Like ITV1’s other Saturday night behemoth, The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent now seems to be following the same well-trodden path. A large sprinkling of the mad, bad and totally deluded, which only serves to highlight the acts with genuine talent. And of course there must be a touch of human interest – how else to explain why the “chosen” contestants have a heartwarming tale of overcoming adversity, accompanied by videos and photos, while the no-hopers last but seconds before being buzzed off.
Of course Britain is famous for cheering on the underdog, those who strive to triumph against all the odds, and truly deserve their success. Whether it’s a musician who has slogged away in the clubs for years, the belting singer in the church choir, or someone with a unique talent, say ventriloquism, but no stage on which to perform – all are on the show hoping for that one big break.
Unfortunately those singled out for special praise by the judges appear to become fair game for the tabloid press to comment on everything from their appearance to their sexual activity. With the men, it’s a case of dishing the kiss-and-tell dirt from former girlfriends or wives. The women, however, are subjected to scrutiny with a fine tooth comb, especially those of a “certain age”, as in the case of this year’s surprise sensation, Susan Boyle.
The Mouse That Roared
The 48-year-old Scottish spinster strolled on stage with caterpillar eyebrows, slightly unkempt hair and a dress that was most definitely not couture. The audience, and the judges, were all convinced this was just another mad woman with delusions of talent. As if this scarecrow could possibly aspire to be another Elaine Paige! Then she opened her mouth and the auditorium echoed to the sound of 4000 jaws hitting the floor.
The video duly appeared on YouTube, generated millions of hits, and ever since then she has been bombarded with offers for interviews on both sides of the Atlantic, appeared in papers all over the world, and has allegedly been offered a part in an upcoming movie. Surely it is a sign you have “arrived” when you are spoofed by U.S. talk show host Jay Leno on the Tonight Show.
Where There’s Muck There’s Cash
Sadly British tabloids don’t do spoofs, only dig for dirt. Was it really necessary to point out her lack of sexual experience? Susan herself said she’d never even been kissed, so it doesn’t take a genius to figure out she’d hardly been moonlighting in a local massage parlour. An article in the Daily Mail helpfully added Susan had been slightly brain damaged at birth, and as she walked round her village she was taunted with names such as Susie Simple.
Compare her treatment with that of opera singer Paul Potts, the first winner of Britain’s Got Talent. With his wonky teeth, portly figure and ill-fitting suit he too was first judged on his appearance. But although there was definitely media interest in his life before he was thrust into the limelight, he didn’t seem to attract the frankly rude headlines (generally some variation of “Hairy Angel”) plaguing Susan Boyle.
One hopes that the show’s giant PR machine is helping Susan get to grips with the media invasion which has turned her life upside down, and not milking it for higher ratings. Certainly she appears to be a sensible woman with her feet firmly on the ground, not some giggling wannabe desperate for the limelight. Hopefully her voice will help her to rise above all the dross that is swirling around her at the moment.
