Why does the world love Susan Boyle?

21st April 2009

Why does the world love Susan Boyle?

posted in Arts and Music, Body Image, Feminist Topics |

Susan Boyle

Like countless others, I was blown away by Susan Boyle’s amazing, show-stopping performance this week on Britain’s Got Talent. The dowdy, chubby, 47-year-old cat lady with crooked teeth and unkempt hair has since become an Internet sensation. Her performance has garnered an astonishing 20 million Internet hits around the globe; her Facebook page boasts more than 1.3 million fans. Even the stingy Simon Cowell has held talks with her about signing for his Sony BMG record label.

Amidst the media frenzy, Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden told ITV News:

“I won’t let Simon Cowell take her to his dentist and I certainly won’t let her near his hairdresser. She needs to stay exactly as she is because that’s the reason we love her. She just looks like anybody who could live on your street.

“The minute we turn her into a glamour-puss is when it’s spoilt. That can perhaps come later when she’s signed the album deal and conquered America. For now we’ll keep her exactly as she is because that’s why we’ve all fallen in love with her. I think it’s the underdog thing.”

Does the world love Susan Boyle because she represents the common Everyman? Maybe we should review again how Susan’s audition went down.

Susan walks out on stage in a gold lace dress and is met with giggles, mocking wolf whistles, communal sneers and finally, uncomfortable silence. Simon Cowell, looking incredibly bored and unengaged, asks Susan her age. I’m 47,” she replies unabashedly and then saucily wiggles her hips and adds, “And that’s just one side of me!” The camera flashes on Piers Morgan, who visibly winces in pain and horror at Susan’s opprobrium. Simon rolls his eyes dramatically and blows out his cheeks in annoyance, while the audience erupts in heckling laughter. Ant and Dec backstage laughingly mimic Susan’s sashaying.

Susan announces that her dream is to be a professional singer on the scale of Elaine Page. “Eileen Page,” echoes Simon, incredulous. The audience snickers derisively. The camera cuts to a teen girl who smirks and sneers, then to a homily woman with buck teeth, shaking her head as if to say, “Oh no, she didn’t!” If Susan picks up on the audience’s sniggering, she doesn’t let it distract her. She takes a deep breath, opens her mouth and the world is blown away by the sheer grandeur of her voice.

Simon’s eyes widen in wonder, his bushy eyebrows arch in amazement. Amanda Holden’s perfectly lipsticked mouth drops in awe. The audience explodes into a standing ovation before Susan even hits the refrain. Piers tears up. “You didn’t see that, did you?” asks Dec backstage, and indeed, no one did because it is unfathomable that ugly people can do beautiful things. After Susan finishes singing, the insults continue to flow. The patronizing Piers tells her: “When you stood there with that cheeky grin and said, ‘I want to be like Elaine Paige’, everyone was laughing at you.“ Amanda adds, “I am so thrilled, because I know that everybody was against you.”

Tanya Gold of The Guardian summed it up best: “Sing, Susan, sing – to an ugly crowd that doesn’t deserve you.” No one “loved” Susan Boyle when they thought she was just a frumpy, middle-aged, splotchy-faced, never-been-kissed spinster who lives with a cat named Pebbles. Indeed, the single most reason for Susan Boyle even stepping onto that stage is precisely because of the childhood bullying she received, in part, for the way she looked. Those taunts, which she says left the kinds of scars that don’t heal, spurred her to find solace in singing.

A few weeks ago, Brandon and I were driving along the same highway that eventually leads to Maysville, Ky., home of (and shrine to) world-famous singer Rosemary Clooney. Like oh, so many singers, Rosemary started out the all-American beauty, young, blonde and blue-eyed, thin yet curvaceous in all the right places. It wasn’t until she suffered from a debilitating nervous breakdown ten years later that she started to gain weight and would ultimately reach 414-pounds. Somewhat presciently, I wondered aloud to Brandon: Had Rosemary Clooney emerged on the singing circuit after she had become socially fat, would the world have been robbed of her distinctive, sultry voice? How many other undiscovered talents lie hidden because they aren’t pretty enough, thin enough, blonde enough, sexy enough, marketable enough?

In our hyper-self-conscious culture where even elite supermodels are digitally altered beyond perfection, Susan Boyle turns the social order on its head. Her quiet humbleness, intrepid spirit and heartfelt voice reminds us that true beauty isn’t found in a plastic surgeon’s office, the junior’s department or in the glossy pages of fashion magazines. As Collette Douglas Home of The Herald writes, “Susan has been forgiven her looks and been given respect because of her talent. She should always have received it because of the calibre of her character.”

