by Geraldine Moorkens Byrne

Created on: May 14, 2009

Susan Boyle strode out on the stage of Britain's Got Talent as a stocky, unkempt, unglamourous middle aged frump and walked off it as a national heroine. In between those two points lay unchartered territory in modern society- a woman who didn't conform to what we thought was the norm turned out to be talented, modest, heart warming, and in her own way beautiful. On the surface it's a classic rags-to-riches Cinderella story; but it also tells us something about society, and ourselves and that is what fascinates us.

We are a jaded, cynical lot, who demand endless entertainment. Most of all we enjoy laughing at the folly and hubris of our fellow man. That's the secret behind the popularity of shows like Britain's Got Talent; it was the secret behind the success of gladiators, lion wrestlers, medieval court fools and any arena in which the unfortunate and delusional get their comeuppance.

Also we have very set standards of beauty these days and an unhealthy belief that beauty confers worth. There's a fuzzy but generally accepted idea that a good looking, well groomed woman has more self respect, and is more entitled to our respect, than someone like Susan Boyle. However until recently Susan would have been seen and appreciated for what she is - a healthy, pleasant, plain speaking countrywoman. Somehow, as an image that has become warped into "loser". When she first appeared the judges on Britain's Got Talent - Amanda Holden, Piers Morgan and Simon Cowell - were open in their disdain and the crowd behind them was a sea of sniggers and whispers.

The initial exchanges between Ms Boyle and the judges were painful. She was a lone figure on a huge stage dwarfed by the overbearing and patronizing panel. She made a joke, they sneered a little, and she was invited to sing.

And that's where it all changed. Because unlike most of the entrants, Susan can sing. She has a strong, pure, emotive voice that conveys meaning and passion. It's not the best voice in the world; it's not perfect. But it is lovely. And she knows how to use it; her astonishing confidence while performing was as much a part of the thrill as her voice. We are all slightly ashamed to admit it but we don't expect that someone as ordinary as she could be so confident.

But even more than that, the fact that her confidence resides in her real ability rather than in her appearance really took us all by surprise.

There was a time when people were valued for their abilities; they were considered valuable if talented, regardless of their appearance. Beauty has always been feted but ideas of beauty change over time. Ability and talent have more lasting power. Not too long ago all famous female opera singers were built like the figure head on the prow of a ship - full figured buxom ladies. Susan Boyle would not have been expected to lose two stone and wear a belly top. Now we struggle to fit her into our worldview. Yes she is undoubtedly talented and we are delighted with her; but what about her face? How do we reconcile Susan Boyle with our belief that only the young, slim, and beautiful should be allowed on TV?

I hope Susan does nothing more than pluck her eyebrows and buy a new frock. In an ideal world she would remain intransigent in the face of fame, striding out again and again onto a stage solely for the pleasure of singing. Perhaps her star will burn bright and long, or perhaps it will be a short and glorious burst. But no matter what happens now, for one moment at least she made us all stop and listen and she challenged us all to open our eyes and look.

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