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Every week, msnbc.com entertainment producers Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, Denise Hazlick, Paige Newman, Kurt Schlosser and Anna Chan weigh in on topics ranging from TV commercials to movie hype to the latest celebrity blunder. We're not ashamed to admit our love for bad TV or reveal what's on our iPods, and invite you to join the conversation via your comments.



Leave Susan Boyle the heck alone

Posted: Monday, May 04, 2009 4:00 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: ,

First, out of nowhere, there was Susan Boyle. And yea, the world dropped its jaws at the sound of that crystal-clear voice coming out of an ordinary looking woman, and saw that it was good.


AP file
People, she got a haircut and a scarf. This is not major cosmetic surgery, here.

And then, she showed up with a new hairdo and a Burberry scarf, and lo, the people started to freak the heck out. "What's next, a fake tan?" sniffed the Associated Press.

Come on. The woman got a $51 haircut and a scarf! It's not like she instantly threw herself on the plastic-surgery operating table and loaded up on Jimmy Choo stilettos. For all that she did clean up a bit, she still reminds me of a grade-school piano teacher. She'd never be noticed in a crowd by anyone who hadn't watched her YouTube audition clip.

But after the Boyle bonanza, in which everyone and their sister was e-mailing the YouTube clip, and then the Media Discovery, in which sites like ours were re-telling the story YouTubers already knew, there came the inevitable Warning Of The Backlash.

This story in the Times Online blames the supposed backlash on the new look, the fact that apparently Boyle's "never been kissed" line wasn't true, and that she's had some past musical success. Big deal. She's 47, if she hadn't ever tried to break into music before, with that voice, she's not just dowdy, as the paper calls her, but dumb. So she's not dumb! That's good!

And after the Warning of the Backlash came the declaration that said backlash was actually bogus. Any moment now we await the word that the bogus backlash itself was really bogus, and then the reversal of that bogus backlash, and now I can't even be bothered to keep up any more.

The woman has an amazing voice. She looks like one of us -- or at least, more like one of us than, say, Mariah Carey does. Now, leave her alone. It's fine to report on the competition as it continues. But just last week, I saw a series of photos of Boyle in her bathrobe, obviously surprised by the appearance of a photographer at her door. Is that really necessary?

It's one thing to, as "South Park" pointed out (warning: profanity), be simply sick of hearing about her. It's another to actively wish the woman ill and keep on invading her privacy. 

I'd still rather give her my album money and let her buy more cat food for her 10-year-old cat Pebbles than give it to Mariah so she can have 47 flower girls at her first wedding that didn't last.

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i agree leave susan alone,shes a awsome lady with a awsome voice,being unemployed she most likely couldnt aford to get her hair  done reg,now she has  a little more money,why shouldnt she ahave some long awaited luxurys,she looks lovely,paul potts got some dental work done and good on him too,come on leave people alone,great work to both them,spend  spend spend,cool.i think its awsome that these people just very down to earth taleneted folks,reminds me of a bible  verse,man looks on outward,but God looks at heart,go  4  gold.

wendy taumata (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 8:37 PM)

Thank you Gael Fashingbauer Cooper.  It's so refreshing to read an article by someone who's
professional intergrity is at the for front of
their profession. I think Susan is wonderful and
good for her in want to take pride in her appearance. It not only shows she cares about herself but she cares about others as well.  Who
wouldn't want to be in the company of a well kept
person let alone a person with extrodinary talent
as she has. She still looks as precious as she did
that Saturday evening on Britian's Got Talent. Way
to go Susan!

Nancy Triola, Longwood, Florida (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 9:12 PM)

There's no backlash - why don't you people get a life and get off her looks - YOU ARE BULLIES! The same ungodly mean spirited ones most of us ordinary folks had to endure in high school and any where else - WHO CARES HOW SHE LOOKS - she can sing and that is the only point of it.

rm. pv Arizona (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 9:37 PM)

Hi Gael
Yes I agree - she should be left alone! No not necessary re the bathrobe but at least it had'stars' all over it - signifying that a 'star is born'.

