Susan Boyle Superstar

At the risk of alienating everyone on the planet, I am going to raise my voice against the Susan Boyle phenomenon.

Not against the dear woman herself, but against the manipulative media that shot her to stardom. And the millions of crazed people who now see her as the Second Coming.

I have worked in the news and entertainment sectors long enough to know how a person, or a story, can be transported, transfigured, transformed. I've seen the sleazy hypocrisy and sly maneuvering that pulls the strings behind the scenes: a wink, a sigh, a pregnant pause is often all it takes to shift reality.

The three judges on Britain's Got Talent are good at that. Their facial mugging and body language set the tone for the audience and the contestant. Of course, they know in advance who will appear on stage, because there is a pre-selection process, and rehearsals. They know they are going to have a jerk, or a pro, or a buffoon, or a sex-pot -- usually chosen in perfect balance for each show.

And once in a while, they arrange a "surprise" -- like the singing plumber a few seasons back, who belted out "Nessun Dorma." This season, it was the golden-voiced Susan Boyle.

Of course, her hair could have been nicely styled and her dress could have been prettier, but she was thrust on stage au naturale for the shock appeal. The producers knew exactly what response she'd have from the audience, and the three judges were primed to reinforce the effect. If, indeed, their immediate snide reaction to Susan was not rehearsed, but genuine, they are contemptible human beings.

We have to ask ourselves a few questions about this entire spectacle:

Are we fed up with our perfectly gorgeous, filthy rich celebrities? Are we looking for the Cinderellas and Ugly Ducklings next door? Are we seeking reassurance that being ignored, unloved, and ordinary will eventually be rewarded? Why are we so surprised when an unattractive person turns out to have an extraordinary talent? And conversely, why do we assume that an attractive person is divinely gifted?

Susan Boyle has already had more than her fifteen minutes of fame, and I wish her many hours more. I am simply sorry that she was "discovered" this way -- first as an object of derision, and then as a gimmicky success story.

But maybe that's how fairy tales are written, even today.

Comments

[carriesheridan1952]

and note that the Simon Cowells and the Ryan Seacrests and the ABC network and the products need Susan Boyle and Kelly Clarkson et al ----

AS MUCH as Susan Boyle and the American Idols needed them -

no attraction, no show -
as network tv has learned Big Time the last many seasons -

now if they'd only start producing shows THEY THEMSELVES would want to watch -
and stop thinking the american public is so stupid -
stupid enough to reject their pap -
smart enough to go ELSEWHERE -

[carriesheridan1952]

yes, and it's time to rebel against the manipulations of the media, pr, advertising -

"advertising is the price companies pay for being unoriginal" -

but still we want more NOT britneys like susan boyle -
more michelle obama from the South Side of Chicago and less Hollywood -

more internet, less advertising-supported circus in our "bread and circuses" decadence -

more style, less "fashion" -

more nourishment and taste and less gluttony and wolfing down manufactured "food" -

more value, less price-iness -

more community, less stuff -

[0emissions]

The next day, a PR man who works for Simon Cowell admitted that Simon had heard her perform in the preliminaries.

[winkin]

Not exactly.

The preliminaries were in Glasgow on Oct 22, for the producers.
She was called back for the audition on January 21, where 40 acts were judged and recorded.
A number of those acts were then edited for the broadcast on April 11.
Max Clifford, Britain's PR guru, mentor and friend of Cowell said last week that Cowell told him, and others, weeks before April 11 that they had to watch the first episode because there was an extraordinary act. And hinted that helped in getting immediate media coverage, especially in the US.
What happened between October and January.... I don't think we'll ever know. Certainly not from Ms Boyle herself who, as is usual with those shows, must have a strict confidentiality contract.

[textynn]

Sorry not buying it. The show may have had some idea she was pretty good but no one had any idea until she got the full audition. They are running thousands of people through assembly line style and making snap judgments all day long. If that was all staged the judges and the audience all should get academy awards. The video they presented of the event was noticeably slick but no one, not even Simon Cowell can manipulate a situation to this point. Even if Cowell thought he could pull something like this off I don't believe he would have chosen Susan B as the recipient of such a orchestrated miracle. No sorry, Susan B is the real thing.

