Susan Boyle is the woman from Blackburn, Scotland who made a media sensation with her performance in the talent show “Britain’s Got Talent”; the show that is Britains equivalent of American Idol. She was in the competition for the duration of the show…and made it to the semi-finals only to, in the end, honor those who won the competition by seemingly being gracious and saying “they won”. Susan had been under intense pressure and media attention during the last few weeks of the competition. Those who viewed her performances were wowed and awed by her talent.
Susan’s appearance was unsullied initially by handlers who often try to make contestants over into an appearance that is slicked up and geared towards making the amateur appear as a professional. Susan made an impression because she came across as an average woman…then when she opened her mouth and sang…she made eyebrows lift and smiles appear. She truly has the voice of an angel. However, under immense pressure during the last weeks..she appeared to become stressed, faultering with the opening of one of her performances, and getting into an altercation with some “fans” which was captured on camera. After taking second place in the finals on Saturday; news reports say that Susan has checked out of the pressure cooker of the media and the public zone and checked into a rehab place voluntarily for some R & R; and, some help destressing. I think that is great since she is scheduled to record an album in the next couple of months.
Susan Boyle deserves the time to regroup; and, time to prepare to realize her dream of recording and performing, if that is her choice. These talent shows should stop trying to “package and present” people as a product and let them just do what they are skilled at. Susan Boyle may not be a person who goes out on concert tours, does talk shows, and morning television shows at a grueling pace. Not everyone is able to be a superstar onstage; even though they may be gifted with musical talent. She may just become a recording artist who does only what she loves; serving up her skill in a way that meets her needs, her expectations, and still gives the gift of musicality to her fans.
Isn’t that enough all on it’s own? Why does she have to change to fit the ideal of someone else’s expectations to how she should use her talent? She should not be required to become someone else; doing things she is ill equipped to do, and does not enjoy. What a blessing she could be, just recording her talent….allowing those who market such talent to do so without jepardizing her well-being! Be well, be happy Susan and do things on your own terms; take joy in your accomplishments.
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