Kathryn Johnston (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 9:38 PM)

Right on!! Let Susan Boyle be for goodness sake!! She's not some substance abusing hard living diva, she's just a hometown girl trying to realize a dream!! This lady has a God-given talent the likes of which most of us are never privileged to enjoy and she is sweet, humble, and down-to-earth too. Stop being so confounded jealous and let the lady enjoy her life!!

Madelynne Carr Harrisburg, IL (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 9:48 PM)

Thank you for writing this timely letter. It's just common sense.

Nancy, Owings MIlls, MD (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 10:02 PM)

Thank you, Gael - well said!

Paul Kramer, Lansing, MI (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 10:03 PM)

.  I agree 100 per cent.  My favorite song from my favorite musical. Susan has an amazing voice that brings me to tears, and she is NORMAL!! Leave her alone, let her make a few personnel adjustment,s ( hairdo is fine) but make sure you keep singing. Susan, thank you so much for giving me so much pleasure. Enjoy your success, but please keep your feet on Terra Firma.

Mike Steer. Deep River. Ontario. Canada (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 10:18 PM)

Great article Gael..you're right on!..I enjoyed it and couldn't agree more with you....as long as Susan has success, I don't think she even wants to be "famous"..I think she would be thrilled to cut an album/CD and make a little money doing it!.. and why not??..people can be so fickle..you GO Susan Boyle! Enjoy the Limelight!...Ellen

Ellen Cusick -South Plainfield NJ (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 10:20 PM)

I can't agree more.   She's had a secluded life and little exposure to success.  Evidently as a part of honoring the memory of her parents she is trying (again) to get a break.  Her attempts in the past have been ignored, or worse, ridiculed.   Unfortunetely she is now beseiged by people from the media trying to make a buck by selling a story about her.  Look at what other contestants do....buy a better outfit (Paul Potts went from shirt and pants to a tux...), glam up their act a bit....and no one gives a hoot.  I loved Piers Morgan's comment of something like 'what woman, who finds she is about to be viewed on tv by millions, wouldn't go out to get her hair done?'  
I wish her all the best - and agree - I'd rather buy her CD than go to one of Britany's concerts any day.  

D Tucker Lebanon, Missouri (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 10:34 PM)

I could not agree more. It is indeed sad that it had to be said. Sad that there are some who do not share your sound reasoning, humanity and maturity. You said it well and I'm glad you did. I wish her the very best.

Jacques Dupuis (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 10:37 PM)

I don't just think she has an incredible voice, but I know it.  She stopped everyone in their footsteps the moment she opened her mouth and sang.  Maybe the makeover was just because she wanted to feel better about herself and just got darn tired of people rolling their eyes, like the little brunette in the audience at the audition.  Maybe the press should center in on that teenage brunette and show her as an example of what not to raise your children like, rude, judgemental and cruel.  I am happy for Ms. Susan and her recent fame and I hope the world continues to follow her.  She is the only person I have ever heard sing, and believe me I have heard many, that actually brought groups of people in a room to tears all at once.  You go Susan!  Bring us together again..my God this planet certainly needs it.

Gail Gardner (Sent Monday, May 04, 2009 10:48 PM)

Spot-on! I for one hopes the lovely Susan gets all the peace and practice time she needs for the semis. She's got a loyal fan in me win or lose. I just want to hear her sing. As for the paparazzis and nega-medias, I'm developing a right proper active dislike for THEM!
They better be aware of a backlash on their own heads.

Joe Anderson (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1:03 AM)

BRAVO!!  WELL SAID!!  

Lisa Allen, San Ramon, California (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 4:55 AM)

AMEN!

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 6:27 AM)

Amen!  To me, the saddest thing is that people are so hung up on the fact that, despite the fact that she's not gorgeous, she has a great singing voice!  You mean that regular-looking people aren't allowed to have incredible talents?  I didn't know that the beautiful people had a monopoly on such things.  She has a great voice, and that's all that people should be focused on - what she can achieve with that voice!

Katie Spring, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 9:10 AM)

Amen!  Everyone time I watch her video I cry.  It feels wonderful to cry like that because it crying at it's best!  I shed happy tears for Susan and happy tears for the audience who was just as cynical as I was when she first came out.  It was cleansing, because we all were so sure that someone who looked like an average person could not sing.  What an eyeopener for all of us.  Why is is that we love to lift someone up, but usually try to tear them down later?  I agree, leave Susan alone and if she wants to get a pedicure or buy another scarf, why don't we just say "good for her", she deserves it.