[winkin]

For the record: there were exactly 40 auditions that day in Glasgow.They never did more than 40 per day.
And the soundtrack was specially edited for her act. Which means prepared up front.

I really admire Susan Boyle, but there are way too many myths circulating about these "reality" shows.

[killmenow]

People are watching that video over and over again (and you have to see the FULL clip) because it is brilliantly edited and scored, and EVERYONE knows that. There's also the emotional pull of Susan Boyle's singing voice while performing that song, and it's sad that a few can't feel it.

Everyone knows that she may fail in her next appearances on the show by choosing the wrong material or singing poorly. But the anticipation... that is keen and the planet has almost stopped revolving while audiences wait for that next appearance. And what is wrong with that? It's show business.

Boyle wants "to be a professional singer." She will be because of that one appearance, and that's wonderful. It's all positive. Those that don't see it as such are probably missing something vital in their emotional makeup.

Don't assume that millions are enthralled just because of Boyle. The video is highly manipulative but manipulates BRILLIANTLY, and it's past time that the editors get credit. There's disagreement amongst a few that do not find the voice particularly interesting or pleasing. But it is not the wonderfully produced TV sequence alone that makes the video popular. It's Boyle's voice and personality, both of which commanded the stage.

That seems to bother a few who wish to engage in a backlash. I can relate because there's so many pop culture episodes with disturbing fame and followings. But this is not disturbing. It is all positive... all of it.

[Alvarask]

It;s nice of you to say such things about BGT productions I guess...if you've ever watched this show you would know that the editing is pretty much the same for every audition.

[truthartbeauty]

you need to get some help for that cynical attitude and try to just join to beauty and joy like everyone else. jealous maybe?? you would have to have some serious issues to find fault with this. get some therapy

[cassidycourt]

I'm not jealous. I, myself am tall, slim, good looking and was spoted by agenies since the age of 13.
I just emphasis the fact that the world in general put too much emphasis on plastic beauty rather than the REAL person. There is nothing wrong to be beautiful or even to improve some part of the body.

However when the focus is solely on apparence, the result can be catastrophic.
For instance, eating disorder is a serious illness afecting more than 1.1 millions people in the UK and even more in America. Parents see their children dying because in part, they have been endoctrined by the MSM than to be loved means to be beautiful and to be beautiful means to look like a walking squeletor with big breast. Just look at the influence of MS. Beckham, P. Anderson and others.

I do not criticise them As they are free to do what they want. Still, millions of teenagers (and adults) are very influencable and get a wrong perception of what REAL beauty is. I know pretty ppl who are delightful to be with. But, a lot of beautiful ppl are self centred and umcompatissant because they think they are all "that". I wouldn't like to spend an hour with them. Whilst ordinary ppl do not tend to focus solely on the apparence.

Now, trthartbeauty, if you think that I am being cynical and jealous sit down and breath.

[cassidycourt]

I'm not cynical or jealous. There is nothing wrong with being beautiful or improve some body parts. I am tall, naurally slim and good looking. Since the age of 13 I've spoted by models agencies.

However I know that when the apparence becomes the focus of intention this is when the danger emerges. In the UK 1.1 million of people are dying with eating disorder partly because of the media praising skinny bimbos. Many young ppl (and adults) think than to be love or worthy they have to look like walking squeltor with huge breasts.

Do not neglect the influence of Mrs. Beckham, P.Anderson... I do not criticise them as they are free to do what they want. But the manipulation of the media to buy products (that we don't need, don't want and can't afford) to "look good" is huge. Look at desperate housewives they are all skinny. That is the "norm". I remember the actress (can't remember her name) in Superman she was curvy but now...

I'm not denying that some pretty ppl like Beyonce and others try to reverse the tendancy. Her interviews are always refreshing and smart. There's a brain there.

Now if you think that I am being cynical sit down take your phone and get the help that you need.

[cassidycourt]

MTV for Susan
Beyonce,Mariah,Whitney,Celine,Alicia,Jordin,Kelly C,Leona,Rihanna,Elaine Paige (of course) in 1 VOICE

from Glasgow, wonderful SCOTLAND

The reign of sterile marketing Barbies is over. Susan Boyle showed the way back to soulful and genuine singing.