The world has responded fervently to Susan Boyle because we are all Susan Boyle. Her choice of songs — “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables — is not to be dismissed. We were once all “young and unafraid” with high hopes and lofty aspirations yet unsullied by a cruel and superficial world. We’ve all experienced those metaphorical “tigers” that have torn apart our hopes and turned our dreams to shame. For an unfortunate too many of us, life has killed the dreams we dreamed. Yet when we listen to Susan Boyle, for a moment we are Susan Boyle, standing before a jaded, image-obsessed audience in a bad dress and clunky shoes, and yet being embraced anyway with open arms and accolades. As Susan said of her childhood harassers, “Look at me now – I’ve got the last laugh.” And as she laughs, we laugh, for Susan Boyle’s vindication is our vindication.

But the world doesn’t love Susan Boyle because she represents the common Everyman. The world loves Susan Boyle because she stepped onto that stage in front of a cynical public and the white-hot crucible of reality TV and she did it with the kind of unwavering dignity and extraordinary confidence in her self-worth and awesome talent that so many of us only wish we had.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 1:22 pm and is filed under Arts and Music, Body Image, Feminist Topics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

1 On April 21st, 2009, Lindsay C said:

The world loves Susan Boyle because she stepped onto that stage in front of a cynical public and the white-hot crucible of reality TV and she did it with the kind of unwavering dignity and extraordinary confidence in her self-worth and awesome talent that so many of us only wish we had.

Yeah. I think that’s ~~about right~~ pretty damn spot-on. I have weird taste in voices, and hers didn’t overly tickle my fancy. But you know what? I love the hell outta her moxie.

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 2:01 pm

2 On April 21st, 2009, Karen said:

I disagree with just one minor point of your assessment, that being that the implication that Ant and Dec were mocking Susan with their hip-swaying. Each of the several times I’ve watched, it looked more to me like a sort of “did you see that cheeky move!” kind of imitation, rather than “can you believe that broad thinks she’s sexy!” I could be wrong about their intentions; that’s just how it struck me. The whole way through I felt like they were the only two on her side from the beginning. (I generally get the same feeling from Ryan Seacrest on the initial audition episodes of American Idol.)

Anyway, I think you’re quite right that a whole lot of the appeal is that we wish we could do that, could show the world up. I’ve read a lot of articles about the Susan Boyle phenomenon, but none hit quite that point. When I’m watching it’s sheer vicarious thrill at seeing the judges who had already dismissed her out of hand suddenly gawping in surprise, and the sneering crowd turned almost instantly to cheering fans. I feel a satisfied mental “HA!” as each expression of astonishment and respect blooms across their faces. It’s the sort of victory my deepest, most vulnerable inner self craves over the people who dismiss me because I’m fat, or because I’m a woman, or because I’m introverted.

That said, even as I relish Susan’s moment, I’m left with a quiet unease because I, too, dismissed Susan Boyle the very first time I watched. I didn’t know how the audition was going to go yet, and assumed upon seeing her that it was to be a dreadful flop. I could be charitable to myself and say that’s because the people who aren’t Hollywood attractive on these shows are almost always flops so it was a natural assumption, but that’s not the whole reason. A big part of it is that I’m guilty of dismissing people based on their appearances, too – sometimes for the same reasons that cause such fury when people do it to me. I’m trying to use this as a reminder to work on that, but it’s harder than it ought to be. Which makes me think I should cut other people some slack when they do it to me – which is harder still.

At which point I have to go watch the video again to bring myself back up!

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 2:09 pm

3 On April 21st, 2009, Tiptoe said:

I agree I think this showcasing of Susan Boyle has really reignited how society perceives people–how our first impressions of outer appearance is what casts those first judgments, unfortunately. And that if we don’t fit the stereotype, we aren’t given the opportunities we should be given.

Now, what I wonder is whether Susan will be succumbed to having a “makeover” as some people have suggested she needs?

On a side note, I read that Elaine Page thought she and Susan should do a duet.

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 2:40 pm

4 On April 21st, 2009, Bethface said:

I can’t say it as well but I totally agree with Karen.

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 2:42 pm

5 On April 21st, 2009, moxie said:

Excellent post, well said.

I think part of the reason the world loves her is because no matter who we are, we’ve all had moments where we’ve felt like Susan: awkward, different, laughed at. To watch her completely knock the socks off of everybody there is a triumph and is totally inspirational. Not because she can sing, but because she did so with poise and grace.

