47-year-old woman’s shocking performance on Britain’s Got Talent

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I am not a fan of reality television for about a million reasons. So as not to offend those that enjoy it, I’ll say my biggest complaint is that the shows have come to dominate TV and have replaced scripted programs. And as a writer and a traditionalist, I prefer a nice sitcom and drama to watching shows about obstreperous children being corrected by British women, or theoretically rational adults creating tribes. So you can imagine how upset I was to find myself watching a clip from “Britain’s Got Talent” and not only not hating it, but tearing up. With moderate over-the-eye spillage. Which is not the same thing as crying, because it only affected my eyes. Just wanted to clear that up.

It starts out with the typically unflattering shots the “American Idol,” “X Factor,” and “Got Talent” producers love to use. A homely woman eating. Then giving an interview where she comes across as dowdy and out-of-touch. Then 47-year-old Susan Boyle walks out onto the stage, and gives an awkward interview with the judges. Simon Cowell asks her several questions in that persistent manner of his which demonstrates that – while he’s technically being polite – he’s trying to goad or otherwise embarrass Susan.

Everyone braces for her to start singing, just imagining how horrible and awkward it’s going to be. And then she does this:

And then I cried. I freaking hate reality T.V. They really amp it up too, with the inspirational music. I can’t help but root for the underdog. Simon was right – everyone in the audience clearly had it out for her, and it was obvious they were all ready for a good laugh. Dlisted notes that Susan hasn’t sung in the two years since her mother died and she’s never been kissed. And she clearly has no idea how gifted she is, as she seems genuinely unaware of her talent. To see someone give such a spectacular performance… it almost makes me consider tuning in again. I said almost.

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137 Responses to “47-year-old woman’s shocking performance on Britain’s Got Talent”

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  1. Kitty says:

    This show did that with the phone sales guy too…honestly, I think the shallow west is surprised when people who aren’t freakishly beautiful have ANYTHING going for them. While of course ignoring it when the shockingly beautiful put out CD’s and the such that should be burned.

  2. Wildflower says:

    Um, she didn’t say Ellen Page, she said Elaine Paige, famous star of Broadway and the West End, so not an odd choice after all.

  3. Jessica says:

    That was wonderful =). I’m glad she proved them wrong in their preconcieved notions.

  4. NinaP says:

    This is great – thanks for posting it!

  5. Gena says:

    She said Elaine Paige, not Ellen Page…
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine_Paige

    And she’s incredible!

  6. caro says:

    she was amazing! elle m’a donné la chair de poule!

  7. chutneycarnival says:

    that was awesome! you go girl! there is not a group in the world more cynical than the brits and i am glad that she was able to wipe those blooming smirks off their faces!!

  8. JayBird says:

    Wildflower thank you, I thought I heard her wrong because of her accent, and I was soooo confused!

  9. Sauronsarmy says:

    Kitty: Exactly. You can just look at the top 40 for the past 10-15 years and you’ll see not many people with talent, besides lookin good in a bikini. Also Madonna.

  10. Anna says:

    I cried, no I bawled, too when I clicked the clip. I know what it’s like to feel like her and so I’m truly ecstatic about her magnificent performance. She will not be able to save herself from kisses now! I hope she goes all the way, just like Paul Potts did a few years ago.
    And might I just say: she isn’t beautiful by any conventional standards but she’s got a charme and an inner glow that make her beautiful. And she’s a pretty sharp dresser too. Those heels were working great for her and they matched the dress perfectly!

  11. bros says:

    i agree completely anna. she knocked my socks off first thing this morning. great personality. that is one of my favorite broadway songs ever, and a very difficult one at that.

  12. Codzilla says:

    Kitty: Amen to everything you said.

  13. Chiara says:

    “And what do the simple folk do,” Camelot. The fun is in the everyday hero/heroine : )

  14. Payton says:

    The Brits were downright cruel to her! Her voice was outstanding. Just because someone is not glamourous, it doesn’t mean they are devoid of talent. She said she lives in rural Brighton, and probably had no idea how lovely her voice was till now. Even Simon was kind to Susan! He isn’t heartless after all. I wish her well, and hope she gets to sing on Broadway, and her dream comes to fruition.

  15. FF says:

    I’m always glad when someone knocks the cynicism out of those judges.

    Top marks to her – she has talent, which is what was asked for.

  16. debra says:

    She made me cry.. She made me feel small. She made me feel ashamed of myself. I wish I could say thank you. We judge too much with our eyes. And our eyes are wrong more times then they are right. She has the voice of an Angel.

  17. Courtney H says:

    That was amazing. I started tearing up during her performance, and straight up cried watching her reaction backstage afterward.

