A very interesting point. In fact, reality shows like American Idol and Britain's Got Talent exist for two reasons: Viewers love to see people succeed, and they love to see people fail. It's just the way it is.
If you've ever watched American Idol, you know that there are way too many people who are auditioning for the show than those who can really sing. There are some so bad that you shake your head at the television, wondering if they are delusional or simply masochistic to invite criticism.
Based on her appearance and introduction, Susan Boyle looked to all that she'd be in that category. And for that we -- and the judges -- just have to blame our own assumptions. What? She's 47 years old? Frumpy hairstyle? New dress just for this? Overweight but sways her hips? Must be a joke, right? You could hear the amusement in Simon Cowell's voice and the expression on his face as he got ready to listen.
The fame -- and the amazement on the judges faces -- and the millions upon millions of YouTube hits -- and the millions upon millions of sales -- all happened because of what happened NEXT. When Susan Boyle sang, she made everyone blink in surprise. Mouths fell open. Eyebrows went up. The audience is stunned in that moment. Because the reality was SO far from their expectations.
Karma is indeed a force in the universe, and she clearly has some on her side. But if she couldn't sing, she'd have gone the way of the thousands of Idol wanna-bes who have their few (painful) moments in the spotlight and go back to their day jobs afterward.
But you're right. If she couldn't sing, we wouldn't even know her name.
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Anon,
A very interesting point. In fact, reality shows like American Idol and Britain's Got Talent exist for two reasons: Viewers love to see people succeed, and they love to see people fail. It's just the way it is.
If you've ever watched American Idol, you know that there are way too many people who are auditioning for the show than those who can really sing. There are some so bad that you shake your head at the television, wondering if they are delusional or simply masochistic to invite criticism.
Based on her appearance and introduction, Susan Boyle looked to all that she'd be in that category. And for that we -- and the judges -- just have to blame our own assumptions. What? She's 47 years old? Frumpy hairstyle? New dress just for this? Overweight but sways her hips? Must be a joke, right? You could hear the amusement in Simon Cowell's voice and the expression on his face as he got ready to listen.
The fame -- and the amazement on the judges faces -- and the millions upon millions of YouTube hits -- and the millions upon millions of sales -- all happened because of what happened NEXT. When Susan Boyle sang, she made everyone blink in surprise. Mouths fell open. Eyebrows went up. The audience is stunned in that moment. Because the reality was SO far from their expectations.
Karma is indeed a force in the universe, and she clearly has some on her side. But if she couldn't sing, she'd have gone the way of the thousands of Idol wanna-bes who have their few (painful) moments in the spotlight and go back to their day jobs afterward.
But you're right. If she couldn't sing, we wouldn't even know her name.
January 7, 2010 - 8:24amThis Comment
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