Linda Burns, Orlando, Florida (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 10:18 AM)

Leave her alone. The audition clip alone was entertaining and a pleasure to watch. Good luck with the competition, Susan.  

Cathy (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 11:22 AM)

What gets me about this whole Susan Boyle thing, is the main reason she got popular was because people assumed, for some unknown reason, that an unattractive or plain person has no musical talent.  Like being pretty means you DO have talent.  So now that she's not as unattractive, people lose interest bceause now it's not so shocking to them.  It didn't shock me at all that she had a fine singing voice.  There are millions of people out there with great singing voices that get no career from their talent for many reasons (stage fright, not wanting to be center of attention, lack of music business savvy, no "hook" etc . . . ).

Annie, California (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 12:59 PM)

Very relevant and witty article, Gael.

Appreciative (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 1:12 PM)

Yes, thank you for writing this article! I am so sick of holier than thou columnists ripping Susan apart. First they critisize the way she looks, and then they critisize her makeover....they are vultures. Like you, I would rather spend my money on Susan's album, rather than add to Mariah's empire on her next wedding!

LuLa, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 3:08 PM)

Susan Boyle is a refreshing change from the usual "Stars" of today. Many stars today are egomanaical,siliconed,Botoxed,primped,spoiled,socially maladjusted, often moronic and just plain BORING.
Ms Boyles appeal is simple: She is more down to earth than anything manufactured by Hollywood or record companies.

Gilbert Nelson (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 3:36 PM)

   I do have to agree that we should give some long-overdue praise to someone like Susan Boyle who does essentially represent us and (gasp) has actual talent as opposed to someone about as real as a $3 bill like Britney who has little talent let alone the beautiful voice in which to deserve her riches.

Bruce Wayne, Gotham City (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 3:49 PM)

the people that should leave her alone is her money hungry brothers and other family members plus the so call friends that just see her as a meal ticket.

reverend bill walters mulberry, florida (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 4:10 PM)

Great article, to the point.  May Susan Boyle have the greatest of luck that she surely deserves.  I could never tire of her fantastic voice. She has a gift and I am honored that she wishes to share it with us.

Carole Smock Orlando Florida (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 5:25 PM)

She is just awesome and reminds me of a tea bag, you will only know the strength when hot water is poured on it. What's with a hair do and a scarf? They need to give the lady a break, such hypocrites! You go Susan

Rodwin, Appleton, Jamaica (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 6:35 PM)

This is the best piece on Ms. Boyle I've seen. I sincerely hope she continues in the BGT competition and then makes the CD we are all waiting for. (I'm willing to wait because I want her to sing for the Queen.)After listening to her other songs available on the internet, it's evident her voice has matured and we are all luckier for it. Good job Susan!

Jackie Romanish Mesa Arizona (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 8:20 PM)

Touche!  
What's amazing to me is that people disparage her supposed lack of sex appeal / sex life - but the woman has one of the sexiest, most feminine voices I've ever heard! "Cry Me A River"  - WOW!
She's said that she wants to perform for the Queen, cut a CD, maybe perform on stage, & make everyone happy.  I think it's HER turn to be happy.  Susan - you go right ahead & follow your heart.  We love you to pieces.

Sam L., Connecticut (Sent Tuesday, May 05, 2009 10:22 PM)

Ella Fitzgerald was an overweight, glasses wearing gal, but nobody focused on her looks, because people loved her for her amazing singing voice. So Susan, with her incredible voice should be treated the same way. You just have to love this lady and I am looking forward to buying Susan's first CD.  

Carol, Brisbane, Australia (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 2:20 AM)

Thank you for being a voice of reason in this insane world of 'celebrity!' Susan touched many hearts, not only with her pure voice, but with her courage. To even attempt to perform in front of that jeering and eye-rolling crowd took an enourmous amount of strength and heart. I am not even a music 'buyer' but as soon as her music is recorded I'll be buying it. So many ordinary people in this world do extraordinary things that are never noticed. Her music speaks to us because she speaks FOR us; for all of those without the courage to compete with the 'beautiful' people. Bravo, Susan! You are already a very bright star!