  18. bagladey says:

    Is anybody else bawling?

  19. c says:

    maybe I’m cynical, but that did not seem for real.

  20. Ceenitall says:

    I loved her. Jaybird please keep us posted on her progress on the show.

  21. Chicoulino says:

    This woman is unbeleivable!I was so moved by her voice,the tears started running down my cheeks.I was shocked because I don’t cry easily,especially while listening to a song.
    She deserves a big Bravo!I hope she will find alot of open doors from now on.I want to hear her sing again!

  22. gavin says:

    Not ashamed to say it is such a marvelous performance and moment, that I have watched it three times. And yes, it does make one consider tuning in to reality tv.

  23. KateNonymous says:

    That was phenomenal!

    I was struck by how nice it is to watch Simon when he’s actually enjoying things. That’s a real change from the usual nastiness.

  24. allison says:

    PAYTON I AGREE!!! they were giving such nasty looks!!! They were so judgmental! and its not like they were the most glamorous bunch themselves! all i could think was “evil, evil, evil!” i used to think british people were awesome basically because i love the accent, but most that i have known are downright nasty. Its like they have no empathy, no heart, no soul. Creepy. But yes im very happy for this lady! She did wonderfully!

  25. cher says:

    She has the most amazing voice. And yes, I cried.I hope you’ll keep posts up on how she does. Not a reality person either but hope she wins!Thanks for posting

  26. SixxKitty says:

    Im still weeping… what a stunner, guess we will all hear from her again!

  27. boomchakaboom says:

    That is the most naturally beautiful voice I’ve heard since Dolly Parton.

  28. kay21 says:

    that was very average to me

  29. Aspen says:

    Okay, everyone needs to chill a little on calling the English names. Not ALL British people are unfeeling bastards, and not all “Western” people reject folks out of hand for not being shockingly beautiful.

    We have seen, over the last several years of shows like this one, that MOST of the people who have this type of “look” cannot sing and the performances are mostly comedic and awkward.

    This woman was a surprise in many ways…and though it was prejudice to roll eyes at the lady before she sang, it was not “evil.”

    Lighten up.

    I was grinning with tears welling by the end of that. I pray she’ll want for nothing now. What a sweet, talented lady. That clip made my day.

  30. Margaret says:

    You can’t fake that kind of thinning, helmet hair. And she dressed very carefully. Every ugly, too old, cynical dreamer in this world will buy her CD’s by the bucket load. And there are a lot more of us than of them.

    Way to go, Susan, one for the good guys!

  31. daisy says:

    I have NEVER heard a voice as beautiful as that.

  32. kilikina says:

    thank you for posting it! As a shallow westerner, I must echo ANNA’s comment and say hellz yeah, her shoes are FIERCE!!! LOL….She is absolutely adorable! I will be scouring the internet every week to find more clips of this beautiful talent and spirit, her voice is so moving. It touched me, and before I knew it, tears were strolling down my face. BRAVO!!!!!

  33. I Choose Me says:

    She’s beautiful inside and out. I loved her attitude even before she started singing and to see people’s reaction makes me sad and glad at the same time. Sad that people think talent has anything to do with looks and glad that I got to hear her. Bravo Susan! And thank you Jaybird for that clip.

  34. Aspen says:

    So…I was inspired by this clip to go and watch more from her. I stumbled in my ramblings upon ANOTHER Britain’s Got Talent clip that made me cry.

    The father/son “Greek Irish Dance” routine called Stavros Flatley. I laughed because it was just incredibly funny, and I got misty because it is so beautiful to see such a healthy and loving relationship between a father and son. What FUN that family must be. If you haven’t seen it…go and watch.

  35. HEB says:

    Loved it.

  36. heh-heh says:

    Fantastic. She showed ’em all!

  37. maagles says:

    Sorry Payton she’s not from rural Brighton (England) but from a town in central Scotland. Not at all far from where UK X-Factor winner Leon Jackson (2 years ago) was from. Must be something in the water in West Lothian! Good luck to her, I sincerely hope she wins. What a fantastic woman.

  38. BLA says:

    Anyone reminded of Paul Potts and the way people treated him?

  39. jennifer says:

    Paul Potts!!!!! THANK YOU, BLA, I was trying to remember that guy’s name. That guy had me BAWLING, as did this woman. Bravo, Susan, excellent job! *still crying lol*

  40. Ling says:

    Her voice is good, but honestly, it’s the shock and her looks and personality that got her through. I’m sure if a pretty, bland woman had sung the same the judges would have snored and sent her home. This is fairly standard BGT fare.

