The Susan Boyle phenomena

If, by some miracle, you haven’t watched the video of Susan Boyle’s performance on Britain Has Talent, take just a few minutes here to do so, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

There are so many ways to appreciate that performance, that, combined, they overwhelm most viewers. First, that a frumpy, unemployed middle-aged woman would have the courage to face a huge audience with daring and confidence, shows that Susan truly has chutzpah. Second, that she would choose to sing a difficult song… a restrained-emotion song that must be delivered perfectly to be convincing. Third, that she would deliver that song with no theatrics, relying only on her strong and unwavering voice.

Of course, much of the thrill of watching lies in the shocked reaction of the audience and judges. Talent shows usually present performers who look like stars who have simply not been “discovered” yet. Susan looks like what she is… the woman down the street who volunteers at her church. Her voice and her splendid performance was all she brought to that stage, and we were all stunned to realize that it was way more than enough. It was breathtaking.

The video has been viewed many millions of times. The Susan Boyle Facebook page has over 900,000 fans. In an era when being a star usually requires a bevy of specialist consultants in dress, makeup, movement, etc., Susan simply appeared and sang a song for us. In doing so, she reminds us that music is not about hype, or glamour, but about one person performing a composition from the heart.

Susan’s comments reveal that she knew she could present a powerful performance, yet she was surprised at the strength of the reaction. I think we were all surprised, which is revealing. Susan’s performance brought us back to reality, from the never-never land that the performing arts have become. She smashed through our sophisticated appreciation and “with-it” fav-bestowing, and touched us with no more than the sound of her voice.