Capitol Hill Blue Forums Life and Moral Issues That's Entertainment A Viral-Worthy Susan Boyle

Terrific. As I said, I hoped it WAS her; just didn't think it was. But the BBC is a better source than the tabloid that uncovered the story.

Just proves that she has enormous range is all.
Good on her!

OK, I must admit I have resisted watching this clip until now. I just hate these 'viral" video phenomena.

Her voice is as good as the judges said.

But what I am curious about is what is all the fuss? Much of the initial facial reactions were in reaction to her awkward wiggling and mugging it up to begin. That is not surprising when an obviously mature woman appears on stage in a talent contest mostly among young people.

From those initial reactions everyone appeared to be enthusiastically behind her in every way.

So why the questioning, examining, and nonsense about ageism or whatever this discussion seems to have gone to? I just don't see it, and believe me, I see a lot of it.

Mr. Cowell and Mr. Morgan both were mugging for the camera as the introduction was taking place, making obvious their amusement at what was certain to be a comical performance.

I agree that the crowd reactions were a bit harder to gauge and could have been amusement at either the contestant or the judges' obvious reactions.

I don't know what the two judges were doing when she walked on stage and unless you have video other than the one going around, neither do you. We only see their facial expressions after Ms. Boyle did her little shimmy number.

I don't know if you watch American Idol, but if you do, you would notice the critical face is a Simon trademark, used with all contestants when he thinks they are off base or weird. It has nothing to do with her age, and if about her appearance, I emphasize it comes right after she does her little wiggle. There is a certain inconsistency between her slightly frumpy appearance and doing that movement.

Now, if that "inconsistency" is what we are examining here, so be it. But this audience and these judges if anything show how quickly all that was forgotten once she sang.

If any of us here has no tendency at all to prejudge the book by its cover, please raise your hand and tell us how you cleansed that from the subconscious.

The clip I have viewed shows face shots of both Simon and Piers while Simon is going through the introduction with her: name, age, career aspirations; before she begins to sing.

A couple of points, and some amusement that this has continued for 6 pages.... First, I am as aware as anyone that there was some video manipulation and emotional contrivance going on in the production process, but that does not detract from the genuine effect that the performance has, or, I think, the genuine reactions of the judges. Second, although not a perfect performance, it was an admirable one. As Simon says, the contest is still not over, so more talents are undoubtedly on the way. With all the dreck that becomes viral, though, I still think this one is far more worthy than most for consideration.

Frankly, I don't care if she was recruited and paid to appear. She still has an amazing voice and I hope we get to hear it often in the future.

In what I saw of those shots, both judges were just rather plain faced as with any contestant.

NWPon

Google Susan Boyle and 'Cry Me a River'

It will totally make your socks spin!!

I think she's cute as a bug, her heart shines in her eyes, and whatever her challenges may have been, I think she's going to get her chance to achieve her dream

Her vocal ability is simply astounding! I cried through the whole song, and loved watching Simon Cowell's cynicism change to wonder!!