    As for the nasty looks beforehand: it’s a common editing trick to use reaction shots taken from completely different scenarios in order to spice up the “plot”. And the audience for BGT is carefully selected every week from a pool of the basest idiots in Britain. Allegedly.

    (Pet issue rant: audience etiquette in reality shows needs to be addressed in general. I understand whoopings and wailings in shows that are unabashedly classless like American Idol, but with shows that deal with classier venues like the Royal Variety Show [BGT] and the West End [Any Dream Will Do, etc]… you’d think someone would dress the audiences down for their behaviour. Can we get Andrew Lloyd Webber on this?)

  41. raunnie says:

    I am so sick of the likes of Christscreamstra Ugliera and Celine Dion and on and on. Finally Simon is amazed. Susan is a geunuine talent and beauty. Go Girl!

  42. D-chi says:

    Awesome!
    I love that song, and this lady did a lovely job.

    Kitty, while we in the “shallow” west may behave like that sometimes, I’d venture to say that it’s not limited to the west. Since obviously England behaves like that, too. I think most cultures have that same basic reaction.

  43. Kimble says:

    Didn’t all the British haters above forget that we all have bad teeth too. (insert eyeroll smilie)

    Generalisations about a whole nation of people is so … well, ignorant! Ooops, there I go again another evil, horrible British person!

  44. Rhonda McPherson says:

    Yea for everyone, especially Simon being shocked!! Thanks for sharing.

  45. abbizmal says:

    I gotta say, I am so impressed with her. She is very likable too. Yes, please keep us posted on any updates on her. I’ve never heard anything like it. My jaw dropped. You go, girl, I wish ya the best. *sniff sniff*

  46. kris says:

    It makes me sick the look on the peoples faces before her performance. They were rolling their eyes and laughing JUST by her looks. How can you be so egotistical? She was amazing, good for her for standing up for herself and getting up on that stage.

  47. anastasiabeaverhausen says:

    I think there are everyday people like her and Paul Potts walking around all the time with exteriors people just look past (or worse, sneer at) and they have a glorious beautiful gift inside.

    That clip made me cry from the beauty of not only her voice, but her victory.

  48. Teresa says:

    I never cry! I just watched this clip and I CRIED!!

  49. allison says:

    i dont think ALL british people are unfeeling. Its just that from what I’ve seen of british people (including most of the brits i have known) they are generally crueler and less empathetic than what i am used to. Of course I dont think ALL brits are like that, but maybe it somewhat of a cultural thing. I have known some friendly brits too.

  50. KLaw says:

    She is just plain beautiful. Beautiful personality and beautiful voice. The shell is what we are born in and doesn’t mean a dam* thing. Love her. Would totally buy her album.

  51. Nudgie says:

    It doesn’t matter the nationality — these shows are set up to make fun (mostly mean-spirited) of people with little or no talent. Humiliation is what drives ‘reality TV’ — redemption (few and far between) is what keeps it from being driven off the air like the trash is mostly is.

    There are very remarkable people in this world that will never have their talents seen nor heard because of the Media Industry and the Almighty Dollar. Yet Britney Spears can go to San Jose CA and between lip-syncing ask in her real voice “How ya doing Sacramento???”

    The public gets what it pays for.

  52. lilybme says:

    i hope her dream continues….she is one special and gifted lady!

  53. Ned says:

    That was wonderful.

  54. Ash says:

    Holy CRAP, I’m still crying after 10 minutes. Everything about her is amazing. Her voice is absolutely lovely.

  55. Bina says:

    From what I’ve known of British people, they are more reserved, won’t show their feelings as much, and when in danger of actually having an emotion (grin) will make a joke or say something sarcastic to hide their emotions. That doesn’t mean they don’t feel anything, they just don’t show it in a straightforward way in the manner of Americans. They’re like Canadians, but with cynicism. However with the emergence of reality TV, cheap talk shows and the feeling/caring culture of the social services, now you have a whole generation of British people who let loose their emotions in public after generations of repression and the results are weird at best, scary at worst!

  56. OzGirl says:

    Yeah – I’m with everyone else on this too, I thought her voice was beautiful … The part that got me was the end, where she was overwhelmed, that made me cry too!

    fantastic job Susan 🙂

  57. LondonParis says:

    I love how Amanda Holden described it as a privilege to listen to. Very, very true.
    When the first line came out of her mouth, I got chills and by the chorus I had tears. A GORGEOUS performance!
    Edit: I just have to say I LOVE Simon’s expression at 4:00. It’s almost… adorable. I love this video.

  58. Calli says:

    Her voice is just “good,” Ling? “… the judges would have snored”? Did you actually listen to her sing? Do you know ANYTHING about music? ANYTHING about singing? How about voice control? Tremor? Pitch? Vibrato?

