Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Susan Boyle's Dream

The showing of Susan Boyle's audition of Britain’s Got Talent really became a lesson for all of us. A lesson in judgment and pre-conceived notions. This woman seemed silly, and even nerdy, and she was being laughed at. But what a delightful surprise when she began to sing. For many of us, listening to the incredible voice of Susan Boyle singing “I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables brought tears.

I really enjoyed watching the audience, the judge’s faces, (Simon Cowell) and loved their comments. Of course, Susan received a standing ovation. You can’t help but wonder if this forty-seven year old woman has spent her life singing only in the shower, without ever having any acknowledgement of her tremendous talent, yet always dreaming of what could be. Apparently her only prior singing was the church choir and karaoke according to what I have read.

Lisa Schwarzba from Entertainment Weekly online wrote today, “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 think Lisa, the reporter, is on target. We simply recognize the inner beauty of this woman and are surprised as her incredible voice catches us all off guard. It is a wake-up call. Thank you Susan Boyle for giving us that, a reminder we cannot "judge a book by its cover," as we too often do.

I wanted to post the video but it has been restricted for posting, but go HERE to watch it. Millions have already watched her. A star is born….a star has found her dream!
~Linda

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow-- I'm not generally a fan of those type shows, but that was very moving. What a voice & what presence. Thanks for posting on this & for the YouTube link.

Elizabeth Bradley said...

Funny, I had just viewed Susan's performance on U-Tube before stumbling on to your blog about her. I can't say it any better, what a great lesson to watch the audience transformed from scornful to adoring as they begin to hear THAT voice.

Nancy said...

Never judge a book by it's cover - sounds trite. But, in this case, was a lesson for all.

I was very disappointed in Joy's response to her looks on "The View". Joy seemed "over done" and small-minded. Whoopie made my day! Maybe we are changing, slowly, but surely.

Linda Pendleton said...

Lover of Life: I heard about Joy on the view. That's a shame. Good for Whooppi. She always seems sensible. But the comment by Joy is why this was such a lesson for everyone. Let's hope we are learning. Thanks for your comments.

John, Wow is right. I think that is what we are all saying about that voice.

Elizabeth, thanks for your comments and yes, it was something to see the audience and judges' transformations take place immediately.

Anonymous said...

It is truly magic when our dreams actually do come true. Its good to walk with a knowing that we can accomplish whatever we put our minds upon and release into the world with our hearts.