Julie Obermiller, Barker NY (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 9:25 AM)

Well all I have to say is that IF (and that is a big IF) I had talent then Susan Boyle would be me. I always cry anytime I hear music as pretty and well done as both the songs I have listened to on this website. Regardless of whether she wins the show or not, she will be the next Barbara Streisand.

JD Nashville TN (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 4:02 PM)

Ahhhh.... Miss Susan, with the voice of an angel; you look just lovely with your little bit of spruce up and your pretty new scarf and clothes.  Who the heck cares if you've ever been kissed or never been kissed!  You are just the most delightful lady, with a heart of gold.  And a voice that should be heard by the world over.  There is so much love waiting for you, dear lady.  You deserve sooo much, for you have given much.  May God bless you in everything you do.  

Anne of Port Charlotte, Fl, USA (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 5:54 PM)

i think its good to know more about her.  i think it's awesome she worked this hard and has been successful.  that's the part about her story you don't hear that often.  this article goes in detail about her not really being a "overnight success"

http://musformation.com/2009/05/susan-boyle-and-you-destroying-the-overnight-success-myth.html

James Top - Trenton, NJ (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 6:31 PM)

Nice article. I like your style of writing. To the point without an attitude. Keep up the good work.

Gobi (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 6:49 PM)

Never in my entire life have I wanted so many good things to happen to someone I have never met. I hope that not only her career soars but her personal life as well.  Susan may all your dreams come true.  

Jean, Kansas City, Mo. (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 8:40 PM)

Great article.
I'm so tired of the media trying to knock this woman down.
The press has been after her non-stop, but the public seems to be blaming her for all the attention.  Idiots.
Susan, I love your voice and am really looking forward to your first cd.
I wish you every happiness in the world.  You deserve it.

Marty Scheetz, Whitehall, PA (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 9:19 PM)

Even if she wishes to go for a bigger makeover (make up etc) I think its not a big deal either. Its human nature to want to look better, and with professionals around her now they can guide her to the right stuff to do. As long as it doesn't escalate to the cosmetic surgery and such i don't think people should make a big deal about it, nobody should tell her to look better nor should they tell her to remain the same way she looked.

afterall isn't what we love her voice rather than how she looks?

Joan, Singapore (Sent Wednesday, May 06, 2009 11:58 PM)

I've seen 4 YouTube videos since its inception. This one was forwarded by a friend in Whitchurch UK, so I clicked it.  I'm 56, cynical to a fault and generally objectionable.  When I listened to the celeb judges at the start, I snickered too.  Then within one minute my eyes were misty.  I pulled for this woman to finish strong.  She blew me away and the judges' expression spoke volumes.  Frankly, after hearing her story and paying closer attention to the lyrics, there couldn't have been a more fitting song or singer and she is as good as advertised.  Better in my humble opinion.  She taught me a bittersweet 'life lesson'.  Thank you Ms. Boyle and good luck.

Wiilliam C Fields, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, May 07, 2009 5:06 AM)

Amen, Susan Boyle has a gift from "God", let her alone - she deserved it, no matter what she looks or she wears.  But she has amazing voice "Like Angel".  For those lunatics & idiots medias & reporters, you people got no common sense, you got watch out your back. Surprise! Surprise!! will come to you.  These people like Susan treat like others.  If in your family members like her - they might treat like bully & minded narrow people.  So lightning up - treat like human once for all.  So sad, good looking people with well educated - ending not smart & talent like her.  Go Susan Boyle "God Bless" & continue with your dream.





