Susan Boyle's got Talent
Last updated 21/04/2009 11:36:44
Susan Boyle Has Talent
I detest these talent shows, but I guess we’re stuck with them. Talent isn't a beauty pageant, it's about discovering unrecognised raw ability wherever it is,and Susan Boyle has ability by the bucketload.
She's a singer of enormous talent, who cared for her mum until she died two years ago. Her combination of ability and virtue deserves congratulation.
But the moment the audience and judges saw this nice, middle-aged woman, they smirked and they scoffed. It was rude and cruel and arrogant. She was presumed to be a buffoon.
Why? Because for Cowall and his ilk, only the pretty are expected to achieve. Ella Fitzgerald would never have been chosen to strut a catwalk. Nor would Edith Piaf or Nina Simone. Susan has been forgiven her looks and been given respect because of her talent.
But she should always have received it because of the calibre of her character and her innate ability. People like Susan make this country civilised, they deserve acknowledgement and respect. I really hope she wins.
Here is her moment on Optimist TV.
Stephen Duffy