Susan Boyle's Dream Comes True

About a year ago someone sent me a YouTube link to a video of an audition for Britain's Got Talent. A middle-aged woman, Susan Boyle, sang I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables. I was blown away by her performance. I watched the video numerous times and passed it along to others. It was simply inspiring. That YouTube video received nearly 100 million hits in the first 9 days. It was the most watched video of 2009. If you haven't seen it - check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

What accounts for the popularity of Susan Boyle? Perhaps because she's such an ordinary person that millions can relate to. In a longer audition tape she revealed that she was 47 years old, a spinster, in fact, never been really kissed. She lived with her cat in a village in Scotland, but always had ambition to be a professional singer. When asked why it hadn't worked out, she said she'd never had the opportunity.

I am astounded by her courage. It's one thing to have a dream, but quite another to lay everything on the line to see if that dream can possibly come true. Do you think she wasn't self-aware enough to know that people would judge her, dismiss her, make fun of her? That's what happened initially at the audition before she began to sing. Imagine the doubts and fears in her mind as she considered auditioning, filled out the application form, took public transit from her small village into Glasgow, and waited in the wings for her turn on stage. No doubt she tried to look her best but she must have been aware that she didn't look very sophisticated or modern. The opportunity for rejection was overwhelming - just imagine the scathing remarks Simon Cowell could make!! Yet Susan took courage and stepped onto the stage. Good for her!

It has been well-documented in the media that the pressure overwhelmed her in the elimination process of Britain's Got Talent. Because of YouTube, she was hounded by the media and wasn't eating properly or sleeping. She had a breakdown, but was able ,with the support of many, to continue the competition. She was one of two finalists, still standing at the finale. Besides the cash prize, a recording contract with Simon Cowell was on the line. Her face fell when it was announced she was not the winner. Simon Cowell went onstage, put his arms around her and whispered in her ear, "If you want to make a record, I'll make it for you." Cowell said on a recent TV program about Boyle, that getting to know Susan Boyle has been life-changing for him. He didn't like himself on the audition on YouTube, saying he was too judgemental. Here's a preview of the CD that was made:http://susan-boyle-news.blogspot.com/2009/07/susan-boyles-cd.html

So Susan's dream is coming true - she's a professional singer with a CD burning up the charts. Recently it went platinum. I think I'm going to buy it. I need to be reminded regularly that being over 40 doesn't mean the end of your dreams. Sometimes it just takes more courage to step onto the stage.