    I’m guessing that Britney and Amy and Madonna and the like have all screamed holes into your ear drums so you no long can recognize a more than just “good” voice. Perhaps she should have belted out, “Like a Virgin.” Or maybe screeched it for you.

  59. Abby says:

    that was really beautiful. i teared up too.

  60. Mary says:

    That lady was amazing. A little training and I think she would be a professional singer. Good luck to her. Life can begin at 40 + lol!

  61. Megan says:

    Thanks to anyone who made a sweeping generalisation about Britain based on a tedious reality show… you are clearly just as shallow and narrow minded as the people who make judgements based on looks.

    I agree that it’s sad that people assume just because you don’t look like a Hollywood goddess, you automatically could never have any talent. Looks and talent are not related.

  62. MDD says:

    I cried as well… more stories like this and less octomom.

  63. Kat says:

    WOW !!

  64. Nony says:

    I think it’s more that she seemed so out of touch that people assumed it wouldn’t be any good. The show is full of out of touch people wanting to show off their imaginary talents, so when someone who comes across like that opens their mouth and are actually good, it’s a surprise.

    Mitch Benn made a great song about this sort of thing by the way…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9s9rmi9Kk

  65. heh-heh says:

    I hope this translates into some big bucks for this lady. Her voice just makes other “singers” pale by comparison.

  66. Blondie says:

    Bina…take it you are not British as I have never heard such a huge generalisation of utter cr*p about the British in my life.

    Well said Megan

  67. sweetzy says:

    beautiful voice!!

  68. geronimo says:

    Ditto Nudgie and Megan. Well said. Ironic, the shallow and stupid generalisations being made here about an entire nationality in a post about the shallow and stupid generalisations and pre-conceptions that were made about this fabulous woman before she even opened her mouth. Some of you really need to buy a clue.

  69. RAN says:

    I had no intention of watching the video because I thought it was going to be some bad singing and some horrendous torture from the judges to crush the woman’s dream. Like Jaybird, I rarely watch reality tv for that reason, I hate to see someone hurt like that.

    However, after finally watching the video, I welled up too. How wonderful for her! Beautiful voice and fantastic personality. Too bad she didn’t get this chance when she was younger – her whole life would have been different.

  70. john says:

    As much as she is talented and wonderful, please stop knocking the Brits. Some of the comments on here are quite shocking. No the whole of Great Britain isn’t cynical. Not everyone in the audience wanted her to fail.

    You guys come across as extraordinarily cynical in your judgement of Britain.

  71. barneslr says:

    “that was very average to me”

    Good thing you are not a judge, then, since you obviously don’t have an ear for talent.

  72. Holly says:

    You know what the worst bit is? The people who turn up to watch Britain’s Got Talent. The kind of idiots that sit at home cracking up at Lee Evans, or got mad at football matches, or doll themselves up for clubbing three times a week, and then are late to their hairdressing job come Monday morning. Then they sit there, taunting the people brave enough to come on stage in front of a load of strangers, whether they’re talented or otherwise, and just have no bloody respect for anyone who doesn’t look like Leona Lewis. Grrr.

  73. Lizbeth says:

    For those who think she’s just “average” and that it’s her looks and personality or shock value that carried her through: please pick up the sheet music for this song and attempt it. Go on.

    This was NOT an easy song, by any means. Sing along with her and see the breath control you need to make/sustain those notes.

    Now, try it with minimal vocal training and a standard backing tract in front of millions of people who are mocking you and, oh yeah, wait until you are 48, a time when most “professional” singers are retiring because they don’t have the lung power to stick around (despite years of careful training).

    Sheesh.

  74. Carrie says:

    I agree with Mary. Get this woman a vocal coach and once the reality show fame passes, she could have a legitimate professional career, maybe even become a West End star like she dreams. I was also going to say “get her a stylist as well and there is no stopping her.” But how cynical of me and how sad it would be for someone to muck up her natural charm.

  75. Bina says:

    Nope, not British, but have British family and friends and have visited many, many times. British teachers in school, professors in university, and friends both in school and university, as well as from amongst the British community where I live. Like I said, “from what I know of British people”. Not saying all of Britain is like that. Don’t be so sensitive!

  76. The Old KC says:

    She seems like a truly delightful person – before she even opened her mouth to sing, she seems like a really sparkling personality and lots of fun. But then when she sang, I was floored – after reading all the comments on here I was determined not to cry but I did anyway. What a performance! She has a bright and successful career ahead of her and I hope she stays just who she is throughout. Quite an inspiration!

