by Mark Silva
Never mind Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh and Nancy Pelosi.
Susan Boyle has made it to the finals.
The Scottish singing sensation has secured a place in the final round of ITV's Britain's Got Talent, after her debut on live TV over the weekend. The 48-year-old from West Lothian who said she'd never been kissed when she auditioned last month with her soaring performance of a number from Les Miserables, performed a little victory dance after the public voted her into the finals in the week ahead.
This time, she performed "Memory," from Cats.
The songbird in steelworker's riggings was asked how she coped with the pressure. "What pressure?'' she said, from the accounts of Boyle's coup that we've been following at the BBC. "I really enjoyed myself. I enjoyed every second. I'd do it again.''
The finalists are competing for 100,000 pounds in the May 30 finale of the British talent show. More than 58 million people have viewed Susan Boyle's singing on YouTube.
The outcome has the potential to be a lot more gratifying, from the point of view of justice, than the American Idol victory that the bland but competent Kris Allen claimed over the out-there and wide-ranging Adam Lambert. Yet, it begs the question: For all the affection for Boyle's performances shown by those who have tuned in, could she ever carry the day in a contest like American Idol?
And it still doesn't answer the question: How old is Rod Stewart?
Comments
Boyle was declared a semifinalist at the end of the show, winning the "public vote". The selebrity singer will take on 39 other acts in a live contest next week.
Posted by: Susan Boyle May 24 | May 25, 2009 2:14 AM
Many do not think Adam Lambert should have been allowed on American Idol because he has already had a successful stage career for many years. I do agree Kris is a little bland and half the time you can't understand him but I am glad it was him and not Lambert. Ms. Boyle would not make it through the teeny-bopper vote...she's not cute enough.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | May 25, 2009 6:58 AM
She sang an old Bernstein standard, but changed the words a little....:
"I feel fluffy.....
O so fluffy.....
It's so lovely.
How fluffy
I feeeeeel........."
Very appropriate for Memorial Day.
Those airings of The War on PBS are sooooo tiresome.....
Posted by: ornery | May 25, 2009 8:52 AM
I think Susan was absolutely fantastic! She has sang two very difficult songs with amazing talent. I wish I could vote for her from the USA because I diffidently would. GO SUSAN!
Posted by: DONALD BEEMAN | May 25, 2009 9:56 AM
for all the pressure on her as an amateur (100 million people viewed her first performance) she did awesome - makes me happy for her and all of us more ordinary looking folks with some talent.
Posted by: rm | May 25, 2009 10:10 AM
I don't care what they say, Sue is a dude.
Posted by: C.Morris | May 25, 2009 10:13 AM
Susan was wonderful. I can't wait until she makes her own cd.
Posted by: Sherie Sanders | May 25, 2009 10:52 AM
"I don't care what they say, Sue is a dude.
Posted by: C.Morris"
You're an idiot.
Posted by: craig | May 25, 2009 10:54 AM
Geeez, aren't her 15 minutes up yet?
Posted by: TheReamer | May 25, 2009 1:55 PM
Well, since I'm in the process of reading about the power of women ("The Power of Women United -- www.powerofwomenunited.com) with a subtitle of "Confidence Born of Strength and Wisdom," I am absolutely compelled to say, "go Susan!" She's going after her dream with determination -- and grit (the confidence, if you will)-- she's found her strength and has overcome her own struggles to be noticed and be successful! (The book features many women sharing their insights as to how they became successful -- Susan fits right in with them.) I hope she continues to be very successful as she goes forward.
Posted by: lizzie | May 25, 2009 2:24 PM
craig,
OK, ok; lame attempt at humour.
But I agree with Reamer. Her 15 minutes are up.
Go away Susan!
Posted by: C.Morris | May 25, 2009 5:56 PM
This is for those that wish that Susan Boyle would go away, or that her 15 mins. of fame should be over. Sorry, the only place Susan Boyle is going,will be straight to the BANK. Suppose the people that are tired of her will have the option not to watch her perform. It's your choice. Personally, anyone that can make me SMILE the way I do when Susan Boyle performs is quit remarkable. Love you Susan Boyle !
Posted by: hokiemania | May 26, 2009 2:04 AM
Susan Boyle
I pray for you...You'll win the final Talent Contest.
Posted by: Ana Phan | May 29, 2009 2:25 AM
Can't believe Susan Boyle did not win 1st. place! She will still have a marvalous career ahead of her. Can't wait to buy her 1st. album,or record. God bless you Susan.
Posted by: Tina | May 30, 2009 9:05 PM
The only thought I had when
she lost #1 spot was _"It
can't be true" Diversity will
have fifteen minutes of fame
and Susan has longevity.I am
sure the Queen is saddend
by her loss as so many of us
are.
Posted by: Leslie Todd | June 1, 2009 7:52 PM