But beyond that, I would also say that part of the reason she has so resonated with people is that all of us have in some way been part of that audience at some time. Maybe we would never disrespect somebody to their face, but in our minds we’re thinking thoughts similar to what the audience so visibly conveyed that night. Maybe we judge them based on their looks, the way they’re dressed, how they act or talk, their race or gender, their perceived financial status, or even political or religious views, rather than getting to know the PERSON behind it all.

Susan isn’t ugly, just by looking at her I would say that she’s average. I could totally see her living next door to me or at the grocery store. But we are not used to seeing “average” on TV unless it’s been primped and preened within an inch of its life. While I would never, ever disrespect Susan if I had seen her out and about, to see that image on tv is incredibly dissonant compared to the other 99% of what’s out there. And I admit it (although I’m not proud of it), the first time I watched the video, my thoughts were along the lines of “wow, she’s totally embarrassing herself, doesn’t she know that she should have fixed herself up more?”

Susan is a good reminder not just that we can overcome difficult circumstances and prejudice, but also that we should be willing to look past the surface and give people a chance. They might just surprise us.

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 3:18 pm

6 On April 21st, 2009, Bree said:

Thanks to the music industry’s ever-increasing focus on looks instead of actual artistic talent, we have forgotten that fat people who can sing isn’t a new phenonmenon. It wasn’t too long ago that “average-looking” people not only got a record contract, but were promoted extensively and were popular with the public. After MTV hit, that all changed. Christopher Cross and Carole King probably would never get a shot in today’s appearance-obsessed world. If Aretha Franklin were unknown in 2009, she would probably face the same ridicule Susan Boyle did.

Reality TV is known for not being kind to people of size. Which means it’s not really reality. If the networks want to be true reality, they need to showcase men and women above size 14, heck, above size 24, as something other than candidates for dangerous weight loss competitions or those pity-party Discovery Health shows. Susan Boyle probably won’t change the attitude of reality show creators, but hopefully she’s made them take notice.

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 3:32 pm

7 On April 21st, 2009, Miriam Heddy said:

One thing to remember is that this episode was not broadcast live, nor is there any reason to believe that the judges didn’t discuss their responses to the acts ahead of time. They very likely had headshots submitted to them and discussed the most dramatic responses to any given performer well in advance of seeing them.

Simon Cowell is well aware that there’s no relationship between appearance, age, and talent. The man’s been in the business how long? And his father was as well. He knows how much makeup/hair/dental work/photoshopping/backup singers/studio manipulation of recordings goes into the creation of a “star.”

I would expect that the judges have a well-rehearsed stock reaction to any “ugly duckling” to appear, and that, after the performance, the “narrative” was created by choosing which reaction shots to include out of all those who the cameras filmed, including the guys in the wings, the judges, and the audience members whose dismissive reaction “just happened” to get filmed at just the right moment.

Reality TV really isn’t, even though Susan Boyle is a genuine talent.

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 4:05 pm

8 On April 21st, 2009, Misty said:

Yes, I agree with what Miriam Heddy said. It would be naive to think that either the backstage people or the judges were genuinely surprised. I do think it was staged (especially the blonde judge with her standing ovations). But it was great television, and exceptionally well edited. It conformed to a well-known Hollywood formula that never fails. Did it not seem like a remake of the Robert Redford film “The Natural”?

But having said all that, she does have a pretty darned good voice for someone without formal training.

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 5:00 pm

9 On April 21st, 2009, George said:

Let’s see where she is going to be in year or two…I am afraid show business will squeeze her and leave…her record youtube video will be forgotten…just hope she will be able to gain something too…

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 5:39 pm

10 On April 21st, 2009, Colleen said:

I think Jezebel did a spot on piece about her: http://jezebel.com/5215015/susan-boyle-has-come-to-save-us-from-our-shallowness

I wish she was treated more like a person and less like a parable.

posted on April 21st, 2009 at 7:10 pm

11 On April 22nd, 2009, Bronwyn said:

Great post.

That said, I can’t be the only one who knew what was coming the minute that she stepped on stage- they were totally playing up for us to be blown away, and does anyone remember the guy from the first season? Similar situation.

posted on April 22nd, 2009 at 2:58 am

12 On April 22nd, 2009, SteveD said:

I can’t wait until her CD. Hopefully she gets some good songs. I think she has the Talent to rival “Celine”. Ok not the good looks.

Of course I think “Jewel” is great too.

SteveD

posted on April 22nd, 2009 at 10:29 am

13 On April 22nd, 2009, Sherie Sanders said:

I agree with everyone that she is wonderful. I think everyone has their own slightly unique take on Susan. Here is mine:
eave it to the mainstream media (MSM) to take the poignancy out of the moment. We love her, we watch her over and over, we are reduced to tears. But some media cynics just don’t get it. Kind of like how the pre Christmas eve Scrooge was unable to see what most dogs and kids knew all along. They tell us that we are overreacting, and tritely dismiss her popularity as coming from the disparity between how she looks and how she sounds.

