Never judge people on their appearance...

[Ana]

I just stumbled upon this

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/26/fashion/26looks.html

[lph]

Wow, this is just what I was waiting for! I've been thinking about this but was unsure about to word it. The TV show and the rude judges and audience are one thing, but that is sort of the name of the game, what I kept thinking about is WHY does her voice surprise me so much. And it still does - I heard a recording of her singing "Cry me a river", one of my favourites, and it literally gave me goosebumps. But even though I knew in advance what she looks like, my brain still kept telling me that I was hearing this beautifully dressed and made-up woman, not necessarily young, but sophisticated and elegant. And I was wondering why I had such trouble making those two images meet, and if there is any reason one expects a voice to mirror an appearance.

Norway has another story a bit like this one, the winner of "World Idol" a couple of years ago is Norwegian, he sounds like Bono in U2 and looks, well, Simon Cowell (same judge) "you sing like an angel and look like a hobbit". He's been a lead singer for years. Red bushy hair, broad face, enormous gap between his front teeth.

[Duck on Wheels]

And yet another example of looks, or our stereotypes based in looks, belying the voice within... I heard the voice first, coming from the tv while I was in the kitchen getting a cup of tea. A bass (bass-baritone, as it turned out) so deep and smooth and immense I was expecting, well, not this. Here's a series of samples to let you too hear the voice first, starting deep, then showing his range, some discreet photos, and then the whole person in action and context. I could have included some classic opera too, but you can look up more if you're enchanted. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbcBr...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E83BW...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkwKK-NjryU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RESX8...eature=related