Guest Author - Linda Steele
Have you ever felt like an ugly duckling but really wanted to be a swan? Have you ever felt you could shine - if only you had the opportunity to show your talent or if someone would just give you the time of day? Here is the story of one person’s dream becoming a reality. Susan Boyle, a shy, frumpy, forty-seven year old spinster from Scotland on the TV show “Britain’s got Talent” in her beige Sunday best and wild, unruly hair.
Here’s how USA Today described the event: “Boyle — 47, unglamorous, unfashionable, unknown — faced down a sneering British audience and panel of judges on Britain’s Got Talent, including the ever-sneery Simon Cowell. Then, in an instant, she turned jeers to cheers with her rendition of one of the weepier numbers from Les Misérables. Almost as instantly, Boyle went viral: A clip on YouTube garnered millions of hits.”
Did you see the YouTube clip? It was flying around for days via emails, Twitter, Facebook, and blogs - as of this writing it has had 2.5 million hits - I think that it more hits that Obama’s Inaugural speech - pretty amazing.
I first got the YouTube clip sent to me from a friend via email with “a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover” in the message header. I must admit that it took me a day or two to click on the email and view the link, not because I was skeptical but because of a busy schedule. I had never watched the show before, but I was a little taken aback by both the audience and the judges rolling their eyes and sneering.
I was so moved when I watched the video that tears immediately came to my eyes - and still does each time I have watched the clip. As soon as she opened her mouth and started singing those first few notes, my heart fluttered with excitement - for two reasons. First, I felt vindicated for her for those doubters of her ability who had to quickly changed their tune. Second, Susan was so modest accepting all those accolades with such grace and dignity and she is so real - singing because she wanted to fulfill a wish to her mother.
What is it about this video that has got us so enamoured? Here is why I think, she has captured our hearts. First, Susan is the underdog - we as a society always love it when the underdog wins. Second, she is real and modest. In the tinsel world of TV, she stands out as a real person. Her family has always been a priority. She has put her life on hold while caring for her mother. However, all of this falls away when she sings. You get a sense that she is pouring herself fully into her song and she becomes who she really is. Even after her skyrocket to fame, she has remained her authentic self. Now her daily chores are interrupted with requests for autographs and interviews. Third, Susan had a dream all her life now - at 47 - her dream has become reality.
It is wonderful that Susan has such talent and she is finally getting her chance to fulfill a dream. This tells story of Susan Boyle us that it’s never too late to fulfill our dreams. What is your dream?
Just in case you haven't seen this amazing video, I have included the link below. Enjoy!