  77. rbsesq says:

    I saw this yesterday, and I, too, teared up. I love the music from Les Mis. And I cannot tell you how happy I was to see the looks on the audience members’ faces slide from patronizing smiles and sniggers to looks of awe! I sent the video to everyone I know just so they could appreciate her beautiful voice.

  78. Dr Tim says:

    Humph. Just because she’s noh a lookah, doesn’t mean she cannot have talent. You go ma’am.

  79. Zoe (The Other One) says:

    How funny that loads of non-British folk with their wide sweeping generalisations about us but in the same breath reprimand Brits for being shallow etc.

    I’m with my fellow Brits on this one – get a life, y’all are sooooooo PC but it’s fine to slag the Brits? Poor logic people.

  80. a says:

    I don’t understand what the big deal is. She is an old goofball who has a good voice.

  81. HElium says:

    I dont know about tearing up but I definitely got some goose bumps! Amazing. I love when that shit happens. You can tell shes got one fantastic soul there.

  82. nanc says:

    Just listened without the visual, just to eliminate any preconceptions and this is one of the best versions of this song I’ve ever heard.

  83. Petra says:

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Here are a few of them that did not ‘make’ it through their looks. Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, etc etc. and yes lately Paul Pott!(Just to name a few).
    And ‘did n’t they do well!’ to quote Brucy!
    What a voice Susan has…matched with bags of personality. I’m sure she will join the very elite group of highly talented, very memorable – not so ‘glamorous?’- TRUE ARTISTS. She is a joy to listen to and like Edith Piaf – who only wore a very plain black dress and was definitely no beauty – she’ll hold us spellbound while reaching the very top,where she belongs!!!. Bis bis!/encore encore!!!

  84. Rebecca says:

    Everyone that has anything to do with shows like this should remember:

    DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITs COVER.

  85. Ellie says:

    she is not attractive in the conventional sense, but before she even started singing I really loved her personality in the interviews. She was confident, extrovert and sweet.

  86. Iulia says:

    U’re right she is amazing!! And u’re right about reality shows.. i hate them. i just started crying as well…

  87. ERM says:

    She is an amazing singer – so much so that I thought she was a professional and that this was a “gag”. I’m not a fan of Reality TV but may tune in to see her again while I’m in London.

    And for the record, most Brits (not all) are incredibly cynical and mean-sprited!

  88. waldemar says:

    I. Can´t. Stop. Watching. Amazing!!1

    Feeling a massive makeover coming.

  89. pumak says:

    omg! i feel i just emotionally woken up! since friday its the first time something that went underneath the cold surface of the everyday routine coat that i have over me! she is wonderful and i hope record companies will give her a chance. i will def buy her cd!!!!! wtg susan!!!!

  90. Shannon says:

    I thought she was amazing.

    I saw this somewhere else as well.

    You go Susan!!!! I didn’t think she was that unappealing. That VOICE. Nothing is more beautiful than nature given talent and she proves it.

    Besides, she looks and acts like she’s an awesome person and who cares about looks, her personality makes her beautiful versus the “hot” girl who can’t sing a bar without cats screeching.

  91. Mairead says:

    I think the goofball with a nice voice comment kind of sums it up for me – but I’m looking at her as more of a loveable eccentric and can’t wait to see more. I didn’t think she would be able hold a note either, but my goodness I was wrong. I tell thee – she’s a longtime am-dram participant of the first water.

    Someone made a comment about Leona Lewis, what so many people loved about her was that she was completely guileless and really didn’t understand how good she was – despite the drama school and everyone raving about her. In fact that was the one criticism I had of her then was that she had so little faith in her own voice and style, she would basically give a carbon copy of the original Mariah/Celine etc. But when she mixed it up a bit… wow! And this is coming from a then ardent Ben Mills supporter!!!

    But on the programme itself, I was saying to the boyfriend that the kind of gladatorial element is back to the real theatre experience of the 18th century; when the people in the Gods or the cheapseats would literally shower you with roses or shower you with insults, furniture, rotting veg or livestock!

  92. Cletus says:

    Hot damn, that shit gave me goosebumps. Just… DAMN.

  93. czarina says:

    She was wonderful.
    I don’t think it was so much her looks that had Simon rolling his eyes at first–more, her personality (he doesn’t do well with ‘playful’).
    I do believe she’s had some professional training. A voice like that doesn’t just spring out of nowhere. It’s such a shame she has never had an opportunity to get the recognition for herself that she obviously deserves.
    I hope this leads to great things for her!!

  94. Shannon says:

    Okay, maybe I was expecting a bit more, based on all these glowing comments. I think she was a “B” – moderately good, but nothing great. I’ve seen Les Miserables several times in my midsized, midwest town, and each of those “no names” performing in the musical did a much better job than this woman. I think what most of you are reacting to is her song selection. That song is painfully beautiful and dramatic, and sounds good even if your singing doesn’t do it full justice. This Brit seems really could benefit from some voice lessons – esp. her vibrato and pacing.

