Let's Hear It For the Longshot: The Appeal Of The Underdog

divinecaroline.com:

I'm among the millions who watched Boyle's performance and found myself getting both teary-eyed and incredibly inspired. (If you haven't yet seen it yet, you should definitely check it out.) It's hard to see someone with such a pure, guileless talent and not root for her to succeed. Boyle, with her dowdy clothes and spinster style, is definitely an underdog in the competition, facing competitors who are younger, thinner, flashier, and more polished. But she's the one the world will be rooting for, hoping that talent and spirit can trump a pretty package. Everyone loves an underdog story, but what is it that makes them so enchanting?

Read the whole story: divinecaroline.com

Comments

[fem56]

Besides Susan Boyle has an achingly beautiful voice. Holly Steel is a ten year old contender also. She is just what you are talking about. She has a great voice but she has obviously so intensely trained for years by the best professionals. I actually found her performance disturbing. She sounded too much like an adult. Andrew Johnson from the year before sang very beautifully and movingly and like a young boy that he is. When he sang he sounded like there was a life behind the voice and like he loved what he was doing.

[Anonani]

There is little left except for the beauty and abundance of nature to give us a sense that redemption is still possible. Society titters at the sacrilegious uttering of a society adrift.

[Anonani]

Our society has lost its moral compass. We look upon everything with suspicion and bitterness while we cling to our guns. and our bible. Of course, this woman is a fraud, how could it not be so? There is no truth or goodness left in the world. Everything is to be viewed with a jaded eye...especially raw talent.

[AngieMom57]

Sing a happy song: this one is dedicated to Anonani from Amanda:

"When through the woods and forest glades I wonder and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees; When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze,
Then sings my soul,...."

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

I loved her authenticity. Her new look takes her from Fabulous to Fakey

[brooklyncitizen]

She's really not that differnt...just got a haircut.

[winchestereast]

what the heck is fake about a new do and some flattering duds? if that means fake, then surely you are polyester personified - were you, dear eli, so enchanted with the gold dress that you failed to hear the authenticity of the voice, the delivery of drama in perfect pitch, with nuance and dymanics to boot? you are clearly no lover of music - just another pretty face passing judgement on this ordinary looking, extraordinarily gifted woman -

[fem56]

How dare you!

[Lionsden]

How is it possible for a person with such a magnificent voice to be a long-shot?

It's not because she wasn't.

[oakley9]

I think it's great she is in the running. In the states she would never have a chance because the A.I. show is more superficial here and only caters to people under the age of 30 and who look a certain way.
There really should be no age limit on talent whatsoever in any arena. IMHO.

[rockyersocksoff]

I don't care what a singer looks like.

I love Marilyn Manson and Etta James.

But I'd rather listen to cats copulating than Susan Boyle's ponderous warbling.

[CeeCee]

Tone-deaf?

[Diogenis]

Since you live in a gutter mentality, by all means...listen to cats copulate.

[truthartbeauty]

beauty comes in many forms. susan boyle is beautiful.

[Skylarstar]

Seeing a picture of Susan never fails to make me smile in appreciation. Perhaps that says it all.

[davidwayneosedach]

Boyle put's Beyonce flash to shame! She is soo much better.

[Madelaine]

Thank you, Allison, for your article which displays compassion, understanding of people, and appreciation for the bigger picture.

[emiliar]

Are you still considered an "underdog" if the whole world is hoping you'll win?