Susan Boyle Gobsmacks Britain's Got Talent

Susan Boyle gobsmacked the whole world Saturday when she took on a jeering audience and Simon Cowell. The catcalling studio was clearly heard as she introduced herself and answered Mr. Cowell's questions. Cameras caught the random faces of disbelievers in the audience. In addition, there were less than encouraging expressions from the judges. And then God intervened.

There are many things to be worried about in the modern world. War, corruption, greed. Our commercials are filled with epidemics of dis-ease: kidney disease, joint disease, depression and more. We look to cures, or at least cessation, in pills, plastic surgery and habitual criticism. But over 12 million people in the last few days have found another cure. Enter Susan Boyle.

Dressed plainly with graying hair and modest make-up, Ms. Boyle obviously did nothing to hide her 47 years. Rather she embraced them and cockily replied to Simon Cowell's question about her age with a spirited, "And that's just one side of me." At that point not a single person in the audience appeared to be on her side. How she found the courage to continue is absolutely amazing. Most people would have run for cover.

Susan Boyle did not brag. She claimed one thing, "I'm going to make that audience rock," before she stepped on stage. Could more odds have been stacked against her? Unemployed. A difficult childhood. Putting her life on hold to care for her mother. "Never even been kissed," said Susan before her performance. She was nervous. But she put a hand on her hip and belted out the most meaningful rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream," ever delivered. And folks, Elaine Paige is a powerful stage presence. But Susan applied the meaning behind those lyrics with total authority. The once jeering audience couldn't wait for her to finish, before giving her a standing ovation and non-stop cheers.

Bravo, Susan. You made the world rock. You made us all realize we've become a bunch of schmucks. We've been humbled, and we deserve every bit of it. Thankfully, Amanda Holden, one of the "Britain's Got Talent" judges told reporters during her interview with ITN on April 16, 2009 that she would not allow Simon Cowell to change Ms. Boyle's appearance. The one thing that we love about her is "she looks like anyone living on your street." "There's time," said Ms. Holden, "to turn her into a glamour puss later."

I want to see Ms. Boyle stay herself. I want to know that I'm living in a world where gumption and hard work are more valued than being a glamour puss. Where it's OK to be your age, be yourself and be heard. And we heard her didn't we? One day the world got too full of itself. Then God inspired a human angel to stand on a stage set against her and knock us all on our butts. Frankly, I think I'm going to stay down here a while.

YouTube, ITN News Story with Amanda Holden interview, April 16, 2009
YouTube, Scottish Television, Susan Boyle First Interview, April 2009