It’s not always on the battle field, a burning building, or catching a criminal.
Sometimes it’s just having the guts to try something you’ve always wanted to do.
Watch the embedded video. Ms. Boyle is older, she looks like a typical middle aged house wife in fact. During the introduction, the judges and some members of the audience can barely contain their amused contempt. The singer is not a glamorous young girl, who use her looks to divert attention from a mediocre voice. If she is going to succeed it has to be on raw talent.
Then she starts to sing and the smiles and chuckles are gone. I don’t know all that much about music, really, but I think she held a note through four octaves. Try that Britney. The judges and the audience were floored.
She may not win the contest, she may never be heard from again, but she got her wish. She got to sing before a large audience and that audience loved her. She took a huge risk walking out on that stage, she might have ended up being humiliated, been a national and international laughing stock. Knowing all of that she went out and gave a terrific performance.
She put aside her fears and did her very best. Which is the true definition of courage.
I watched the clip and it sent shivers down my spine. Brilliant. I’m going to have to start watching the show.I’m intrigued. A British TV show on your USA blog? How did you come by that?Dave in Birmingham (England)
I watched this the other day and found it delightful. Courage, gumption, determination… call it what you want… the lady is a marvel.
Dave, it’s the miracle of the Interwebz!
I was cynical too when I saw her come out on stage, but when she sang, I got goosebumps. I love the looks on the judges faces. Brilliant.
Just watched a report on PBS (I know… too liberal for you) featuring a story on this amazing lady. The report said that the video you linked to has been viewed in excess of 20 million times. When advised of her success, she stated “All I can say is thank you,” then went on to thank her neighbors for their support. Courage and humility is a frumpy package. You gotta love it.The title of the piece is “The Susan Boyle Effect,” which can be downloaded as an MP3 at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/newshour_index.html
Fox News (I know…too conservative for you) had a report on her as well, so the complete spectrum is covered.
Well Penelope, I’m a manly man, so my eyes didn’t tear up even a little bit. Really, it was allergies or dust in my eyes.
Inspirational.
She has a beautiful voice. And character and courage to match.God bless her.
Goosebumps over here too! Makes you feel great to watch.Linda
Well TOTWTYTR, I guesws I am not a manly man because my eyes did tear up! Well done Mrs. Boyle! Well done! You have displayed more courage than I have seen in a long while!
D-mn straight! I agree with you 100%. That took true courage.I know when I first saw that clip I thought,”Lord, I hope she can sing well, because if not, the judges are going to be cruel to her.”