by Ethel Smith

Created on: June 01, 2009   Last Updated: June 02, 2009

Britain's Got Talent 2009 was the third in the series. For many, including myself, the auditions can be the best section of the show. Just like in American Idol we are treated to raw, undiscovered talent, misguided fools who think they are talented and the wild and wacky who are often a little odd. For most viewers, when Susan Boyle first stepped out on that audition stage, she fell into either the second or third category of that list.

A middle aged woman, who seemed a little older than her 47 years, she appeared eccentric. Her playful rapport gave the impression that she was perhaps a little odd and maybe not as bright as she could be. The faces of the audience, the judges, and probably the public at home, all showed that their eyes were raised to the heaven with that look, as if they were all saying on mass "Gawd, what on earth is she doing here". Of course they were all so wrong.

The back stage hosts, Ant and Dec, looked into the camera as Susan's sweet voice echoed around the theatre and in unison they said "You didn;t expect that did you?". In truth most people would have had to agree. After pre-judging Susan by her appearance, age and slight eccentricity the whole world seemed to embrace Susan.

As more of her childhood and life emerged I think that many people felt a little guilty for their early prejudice against Susan. Reading that Susan had been starved of oxygen, when her Mother was giving birth to her, which had left her with learning difficulties perhaps explained a little. However, there was so much more to Susan and her story. School bullies had nicknamed Susan, Simple Susan and made her life a misery. Susan had made many attempts at becoming a singer but nerves and lack of confidence had gotten the better of her.

Now in her late 40s it seemed to be Susan's one big chance at stardom. We, the audience ended up loving her quirkiness. We embraced the stories of her hard life and the fact that she now lived alonem except for her cat pebbles, unmarried and working on a voluntary basis for the church. The small Scottish village where she lived was so proud of Susan.

As America saw the images of Susan on YouTube, and heard her story, they too embraced her. Everyone became fascinated with the story of the seemingly eccentric Susan, who was funny although often unintentionally so. Youtibe certainly helped with the globalization of Susan Boyle but of course this love affair with Susan did not last. There were many talented performers on this years

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