Paul Potts, Blueprint for Sarah Boyle?

[Bonobo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxOytYLlhiQ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Potts

During the programme, there was some controversy as to the "undiscovered" nature of Potts' talent. He was portrayed on the show as simply a mobile-phone salesman, whereas he had in fact appeared in six amateur opera productions and in a concert for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and had plans for a summer tour with that orchestra. Potts responded to his critics saying that he had not claimed to be completely untutored, that he had never performed any concert for pay and was therefore amateur and that the lessons he had received in Italy had been paid for from his own savings.

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As a friend stated so well with regards to this subtext-laden narrative foisted upon us:

"Before we hear her sing we get to feel superior to her. After we hear her sing we feel guilty that we prejudged her. But then we quickly switch sides and "forget" our initial response and feel superior to those that prejudged her. The fact that she's the exception to the rule on the surface appears to play into our fantasy that anyone can be famous but if you go deeper it actually reinforces the rule to which she is but an exception. It also presents television and shows like this as a type of hero that allows us to participate in this glorious miracle which further deepens our connection to the unreality presented in such shows."

[MADem]

1. Well, I guess Fabia Cerra doesn't have a shot now! nt

[dkf]

2. This is exactly the sort of thing I was thinking of when I heard Susan

Boyle.

I was trying to find a better version of Nessun Dorma than Pavarotti earlier, but after going through them all and coming across the likes of Mr. Potts, Bocelli and Russell Watson, I decided Pavarotti was still the best.

So while I am impressed by Susan Boyle, I don't understand all the hoopla.

I'm glad that the air has come back into the room now and we can discuss things like Torture and Jane Harman.