Is Susan Boyle's Fame Reflective of True Talent Recognition?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the fame of Susan Boyle as a contestant on a talent show, exploring themes of talent recognition, societal perceptions of beauty and talent, and the authenticity of televised performances. Participants express a range of emotional responses and critiques regarding the nature of talent shows and the portrayal of contestants.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express admiration for Susan Boyle's talent, noting her rich and soulful voice.
  • Others suggest that the talent show may have scripted elements, implying that producers were aware of her abilities beforehand.
  • A few participants question the authenticity of the judges' reactions and the contestants' appearances, suggesting that they may have been exaggerated for effect.
  • There are comments on the societal expectations of beauty and talent, with some arguing that Boyle's success challenges conventional norms.
  • Some participants reflect on the emotional impact of her performance, indicating that it resonated deeply with them.
  • Concerns are raised about the portrayal of "ugly" women in media and the implications of Boyle's fame as a potential exception to societal norms.
  • A participant questions the overall quality of contestants on the show, suggesting that Boyle's talent is rare among them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of admiration for Boyle's talent and skepticism about the authenticity of the talent show format. There is no clear consensus on whether her fame is a genuine recognition of talent or a product of media manipulation and societal biases.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the potential influence of producers on the presentation of contestants, as well as the societal implications of beauty standards in relation to talent recognition. These points remain unresolved and are subject to individual interpretation.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in discussions about talent shows, societal perceptions of beauty, and the complexities of media representation may find this discussion relevant.

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Bravo for Ms.Boyle!
 
You go girl! nice :biggrin:
 
Finally, someone with talent on a talent show.
 
and she wasn't even trying
 
...and the then 11 year old Bianca Ryan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4brcjR8Wuk
 
Susan Boyle - WOW!

Ivan Seeking said:
...and the then 11 year old Bianca Ryan
Only 11?! She can belt it out!
 
  • #10
Greg Bernhardt said:
haha honestly I near teared up

Luckily, I'm not a complete cynic, but ... I'd suspect that there was a scripted aspect to the performance on the part of the judges and the show, in that the producers must have screened these people and knew full well that she has a talented voice, (she definitely has a rich and soulful voice), and they simply played it with the back stage Dumb and Dumber guys being in on the thing.
 
  • #11
Monique said:
Indeed most are horrible, but have you seen these contestants?
Perhaps the British version of the show is better than the American version. Connie's very cute and talented, but I think she butchered the song. I think she's too young, but maybe she'll do better when she's seven. Pol Pot, although talented enough, picked a singing style that requires more talent than he has.
 
  • #12
LowlyPion said:
Luckily, I'm not a complete cynic, but ... I'd suspect that there was a scripted aspect to the performance on the part of the judges and the show, in that the producers must have screened these people and knew full well that she has a talented voice, (she definitely has a rich and soulful voice), and they simply played it with the back stage Dumb and Dumber guys being in on the thing.

Perhaps, but she was genuine [almost painfully so :biggrin:], as was the audience reaction. In just a few moments, I would guess on the eighth note, a star was born. It is fun to see it happen.
 
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  • #13
Astronuc said:
Susan Boyle - WOW!

Indeed!

Only 11?! She can belt it out!

Check out her Janice Joplin routine; incredible! Allegedly she taught herself how to sing.
 
  • #14
I've seen several clips of her on the news now. Very impressive voice. Though, there was a clip of her being interviewed on some news show afterward, and she looked quite a lot better in the interview...someone has already helped clean up her appearance...she had a nicer haircut and her eyebrows were plucked/waxed/thinned/something. That's really what gave her such a harsh look were those bushy eyebrows and wildly curly hair. I almost wonder if she exaggerated her appearance to seem worse just to make a point.
 
  • #15
She says that not only has she never been married, she's never even been kissed.
 
  • #16
Moonbear said:
I almost wonder if she exaggerated her appearance to seem worse just to make a point.

First thing comes to my mind whenever I watch these things :smile:. I guess that's how they run their business.

Her voice was beautiful without doubt. But, her attitude and their surprising looks looked fake to me :(
 
  • #17
At a similar juncture in history, she outsings Kate Smith.
 
  • #18
rootX said:
But, her attitude and their surprising looks looked fake to me :(

See, I don't exactly get that sentiment. Well, I do, to a point. But not everyone with a talented singing voice is physically beautiful or stylishly coiffed and glued together. And that's rather the point. Why couldn't she be real as she is and be possessed of massive talent?

I kind of like not being cynical all the time. It may be a failing of mine, but the world's a little nicer place for it.
 
  • #19
rootX said:
First thing comes to my mind whenever I watch these things :smile:. I guess that's how they run their business.

Her voice was beautiful without doubt. But, her attitude and their surprising looks looked fake to me :(
I don't think the judges are good enough actors to fake it, but they almost certainly were set up. Unlike with American Idol, the judges don't do the initial screening in that show (i think).
 
  • #20
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/apr/16/britains-got-talent-susan-boyle

Why are we so shocked when "ugly" women can do things, rather than sitting at home weeping and wishing they were somebody else? Men are allowed to be ugly and talented. But a woman has to have the bright, empty beauty of a toy - or get off the screen. We don't want to look at you. Except on the news, where you can weep because some awful personal tragedy has befallen you.

Susan will probably win Britain's Got Talent. She will be the little munter that could sing, served up for the British public every Saturday night. Look! It's "ugly"! It sings! And I know that we think that this will make us better people. But Susan Boyle will be the freakish exception that makes the rule. By raising this Susan up, we will forgive ourselves for grinding every other Susan into the dust. It will be a very partial and poisoned redemption. Because Britain's Got Malice. Sing, Susan, sing - to an ugly crowd that doesn't deserve you.
 
  • #21
How many contestants of this quality has the show produced?

Is it possible that those who decry the attention shown are the ones who really have the problem? The way that I see it, the entire world is celebrating this woman's unexpected success, and instead of recognizing that, this article seeks to make it something ugly.
 
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