I say NOT SO FAST! I think this is more than just a morality lite sound bite; “can’t judge a book by its cover,” and we should have known that what was in the package with the plain wrapping was better than what was in the one with the fancy ribbons. We are humbled at her magical Seraphine like voice because we are reacting to the power of our own experience. Yes, we are taught to obsess on all the wrong things: looks, fame, fortune, power and a whole list of other externals. But we don’t just judge others on those things, we judge ourselves as well. How many of us have shackled our dreams because we don’t feel adequate enough? (Insert pretty, thin, young etc here!) Everyone knows if you don’t have the right props you won’t succeed. Be a good little person and bow out until someone finds the right product you can buy to fix yourself. When someone just like us dares; well, how dare they? We cringe with resentment; deep down, we would never have the nerve. And yet, when she opened her mouth to sing (or let the angels sing through her), all that melted away. She dashed our defenses, pierced a million pretenses. Dysfunctional cultural delusions crumbled faster than credit default swaps because they couldn’t hold up to the moment of truth. Real greatness comes only from the heart and the soul. And when one has this, all else is eclipsed.

The lesson of Susan could never be more salient than at this very moment. Our society is falling under the weight of its own lies. Corruption, cheating, dishonesty everywhere we look. What isn’t a lie anymore? From the products we buy to the politicians who are bought off, nothing is as it seems. As we walk through the fog of fraud, we stumble upon authenticity and are stunned by it. We weep because we are still able to recognize it. This isn’t like how our taste buds have been so deadened by processed food the natural doesn’t taste right to us anymore. We still respond to real beauty! We are not soul dead yet. Maybe we will be o.k. We just need to stop listening to those leading us down false paths for their own agendas and listen to our own inner wisdom. I think Susan really is an angel in disguise letting us know the only thing we can trust is the sincerity deep within ourselves. If we follow that, it is not too late to find our way home.

Susan’s performance is a modern day archetypical moment. But I hope we are careful in choosing the right fairy tale. MSM is only too happy to use the rags to riches cliché of Cinderella. But this goes way beyond Cinderella. This is the Buddha as beggar, the goddess as goat herder. This lesson is a reminder of the inextricable link between greatness, humility and simplicity. Leave the Cinderellas to the commercial sponsors. Although Sleeping Beauty is not too far off, because Susan’s true greatness can only be appreciated by the pure of heart.

posted on April 22nd, 2009 at 7:34 pm

14 On April 28th, 2009, Susan Boyle gets makeover » The-F-Word.org said:

[...] are “frantic” over the changes. Remember judge Amanda Holden’s comments when we discussed Susan Boyle last week? “She needs to stay exactly as she is because that’s the reason we [...]

posted on April 28th, 2009 at 10:31 am

15 On July 28th, 2009, Susan Boyle buys her house in Blackburn. | susan boyle said:

[...] Why does the world love Susan Boyle? (the-f-word.org) July 28th, 2009 | Tags: blackburn, Britain’s Got Talent, brother gerry, debut album, record label, Simon Cowell, Susan Boyle | Category: Susan Boyle [...]

posted on July 28th, 2009 at 8:46 am

16 On January 19th, 2010, Michael said:

The enormously successful youtube video of her audition was truly mind-boggling, so much so that I actually watched it several times just to absorb it. (And obviously others have done the same, thus the high hit tabulation.) Okay, She is old (for an auditioning singer), she is odd-looking (to say she’s Plain Jane doesn’t go far enough, although I would not call her ugly), and of course she has a surprisingly beautiful voice.

But what was truly awesome about that video was how she turned the crowd’s mob opinion around in only a few seconds. The roars of approval when she sang that first line gave me chills. And, of course it must have been more awesome live and in person, but the way the crowd reacted– as a whole– to each part of the melody… It was truly haunting.

Then the judges: Their faces at first were snide, bored, even a bit frightened for what horrors she might bring to the house. Then she sings. Piers, at one point looked like he was about to cry tears of joy (He visibly gulped.) The beautiful woman in the middle, Amanda I think her name is, appeared to be in shock: not mannered posturing for the camera shock, but honest-to-goodness shock; and that old stinker Simon (whom we love from Am Idol) just broke out into a broadly beautiful smile that transformed him into an awed little boy.

posted on January 19th, 2010 at 11:35 pm

17 On April 28th, 2010, SteveD said: