I think by now we've all seen the video of Susan Boyle and heard her beautiful voice. We've all seen the doubt in the judges and the crowd's faces when she walked on stage and we've seen the doubt turn to incredulity when she started singing. The video still gives me goosebumps.But what does it all really mean?
Its far more significant than a popular television show finding outstanding talent.
Susan Boyle represents all of us. The little people. The people who work hard, who lead normal lives in small villages. Who return each night to their humble home to eat dinner and prepare for the next day.
Susan Boyle represents hope.
Because if she can do it. If she can harbor such untapped talent for over forty years and suddenly be "discovered" then maybe it can happen to one of us too.
As a writer I was more touched by that story then by the fact that she has a voice that would make angels weep. Its her life I'm more interested in. What makes her tick, what does she do everyday? Why did she decide now, after so many years, to reach for the stars?
And if she can reach for the stars then by golly so can the rest of us.
I've tried to imbed the video into this post but the imbedding option has been taken down by request. But if you'd like to watch it again, click here and while you're watching, pay particular attention to her expressions, especially when Simon asks her who she wants to be like. Its like an inner fire has been lit inside her. And especially watch her face right before she starts singing. She has confidence in herself, you can see it in her expression. She's reaching for the stars and she knows they're within her reach.
Yes, Susan Boyle gives us all hope.
2 comments:
I dont't watch this show but did catch the video of her singing, OUTSTANDING! It's a sad shame that you saw how people reacted(audience, judges) to her before she opened her mouth and sang. They were ready to boo her if it came down to it but she shocked the living daylights out of them. I did wonder if this was like a stunt to pull people to the show, but decided that if it was, I could deal with it. I still dont watch but was honored to hear Susan's voice in video at least once.
I had my own "Susan Boyle" moment a few years ago. :) As a member of the 200-voice Akron Symphony Gospel Choir (and one of only 3 or 4 members who were not African American), I was flabbergasted to be selected to sing a solo piece written by the conductor, Dr. Charles Floyd. (Uh, yeah, no pressure there!)
The first time I stood in front of the audience, I could see they weren't expecting much. But at the end, they were on their feet. I can't take ALL the credit - the choir and orchestra behind me were magnificent and covered a multitude of nerve-induced vocal wobbles - but Dr. Floyd dragged me back out on the stage for another bow.
It was probably one of the biggest thrills of my life. :)
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