  95. doodahs says:

    She’s from Scotland, so technically she’s a Scot not a Brit (I have found that Americans generally class Brit’s as being from England).

    Don’t they get to hear contestants beforehand?? This whole “what a shock” thing seems ridiculously staged. I agree with the first poster who commented that it’s somewhat shallow to assume that because she’s older and not a glamor puss that her talent is somehow more magical. There are so many wonderful singers in the world that come in all shapes and sizes but never get a shot because they don’t have the required physical package that goes with it. The nice thing about this show is someone who doesn’t fit the mold is being given a chance and for that I agree – BRAVO!

    I thought she was charming and I sincerely hope she gets a career from this mostly because of the effect she has had on so many people and THAT’S what a great voice does… it moves people… not from the pretty package but the substance behind it.

  96. Daisy says:

    WOW!! I was absolutely astonished at such a talented contestant. What a special treat it was to listen to that beautiful voice. I hope she is the final winner. She is amazing.

  97. Curtis B. says:

    I know that a man is not suppose to cry but I surrender because I just did , congradulations !!!!

  98. 1 says:

    shes the devil look at her reaction after they say yes

  99. Dumbari Deezua says:

    We’ve heard it so many times;do not judge the book by its cover. I hope this is really a wake-up call for many people. Remarkable!

  100. What a wonderful amazing voice she has! I do hope she gets her dream and is able to be an entertainer, she deserves it.

  101. Zoe (The Other One) says:

    I still don’t get how it’s OK to say that ‘most (not all) Brits are cynical and mean-spirited’.

    Replace the word Brit with black, jew or Asian. Still OK?

  102. nadine says:

    I sort of want to choke the little emo tween at 1.22 who rolls her eyes with a smug little ‘yeah right’ smirk when Susan says she wants to be a proffesional singer.
    Then I think how wonderful Susan is and how that dickweed probably choked on her own surprise, thus saving me a job.
    I hate these talent shows, but everynow and then they unearth something wonderful. I few years ago I caught a clip of a little boy, a tubby little shaved headed kid in his best dress shirt, saying how he got bullied at school, because of his singing.They asked him what he did when he got bulllied and he shrugged ‘I just keep singin”
    You’re thinking he wont be up to much but he has fun so what ever, you dont expect what comes out which is possibly the most emotional and beautiful choirboy performance of …oh I forget the name, but a classical piece, I’ve ever heard. It’s truly one of those pin drop moments.
    Like I say I hate these talent shows, but a teeeeeenny bit of me thinks they do some good

  103. Aspen says:

    Well, Americans have been saying for a LONG time that it’s ridiculous to generalize all of us. You’ll note that I was one of the first posters to say that people needed to stop classing the English as unfeeling based on edited reactions from a reality show audience. So…yeah. But here’s a thought:

    “Americans are shallow.” “Americans are arrogant.” “Americans are imperialist bastards.” “Americans are stupid, loud, and fat.” “Americans are a blight on the world.” “Americans are the root cause of all evil perpetrated by man in the world…past, present and future.”

    I could go on.

    So…for my Celebitchy brethren enjoying citizenship somewhere in Great Britain…remember how this topic’s comments made you feel the next time you’re tempted to throw 350 million Americans together under a negative label to make a point on the internet.

  104. annie says:

    I heard her and she does have a beautiful voice but I think alot of people are patronizing her because lets face it, she’s ugly, so they’re falling all over themselves about her to show everyone what “good” people they are, all those people who cried? you would not have cried if she was beautiful, you would probably be saying, well, I’ve heard better so just shut up!

  105. pumak says:

    aspen…with all due respect.. ur the leader of the idiot pack… as for susan, she is a m a z i n g

  106. Nat says:

    Susan Boyd’s voice was beautiful and gave me goose bumps 🙂 I hope she gets a record deal. Sure, she looks plain and homey, but an Extreme Makeover can change all that.

  107. Annie says:

    I second Aspen’s comment.

    I think we need to remember that all around, classifying and making sweeping generalizations about any group of people is wrong. And we should all take a look inside first to find if we’re guilty of it before we go running off crying “OFFENSIVE!” when we ourselves have sung the same tune.

    As for Susan Boyd, a couple of you said you didn’t buy it, and others decided that clearly, they were experts on talent and quality of singing. What do you know? Do you have some piece of paper that told you you were the expert? Get off your high horses. I thought she did beautifully and I’m delighted she found the courage to do something so terrifying.

