Never judge people on their appearance...

[7rider]

+1
I'd add that I don't think that the judges held a candle to her in class or grace; yes, 2 of them admitted how rude their reaction was, but kind of enveloped their comments into a group scolding, "everyone was laughing at you at the start, etc" instead of taking personal responsibility and owning up to their own superficiality at the beginning; how about an apology too, or is that considered unnecessary or a ratings plunger?
She outclassed them all and very graciously stood there on stage listening to their drivel, combined with them acknowledging the obvious - this woman can sing her heart out and I hope she rocks 'em all the way to the top!

I thought that, too. "Wow. Not one of them said, "I'm sorry. I misjudged you.""

[AnnieBikes]

Two years ago when Paul Potts was on BGT, Simon had the very same answer for him as he had for Susan, last week: "I was not expecting THAT." Our expectations are low sometimes but what results is actually unreal. I had seen Susan through a link on Yahoo news on Sunday, but am so glad to see it here, too. It makes you want to have a very open mind when it comes to first impressions! Her choice of song was poignant and her delivery...well, just awesome.

BTW, Paul Potts is slated to introduce his second CD on 5-5. (my birthday...I know what I am giving myself! )

[roadie gal]

Part of the video was on CNN this morning. She's certainly getting worldwide attention now. I hope she gets a record/job offer.

[maillotpois]

That was amazing. I loved watching her backstage afterward. How wonderful.

[MM_QFC!]

I thought that, too. "Wow. Not one of them said, "I'm sorry. I misjudged you.""

It was such a jarring omission (as in the classic definition: the failure to do something one can and ought to do)...IMHO...

[Trek420]

I thought that, too. "Wow. Not one of them said, "I'm sorry. I misjudged you.""

Another +1. While their facial expression said it all. The woman judge drawing each note out by hand even her fingers saying "will she hit the note? YES, she got that hard transition", leading a standing ovation but still it went unsaid

"sorry, we missjudged you".

But she's the better person, not only took the high road instead of saying "well, I showed them" but her honest joy in the performance.

I wish her every success, and I believe she will have it! She also showed a lesson to everyone who sees the video not to pre-judge based on anything.

Go 40+ women, go!!!

[Pedal Wench]

Susan Boyles' story was just on CNN! Go, Susan, GO!

[Pax]

She's being featured on the CBS Evening News!!! Way to go Susan!!!!!

[uforgot]

I don't agree with the "I'm sorry I misjudged you". That implies that it was okay to be rude, laugh at her and roll your eyes if she didn't have the voice she did. I was appalled at the way she was treated, and even by them saying that everyone was laughing at her. I don't see how any apology would work.

I also read that she was having meetings with Sony BMG or something like that. Isn't that Simon's company? I read that along with her incredible voice he was also hearing "Kaching".

[NbyNW]

I don't agree with the "I'm sorry I misjudged you". That implies that it was okay to be rude, laugh at her and roll your eyes if she didn't have the voice she did. I was appalled at the way she was treated, and even by them saying that everyone was laughing at her. I don't see how any apology would work.

I think that's exactly why, as popular as these shows are, lots of people also find them off-putting. That impulse to mock and jeer speaks to the worst in all of us.

I prefer to think that, since Susan had seen previous seasons of the show, she knew she might be walking into a snake pit, and entered to see if she had what it took to charm the snakes.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how she does in the rest of the competition.

[Geonz]

I think that's exactly why, as popular as these shows are, lots of people also find them off-putting. That impulse to mock and jeer speaks to the worst in all of us.

I prefer to think that, since Susan had seen previous seasons of the show, she knew she might be walking into a snake pit, and entered to see if she had what it took to charm the snakes.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how she does in the rest of the competition.

When I saw it (and I think it's interesting that the cycling community found it rather early in its life cycle - are bicyclists spending too much time online ) I thought... she seems to really, actually know what she's doing. She seems to be the one in charge, here. Yes, she's nervous... perhaps she's simply unemployed because there's a recession.
Then I read a little press about her being lousy in school and bullied - though by then she was "getting her 15 minutes of fame" so full Spin Factor had been turned on, I'm sure - and that her mom has recently died, but had encouraged her to try this but she hadn't had the confidence.
I, too, just avoid the whole manipulation and exploitation of people's dreams. Still, it was gratifying to see at least two of 'em apparently knocked off course (that third guy never did seem to lose his analytical "what's the situation and how can I play it" stance).
I realized that being a bit out of the cultural loop (never seen Les Mis, tho' we sang a medley of tunes in chorus), I didn't have the same visceral reaction that people who'd seen & loved Les Mis would... the significance between the song's lyrics and her own self standing there would have taken me, too.
I just really, fervently hope that she's got a good support network so that she doesn't get devoured by the Forces of Celebrity.
What I think was the coolest was how professionally she sang. Once she got going, she didn't show nervousness at all. It's what the word pwned was made for However, I think that was perhaps partly being in her own world... since she seemed surprised when the show's host told her that she'd gotten the biggest yes he'd ever given... and she had been standing right there...

[shootingstar]

Wow, her delivery was a knockout. And she chose the right song for herself to infuse it strongly with passion.

[salsabike]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...l?hpid=topnews

[smilingcat]

here is another clip where someone has melded a video from Elaine Paige and Susan Boyle and you can see and hear the difference between the two singers.

It is just amazing. I'm very challenged musically but I thought she was good as Elaine Paige singing the same song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbRy05DToiY

And it hasn't been even a week yet since her performance. Interview by BBC Scotland, interview by several other news channels. One person saying "her life will never be the same again" is sure right and I wish it will be for better.

I also loved the comment from the director (or was the producer of) Les Miserable production on West End giving his whole hearted approval of Ms. Boyle's performance.

I can't wait to hear her sing more.