God Father, North Pole, WonderLand (Sent Thursday, May 07, 2009 4:36 PM)

Hey, don't you people have a better thing to do or a better life.  Just because you can't sing or have a talent like Susan Boye.  You just a bunch lunatics & no showing caring or supportive for unfortunately people like Susan.  So get a life & chill out.  Leave her alone!  You go girl "Susan Boyle

Miss Shanghai, Far East, North Pole (Sent Thursday, May 07, 2009 4:47 PM)

leave her alone already, she has a beautiful voice and wonderful personality, so who cares if she doesn't look like a beauty queen.  With her voice she doesn't have to.

cheryl, texas (Sent Friday, May 08, 2009 5:17 AM)

I NEVER get tired of watching the YouTube video. And, I never make it through the video without getting tears in my eyes. I'm sure we've all been in that place, in our lives, where people have judged us on our looks. So what that she got a haircut and a Burberry scarf. So what if she wants to improve her looks; what woman doesn't given the opportunity. That woman can out sing ANYONE in show business. I hope this lady gets everything she wants out of life. I would just love to sit with her, in her kitchen, and talk.....and pet Pebbles!

Robin, Las Vegas NV (Sent Friday, May 08, 2009 4:34 PM)

Susan Boyle is as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside with a stunning voice to match.  She is also very gracious and I loved it when all of the eye rolling and snickering turned into amazement the moment she opened her mouth to sing.  What a beautiful, amazing human being.  You go Susan - you deserve every good thing that comes your way.

Sandy Robertson, Colorado Springs, Colorado (Sent Friday, May 08, 2009 7:32 PM)

From the beautiful Island of Barbados. I love Susan Boyle. Just on ordinary everyday lady with a beautiful and pawerful Voice. I am happy that she got alittle make over to freshen her appearence nothing wrong with that. Leave her alone. I wish her good Luck and God's Blessing.

Angela Parris St. Michael Barbados. W.I. (Sent Friday, May 08, 2009 9:25 PM)

hey i live accross the road from susan and i to wish all these reporters and photographers would leave her alone ,susan was in here last week telling me that she was fed up being hounded by them ,susan just wants to go about her daily buisness without all the fuss. id like to thank everyone on her behalf for all your kindness and support ,

Catherine Hunter Blackburn West Lothian Scotland (Sent Saturday, May 09, 2009 7:11 AM)

Finally; a beautiful voice from a truly beautiful lady.  A lady in every sense of the word. My husband and I love Ms. Boyle. Her story is so inspiring. Her personality is so refreshing. Her smile is radiant. Ms. Boyle is what true beauty is all about.  When I was young, I was so pretty & full of vanity. My mother always said true beauty comes from within. She told me that outer beauty fads over time; but inner beauty stands the test of time. God bless you Susan Boyle. Continue to light up our lives. We love you and look forward to purchasing your first dvd; which I know will hit #1.

DESIREE , JACKSON, GA. (Sent Saturday, May 09, 2009 11:14 AM)

Great article...absolute truth. Grow up, world. Let's allow her...and her great God-given talent...to blossom.

Robbie Shafer, Huntsville, AL, USA (Sent Monday, May 25, 2009 7:54 PM)

The truth is out - Susan has a voice that is rarely heard outside of major concert and opera halls!! So, to all the writers that fuss and hiss and make foolish noises about her (perceived) lack of appearance, I would yell: GET A LIFE PEOPLE!! LOOK BEHIND THE FACADE and hear the angelic, heavenly, rare voice! Try to look at the soul behind the facade!! I myself am sick and tired of the Hollywood celebrity BS, as in who sleepswith whom (boring), who gets a facelift (big deal) and whose multimillion dollar mansion burns - ENTERTAINING. Especially in these hard time when people are struggling to put bread on the table. So, Keep singing Susan, and I would like to see you on stage, maybe performing Aida, or Madama Butterfly!

Faun Pischerke, Washington DC (Sent Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:23 AM)

Susan you may not have won 1st place on the talent show but you did win the hearts and prayers of such a big portion of the listening public that you would make any musicain and or singer green with envy of the talent you have. Go girl and I would love to hear anything that you could come up with and good luck with the rest of your carrer and don't let them sour you to singing cause I know we need a voice like yours in this world right now very VERY much. Thanks for letting me bear witness to your dream...

Carl West, Lexington, Nebraska (Sent Monday, June 01, 2009 7:01 AM)

Thank you Ms. Susan for sharing your REAL beauty and your angelic voice with the world.  You did you mom and dad and GOD proud.  

Lyn Dutertre (Sent Monday, June 01, 2009 3:18 PM)



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