  108. geronimo says:

    Yep, generalisations are stupid and foolish and serve no purpose other than making people sound ignorant and uninformed. (Although I now seem to be generalising about generalisations. 😛 )

  109. posterboy says:

    Wonderful! One of the best things I’ve ever seen, it really made my day! You go Susan!

  110. gema says:

    marabilloso

  111. John Pulcher says:

    What a beautiful voice, the best part of the performance was the childish nature to the genuinely real voice.

  112. Aspen says:

    Sigh. Yes, I’m an idiot. It’s a heavy burden to be so completely stupid. I’m glad you noticed and retained “due respect.”

    I wish I could be like you and get all foamy with contempt and make cute little snarky quips every time I’m presented with someone who disagrees with me about politics. Silly me, I try to discuss things rationally. I know. It’s so provoking. I should stop trying that and just learn to fling poop like you do. It would be SO much more educational and uplifting.

  113. Aspen says:

    and “ur” right.

    Susan IS amazing. I wish her nothing but success. She’s got serious balls to get up there and do what she did…and her voice is very pretty.

    She was lit up with joy while she sang, and that was half the wonder of it. People who are both talented AND in love with what they’re doing are so inspirational.

    I’ll buy her CD…absolutely.

  114. Jim Howard says:

    I just think she was great. I wish I could here her sing more. Can you tell us when she will be back on the TV.
    All the best to you sweet Susan and I hope you go all the way to Brodway.

  115. khalil Khoury says:

    That was gd!

  116. Cheryl says:

    All Susan Boyle lovers should boycott THE VIEW for the ugly comments Joy Behr made about Susan’s looks. To her credit, Whoopie tried to stop her but nasty Behr refused to stop and just kept cracking herself up about how “goofy” Susan is and how she needs a make-over. What an attention-whore she is. If you’re as offended as I am, go to THE VIEW’s website and tell Behr how nasty she is.

  117. Mr. Mann says:

    Used to be musically talented people who weren’t beautiful could have excellent careers on radio and everyone was happy… video killed the radio star in 1981 and music hasn’t been the same since. : | S

  118. Sue says:

    Wow, I’m another cryer,but boy did she make me smile as well, what a lovely lady, I wish her all the very best. Its a shame we can’t all be blind for a day then we would not judge people for how they look, but judge them for what they do and say

  119. justin richards says:

    she wont win because although she can sing..she looks like a sack of shite

  120. gg says:

    I love her personality, she’s a hoot! I think many people would be quite surprised if she just had a quick makeup sesh and a new ‘do.

    Justin, “with all due respect”, that comment of yours makes you look “full of shite”, and mentally about the age of 10.

  121. Belinda says:

    That was awesome! Why do we always judge a book by its cover? Thats why we are all crying.

  122. czarina says:

    People have said that we’re all making a big deal about her because she is not attractive, and that if she were pretty, we wouldn’t be so bowled over.

    And, that’s true to a point.

    She is very talented, but what touches people is the realization that she’s very likely been held back all her life because of her looks.
    Because she isn’t pretty, her great talent has been overlooked. She’s not singing in Les Mis, because she isn’t beautiful and shapely and all the things we as a society consider to be so bloody important that someone like Heidi whatsername (who has no talent, no intelligence and no integrity) can be famous but Susan, who has real talent and seems very likable, is ignored because she isn’t “pretty”.

    After a lifetime of what one can only imagine has been continually being ignored, insulted, ridiculed, and dismissed, she is STILL strong and confident enough to go out there and perform.

    THAT’s what is so moving about this woman. THAT’s what makes us cheer for her.

  123. mdd41 says:

    She was great.

  124. Newbie says:

    THis is my first blog and I’m so amused since I seem to have landed in a mini US/UK battle of words.SO funny since Susan is from what I see Scottish and references to Brits is like comparing French to Germans – I am none of the three. Yeah she has a beautiful voice but I wasn’t astonished – didn’t see any reason she wouldn’t have. Who doesn’t know people going about their lives with angel’s voices? Thankfully talent, like health is not given out in proportion to size of wallet. I find the mention of ugly outrageous. What arrogance. Have you seen the Britneys, Lindsays,etc without makeup? and that’s at half her age and with every cosmetic intenvetion costing a fortune. Yea gg, new hair/wardrobe look would do well.But this lady doesn’t need any condescending pity. Sorry czarnia, don’t see someone ignored and insulted, just very happy being exactly who she is and knowing what she’s got and hopefully laughing all the way to the recording studio. As for the judges shock and initial put down,don’t buy it. Sure they knew before the show – just makes for good viewing, heightens the drama. Still not an excuse. And no it’s not a British trait, it’s the ‘nasty sells’cheap marketing of the otherwise lacking reality TV

  125. Calli says:

    ¨°º¤ø„¸¨°º¤ø„…ø¤º° ¸„ø¤º°¨¸„ø¤º°¨
    ¨°º¤ø„¸ GO Susan !!¸„ø¤º°¨copy and paste
    ¸„ø¤º°¨Ur Awesome!!! `°º¤ø„¸if you think
    ¸„ø¤º°¨¸„ø¤º°¨¨°º¤ø„¸¨°º¤ Susan is the best !!!!!

