Meet Susan Boyle. A 47 year old woman from Scotland, who lives with her cat Pebbles and has admitted that she had never been married, and never been kissed. Viewers of Britain's Got Talent initially saw her with double chin, untidy hair, dowdy appearance and eccentric demeanour, step onto the talent show stage and proclaim her dream of being a professional singer. Based on the audience's incredulous faces and even the judge's reaction when she started to introduce herself, she was nothing but a loser, plain and ordinary old lady without anything special.
Susan Boyle during her unforgettable performance
But as she gave her heart-touching and uplifting rendition of Les Miserables' "I Dreamed A Dream" (which I think is the perfect song for her during that moment), eyes bulged, jaws dropped and everyone was struck by her amazing voice. After her song, one of the judges, Amanda Holden, remarked upon the audience's initially cynical attitude, and the subsequent "biggest wake-up call ever" upon hearing her performance. Her voice confounded all expectations. Susan Boyle became an instant star.
Who would have thought that the old lady ridiculed by everyone would turn out to be one of the most talented and gifted singers the world will ever hear?
Her audition video became one of the most viral videos in YouTube with 2.5 million viewers in the span of 2 days.
Susan Boyle's story reminded me of our nature as human beings to judge a person by first impressions. Her video never fail to bring out my emotional side because I know that if I was present during that time as part of the audience, I would also laugh at her and I would think that listening to her would be a waste of time. Then I realized that if I was there, I would also be one of those who would be speechless listening to her golden voice.
Her story was described as a modern parable and a rebuke to people's tendency to judge others based on their physical appearance. Boyle's performance was indeed a victory for talent and artistry in a culture obsessed with physical attractiveness and presentation. In an interview with Washington Post, she said:
"Modern society is too quick to judge people on their appearances. [...] There is not much you can do about it; it is the way they think; it is the way they are. But maybe this could teach them a lesson, or set an example."
Her story changed my view on first impressions. As a popular assertion would tell us: "Do not judge a book by its cover." Her performance taught me to get to know people by looking beyond a person's appearance. That after all, conventional ways and perceptions in life are sometimes not the best standard we should follow. Boyle also made me realize that my dreams are very close and that I could never please everybody. All I can do is stand up, prove them wrong and sing to the world what I got to offer. She showed to everyone that she can be more than just a face in the crowd.
Susan Boyle is a role model for everyone who dreams, one of the people I personally look up to. The odd looking old woman who changed the world's view with her voice.
As one fan quoted (from BBC News) :
Watch her audition video and reflect:
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