Now voiceless bimbos wanabe Britneys remove your silicone, pack up your bikinis and go home. Cancel your next consultation with your cosmetic surgeon and for God sake have a Real lunch!

[sodulguy]

yes, let the backlash begin, as fast as we build them up, we must inevitably tear them down

[Trueheart]

That's what cynicism is all about.
We just can believe in anything without glorifying it to excess, and then, as you say, inevitably look for the flaws.

[lwaxanatroi]

Why are we continually surprised by the power of fairy tales? They've been around for thousands of years. A new Cinderella will always win hearts because her story awakens emotions so deep as to be hard-wired in the human psyche. We love Susan because we are programmed to love her, and yes, the put-downs she endured before she revealed her golden voice are part of the story, too. You can't have the proper payoff without a great setup. If they Ugly Duckling had belonged to a swan family from the outset, there'd be no story.

[jd2408]

I am so glad Ms Shore wrote this article. In an age of war, death, terrorist and worldwide economic disasters, just to name a few, it is good to have someone bring us back to reality. The nerve of us "crazed" people to enjoy something fresh, clean, entertaining and different. Wow, we almost lost it didn't we ?

[Steamboater]

You nailed it Shore. Too many are willing to believe all this was au natural. Singers like Boyle also surprise but they disappear fast as she will. She'll have one phenominal selling CD and then the public will tire of her and she'll be able to retire to her small community in style. So much for her 15 minutes.

[Trueheart]

Sounds like an itinerary that will involve more than 15 minutes, bub.

If I were to bet on her career, I'd say she has fabulous 2-3 years ahead of her, and then in 2012, when galactic alignments occur, the resulting sunspot activity and changing magnetic poles will make satellite/internet communication impossible and everybody will be listening to her and Paul Potts sing "Time to Say Goodbye," on their solar boomboxes.

[mercymercyme]

Thank you Ms. Shore for adding some much-needed perspective to this whole sideshow.

[susumar]

Heavens, people, what's the matter with a "feel-good" story once in awhile?

[Steamboater]

Nothing, if it's not manufactured.

[Alvarask]

Do you care to prove your assertion? No. Of course you don't.

[Olampean]

Dear Ms. Shore,

Your right enough about the pervasive cynicism of our times.

However, I seriously recommend that you (and anyone who has not already done so) read the post, also appearing in today's Huffington Post, written by Dr. Elizabeth Tillinghast, "On Being Susan Boyle".
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elizabeth-tillinghast/on-being-susan-boyle_b_189717.html

It'll make you feel better about yourself. And maybe all of us.

[Milinda]

Ms. Shore, for the sake of accuracy which I'm sure all journalists/writers strive for:
" . . . And once in a while, they arrange a "surprise" -- like the singing plumber a few seasons back, who belted out "Nessun Dorma." This season, it was the golden-voiced Susan Boyle."
Mr. Potts was a cell phone salesman.

It doesn't really matter how she came to the public's attention, there will be those who purchase Miss Boyle's CD and those who won't. To each his/her own. I do wish she could be left alone to do her thing but the MSM never lets that happen. It isn't an either or thing. She can have a recording career without being in the news on a daily basis.

[Trueheart]

Good catch, Milinda.
The not-plumber-but-cell-phone-salesman, Paul Potts, is another working-class "nobody" gifted with a magnificent voice. People like Ms. Shore, who have the privilege of writing for high-profile media, should be better informed. Or maybe she's just being a dismissive snob who can't fathom that all artistic talent isn't necessarily channelled through the Juilliard School of Music.

So what if Simon Cowell had an inkling of what Susan Boyle's capabilities were? He recognized them. All you have to do is watch one of the ubiquitous videos of BGT to see that he is genuinely in awe of her talent. His eyebrows go so far up into his hairline that his eyes literally pop out, and he gives a huge sigh, because she has literally taken his breath away. The female judge drops her jaw, while the other male judge almost swallows his adam's apple. If this was contrived, then it was GREAT theatre.