    Hey, did you all hear Patti LuPone (the original Broadway singer of the song) congratulate her over the phone during her Today Show interview and say she, too, was brought to tears when she heard Susan sing?

  126. carmita says:

    That was awesome! Why do we always judge a book by its cover? Thats why we are all crying.
    susana es una bella persona la admiro y deceo tanto volverla a escuchar cantar simplemente es escalofriante escucharla por que tiene una voz de angel

  127. John Miller says:

    …I cried like a baby & I’m
    happy to hear I wasn’t the only one!

  128. DrW says:

    It seems everyone missed the point, since they are so prejudiced aagainst seeing the ‘beauty in a person’. She has more beauty as a person in her little finger, then many of her critics!
    Marvelous personality!

    Wasn’t she perfectly dressed for the song she sang? Why have so many missed this? The song would not have evoked the joyful emotions in so many, who have experienced the same rejections, if she were perfectly groomed to the shallow (high) ‘Hollywood’ stereotypes demanded by so many public no talent people with horrible personalities!

    God bless her for making her dreams come true and not letting life make her cynical and just as horrible as her critics.

  129. david says:

    I am a grown man and i cried too… Susan you sang beautifully… what a voice.. how has her talent been missed for so long? were they just looking for the pretty women?? i am waiting with money in hand to purchase your first CD…

  130. Brandon says:

    this is a response to the first post from Kitty:

    How on Earth do you blame human nature on “the west”? Seriously? You are an idiot. Attractive people are easier to market, and if anyone is to blame for that it’s the record industry..or just Simon Cowell..where’s he from? grow a brain.

  131. Big Al says:

    Bloody marvellous!
    Susan, you go for it girl, what voice,
    A female Paul Potts.

  132. ozgypsyros says:

    She has a brilliant voice. I can hardly wait for her CD to come out as I will be buying it. What a voice!! FANTASTIC

  133. Ryan says:

    @Kitty

    The shallow west, eh? Nice stereotype you’ve got there…

    And for the record, it’s not the American People that think beauty = talent, it’s the Music and Film industry in general. So, please… before you publicly insult an entire nation, try to get to know a real American first.

    I should also note that this is “Britain’s Got Talent”, not American Idol. Look at all the people showing disgusted faces before she sang. Most people are shallow, geography doesn’t change that.

    Oh, and you violated the Comment Policy on this site. “Different opinions, backgrounds, ages, and nationalities are welcome here – hatred and bigotry are not.”

  134. R. Mays says:

    Inspiring everytime I watch it. Hope she makes it all the way.

  135. Jenny says:

    Here in the states we’re so cynical and thrive off of sarcasm, and I’m also a huge critic about reality TV. But every once in a while it has its moments like this. So I have to thank reality TV for giving diamonds in the rough a chance to show themselves to the world, and to teach us a lesson in humility.

  136. Jenny says:

    And to the comment that was written by an American who had a problem with the west being criticized, are you serious?

    It’s no secret that any American can name an American Idol contestant but only a fraction of the nation can name a senator, house majority leader, or even their own vice president. We do tend to follow pop culture closer than we do the important things in our lives. And when we do that, we ARE feeding into the stereotype that you are trying to claim is solely created by the industries. So I think your opinion is a bit skewed.

    And if you were an American, you would recognize the above person’s comment as his exercising his right to freedom of speech. Go up to any American and ask if they can tell you which amendment that is in the constitution, and the section where it resides. If you really want to challenge them, ask them to recite the preamble… if they actually know what it is. Chances are you’ll get more “I don’t knows” than anything.

    Not everybody is superficial, and I never like to generalize, but regardless.. there’s a huge majority that is. Hence, why we are given the stereotype. It’s a matter of owning up to what your country has become…and stop sticking your head in the sand and pretending everything is as it should be. We don’t live in a perfect nation and we certainly are a good candidate to be stereotyped for superficiality. Why? because “education is the only commodity in which the consumer tries to get as little as he can for his money.”

    It’s a sad thing. Truly, very very sad. But it’s a truth that real Americans are trying to overcome… by not ignoring it and blaming someone else for our way of life.