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by Mark Silva
Al Gore could have taken some guidance from Susan Boyle, perhaps, before he went to Earth tones: Boyle, the Scottish wonder of Britain's Got Talent, will stand for no makeover.
Then again, Gore won a Nobel Prize.
Boyle's big prize this week - more than the 20 million viewings of the online video of Boyle flooring Simon Cowell and fellow judges with her modest stage appearance and show-stopping performance from Les Miserables - may be what she is teaching others about judging books by their
The 47-year-old unmarried, unemployed cat-lover plans no make-over, according to Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden, who told ITV News: "I won't let Simon Cowell take her to his dentist and I certainly won't let her near his hairdresser.
"She needs to stay exactly as she is because that's the reason we love her. She just looks like anybody who could live on your street. The minute we turn her into a glamour-puss is when it's spoilt. That can perhaps come later when she's signed the album deal and conquered America.
"For now we'll keep her exactly as she is because that's why we've all fallen in love with her,'' the judge says. "I think it's the underdog thing. It's somebody who's looked after her mother all her life. She's had real dreams, real aspirations and obviously she thought she'd had to say goodbye to those things."
So would Gore have won America's heart of he had stayed just the way he was? Naaaaah. But at least the Nobel judges agreed that America's Got Talent, too.
Comments
EVERYONE needs to watch this video!
If this woman doesn't make your jaw drop you don't have a musical soul.
No, she's not the next American Idol screaming banshee, she is simply one of the best singers ever.
Posted by: W OBrien | April 17, 2009 10:28 AM
I saw the YouTube of this lady, not knowing what I was going to be getting (and I'm NOT a fan of the "American Idol" kind of shows.) I assumed -- from her looks -- that she'd be another Mrs. Miller (yes, I'm old enough to remember Mrs. Miller) or maybe a female version of the guy who sang "She Bang" so memorably.
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Note to self: YOU'RE A BIGOT!
You are NEVER AGAIN allowed to make judgments on anybody based on what or who they "look like" they're going to be. I can't get her performance out of my head -- it was that good.
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Okay -- her appearance IS NOT what most singers present. It's very likely that one of the reasons she hasn't had a career yet could have to do with the unpolished image. The voice, however, is crystal-clear and spot on for 99%, with an emotional edge that demands you pay attention to her. My one criticism (the remaining 1%) of her performance is that she could use a coach to work with her on phrasing and "building" a song so that there's more variety in tone and volume, but that's something that's not hard to learn. I've rarely seen a singer be able to connect so powerfully with an audience.
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I hope to see and hear more of Susan Boyle, and hope that she gets to make a few of her wishes come true.
Posted by: Op109 | April 17, 2009 10:34 AM
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Posted by: Op109 | April 17, 2009 10:34 AM
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I agree, for the most part. She might also consult a vocal coach to help her sustain some of the notes in her lower range. Some of them dropped off at times. However, I, too, was as surprised - and pleased - as anyone at her performance.
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BTW - You shouldn't be so hard on yourself regarding to your response to her appearance. I think much of human visual information processing is instinctual. We look at things in a manner that help us survive. We also think by association with other, familiar ideas. In which case, your comparison to Mrs. Miller is only natural.
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This raises the issue of whether she ought to get a makeover. I don't particularly care if she gets a makeover. Some people need eye candy while listening to music. It’s a habit the music industry has fostered. I don’t understand it. I have always listened to music. I don't watch it. I sometimes wonder if musicians who incorporate dance routines and visual phenomena into their live performances do so to distract people from their lack of talent. This lady, on the other hand, was hiding nothing.
Posted by: John W. | April 17, 2009 12:50 PM
I bet there are millions of people out there who have talents that never get noticed just because of the way the look. But I don't understand it because since I got hooked on TMZ (I know but what can I say? It's hilarious!), I have noticed the "stars" aren't so hot without their stylists, makeup artists and hairdressers.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | April 17, 2009 4:13 PM
When they say make over, I am thinking teeth that look like Chiclets, expressionless botox and garish shiny clothes. I hope they never do a make over if that is what it will be. Eyebrow wax might be good, but other than that, she is lovely.
Posted by: Candide33 | April 18, 2009 1:38 AM
Don't change a thing. I'll be the first to kiss her.
Posted by: Georgio | April 18, 2009 8:59 AM
The analogy with Al Gore is soooo misplaced. Gore is a downer; he talks only in negatives. This woman lifts spirits, lifts all people who struggle against the false images of acceptance. Gore's Nobel a recognition of talent? Give me a break. This woman has talent; Gore is a political hack.
Posted by: Daryl | April 18, 2009 9:19 AM
I started Susan Boyle Fan Club. I want everyone to vote for Susan. I want to see more of her. I want to see her transforming into a beautiful singing diva. We know she can do it.
www.SusanBoyleFanClub.com
Posted by: John | April 18, 2009 1:42 PM
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Posted by: John | April 18, 2009 1:42 PM
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Might I remind you that there is a difference between beauty and being physically attractive? The woman has already demonstrated her beauty by the way she has lived humbly and unselfishly. We also know she can sing. As such, there is no need for her to be "transformed" into a beautiful singing diva. She already is. And that is what it is about her that grabbed people.
Posted by: John W. | April 18, 2009 4:11 PM
We love Susan, but as image consultants specializing in women over 40, we would love to get our hand on her so that her outside matches her adorable personality and incredible talent. Here are our tips:
http://www.fabulousafter40.com/if-susan-boyle-were-to-get-a-makeover/
Posted by: Glam Gals | April 18, 2009 5:13 PM
Susan Boyle. Your voice is that of an angel. God had a plan for you. The whole world needs you. Your voice can stop wars, and reduce people to tears.
Stay the way you are. Just pluck your eye brows, invest in some good make-up and a new hair style. That is all you need. A good hair style can do wonders for a woman.
Now, smell the roses. It's a beautiful world.
Posted by: Barbara Lee | April 20, 2009 12:03 AM
Susan Boyle. Your voice is that of an angel. God had a plan for you. The whole world needs you. Your voice can stop wars, and reduce people to tears.
Stay the way you are. Just pluck your eye brows, invest in some good make-up and a new hair style. That is all you need. A good hair style can do wonders for a woman.
Now, smell the roses. It's a beautiful world.
Posted by: Barbara Lee | April 20, 2009 12:03 AM
DailyMakeover’s idea behind Susan Boyle’s makeover was to empower her to be exactly who she wants to be! If Susan decides she is happy with the way she is, then by no means should she change it. The makeover was not to conform her to pop culture standards but to let her decide what she wants to look like, if she wants that opportunity. DailyMakeover wants to empower women to be who they want to be, and not be afraid to change their look.
-Mollie
www.dailymakeover.com
Posted by: Mollie | April 22, 2009 10:36 AM
"Britain's Got Talent" judge Amanda Holden got it exactly right when she noted that singer Susan Boyle is "incredible" and it is "a privilege to listen to her [perform]." Nothing but well-deserved success for this remarkable Scotswoman.
Posted by: Richard Reed | April 29, 2009 8:20 PM