don't love Les Miz. It was OK for me, but I didn't LOVE it the way others do. I liked Miss Saigon more.

Agreed!

I like maybe one or two Les Miz songs, but I loved everything about Miss Saigon.

Les Mis isn't really the music for me, it's the story. I like the music but there are other musicals I like better. I've read Les Miserables about 5 or 6 times (which for a book that takes MONTHS to read that's kindof a lot) and I cry every time. I cry at every movie adaptation, and at the musical.

Just one of the most moving stories ever (IMO) and the musical does a fairly good job off conveying it.

ETA: I am a Victor Hugo fangirl. Seriously. When my dad and I were in Paris last year I dragged him all over the place looking for his house (which is now a museum) and I almost squealed when we found it.

According to this CNN story, (http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/0...ell/index.html) it's over 11 million now!!

I agreee, watching her story has been a sheer delight (and I do love that song from Les Miserables).

It seems a bit sad that she's never been kissed though; human beings need love and affection (well, I guess she got that from her Mom before she died, but that's not the same thing....).

It knocks me out how confident and self assured she seems on stage though. She seems pretty comfortable in her skin, up there on the stage.

I never really "got" Miss Saigon - it just didn't hit with me the way Les Miz did. But I LOVE this story and hope some really great things (including a kiss or two!) are in Susan's future.

I love this story! It makes me wonder what she is going to sing next. Since she wants to be like Elaine Paige, I would love to hear her sing "Memory" from Cats.

Anyone know when round 2 starts?

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!

I thought Andrew was better

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K2EA8SWhh8

amazing...

fyi - they need to switch out paula abdul with the blonde british judge. she is way hotter and makes alot of sense with she speaks.

Fixed that for you. ;)

By the way, this in USA Today was interesting: Why Susan Boyle inspires us

Susan Boyle gets a make over and people are still critical...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30387337/

Susan Boyle gets eyebrow-raising makeover
Some worry that new look will cost Scottish singer support on ‘Talent’ show

LONDON - What’s next, a fake tan?

Britain is buzzing over singing sensation Susan Boyle’s mini-makeover, with some worrying that her new look may cost her some support in the “Britain’s Got Talent” competition that catapulted her to international stardom.

Boyle, 47, became an instant YouTube and Internet celebrity after appearing on the British TV show with gray frizzy hair, bushy eyebrows and a jowly face above a remarkably unflattering dress. The contrast between Boyle’s un-adorned looks and her angelic singing voice endeared her to viewers the world over.

But on Friday, Boyle appeared on the cover of The Sun tabloid sporting freshly dyed and styled brown locks and newly shaped eyebrows.

While no one could accuse Boyle of turning into a WAG — as the highly stylized Wives and Girlfriends of England’s wealthy athletes are called — the difference was shocking.

“Compared to what she had, it’s a 200 percent improvement,” said Toni Jones, assistant fashion editor of The Sun. “But our readers think this is as far as she should go. We want her to stay one of us, not get hair extensions and a fake tan.”

Jones praised Boyle for getting a 35-pound ($51) hair cut at a local salon near her home in Scotland rather than trekking to London for a 200-pound ($295) cut at a celebrity salon.

But Max Clifford, Britain’s most prominent publicist, called the makeover a major risk because it could jeopardize the phenomenal connection between Boyle and her worldwide audience.

“Keep her as natural as possible for as long as possible,” said Clifford. “It’s more about protection than promotion. She’s got the voice. She has to make sure that the person people all around the world fell in love with remains the same.”


In addition to the new haircut, Boyle has also upgraded her wardrobe. Instead of the plain beige dress she wore on her first TV appearance, she was recently photographed wearing a stylish black leather jacket and what appeared to be a Burberry scarf.

Judges of “Britain’s Got Talent” will decide May 23 whether Boyle gets through to the next round. Britain’s bookmakers have made her the firm favorite to win the competition.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

i just saw her second performance (memory - from the musical cats). it was not as good as the first once, but it was still good.

Heres a link to her second performance. She starts off a little shaky but recovers. Hey if I had her voice...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SncyQKe6CnQ

It isn't as amazing as her first performance but I still got tears in my eyes. LOL

Hey- she sang the song I picked out for her! :p

Finals are tomorrow night!

Gonna have to search for the video of her final performance on youtube on Sunday.

Piers said in an interview on ABC and NBC that he thinks she is going to win and that he thinks that she will again sing "I Dreamed a Dream".

God I wish us Americans could watch it live, I don't care if I can't vote, I just hate having to watch it on youtube.